[R23] Friend Report (11/18/2011)

November, what an important month this is!  Our system has scheduled many important observances during the month of November.  Perhaps it is because it is the 11th month… similar to the 11th hour.  It is a time for important decisions and celebrations.

November begins with an election.  The first Tuesday after the first Monday is Election Day.  Our citizens residing in cities and towns have been tasked with choosing new leadership for their municipalities.  The month continues with a celebration of Veterans Day.  Our entire country gathers an attitude of gratitude to our veterans, and we salute their service to our country.  It is well-deserved.  We should all appreciate the sacrifice of our veterans and their families.

I was able to attend the Veterans Day program at Peru High School and was impressed by the participation and the enthusiasm.  The community is very supportive of our veterans and wants to recognize their service.  My hat is off and I salute the servicemen who have given so much to protect our country.

This month also has our national celebration of Thanksgiving.  What a wonderful event for all of us.  Hopefully, each of us can find a reason to be thankful for all of our blessings.  Even if things are not going well, we still live in the greatest country on earth, and we choose our leaders by election and not revolution.  America gives each of us the opportunity to grow, become educated and succeed in our open society.  It is truly a blessing and one that we should recognize and be thankful.  Each of us should think about our blessings and recognize the advantages that we have.

It has been one year since our golden retriever, Buddy, lost his challenge to the school bus and lost his left front leg.  His recovery has been miraculous.  Buddy does not recognize that he only has three legs.  He will still chase cars and is determined to protect our house from predators.  He can still run 75 percent as fast as he ever did, and that is faster than most other dogs.  Buddy still listens to me and gives good advice.  I’m sure that will continue as time marches on.

Thanksgiving is a wonderful holiday.  I wish each of you a joyous day and hope you and your family are together to celebrate in the most expressive way.  November is a very important month.  We should all celebrate it!

More later,

Bill Friend

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Friend Report, 11-18-11.docx