 |  | Happy June. I will admit, I had a whole other "From the President" written for June - a celebration of May - of the incredible young adults coming out of our public schools, to the amazing work that our partners around the county are doing (you can read the draft here). But then Memorial Day came about. I happily participated in the Plainwell Memorial Day Parade, humbly driving the float for the members of the Plainwell VFW (and their families), most profoundly I listened to an amazing speech given by my stepfather who happens to be the Commander of the Plainwell VFW. I proudly watched as my husband participated in the ceremony - also a member of the VFW. And I carefully listened to that speech, the powerful words, and the sacrifices made by so many. (READ IT HERE). Afterward, we gathered as a family, full of veterans and first responders. We were able to take comfort in each other's presence while thinking privately about lives lost too soon. Near the end of the day, as everyone was packing up to leave, a text message made the day even more poignant. My uncle died. He was drafted into Vietnam, a proud Marine until his last day. While he did not die in an active war – surely the diseases caused by agent orange entitle him to gratitude and remembrance for his sacrifice, my aunt’s sacrifice, and the profound loss for his children and grandchildren. Among my many fond memories of this uncle, was a driving lesson that on-ramps were for SPEEDING UP. YOU BETTER MERGE GOING THE SPEED OF TRAFFIC. I think about that almost every time I am driving down the on-ramp.
So, as we kick off the beginning of summer – enjoying these last few days of the school year – let's take a moment and remember those that have given their all to our nation, to our states, to our towns and to our homes. Let’s also think about what WE are going to leave to those behind us – what is our legacy? What are our lessons? Big or small? How do you want to be remembered?
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