December 01, 2021 - Joe Rodgers

There is so much negativity and divisiveness out there, so much so that I think it is important remember just how blessed we really are. Sometimes it is hard to see, sometimes it is difficult to find through all the minutiae, but when you take a step back and keep things in perspective, we have so much to be grateful for. I am sure we can all agree on one thing, and that is just how fortunate we are.

The other day I watched Michael Powell give the eulogy for his father, Secretary of State, General Colin Powell. In his speech he quoted Ralph Waldo Emersion, an American essayist and poet who wrote, "The purpose of life is not to be happy. It is to be useful, to be honorable, to be compassionate, to have it make some difference that you have lived and lived well."

If we act on the Words of Emerson, you will be happy. People will long forget issues that you may have disagreed with them on, but they will never forget how you conducted yourself. So, during this Holiday Season, let’s all try to put our differences aside, be inclusive, and treat each other with civility and respect.

On behalf of all the officers at Branch 157, we wish you Happy Holidays' and thank you for all your hard work. God bless!!