Rotary Log for November 8, 2018
“How important it is for us to recognize and celebrate our heroes and she-roes!” Maya Angelou
The presence of the Winnacunnet High School Honor Guard marked the significance of this
Veteran’s Day Remembrance. There is something grand about the presentation of the Colors,
and hair-tingling about the playing of Taps from the back of the room.
Al Lantinen led us in the National Anthem, followed by Bob Smith with the 4-Way Test. Our own
Air National Guard Lt. Col. (Ret) John Rice offered an inspirational invocation fitting for the
day.
Among the day’s announcements was a call for Thanksgiving turkey cookers, pie bakers, and
volunteers. Please sign up!
Rotary District 7780 has a Call for Action to all Rotarians. District is offering training to help us recognize and respond to opiate/heroin overdose. The program is November 15 from 5PM to 6:30PM in the Pratt and Whitney Building, Hannaford Hall on the Wells York County Community College Campus.
Rose Labrie Exhibit.
Mike Labrie presented a wonderful overview of his grandmother Rose Labrie’s folk art. That work was to be on display last Tuesday at the Discover Portsmouth Center. A very special Rotary Fellowship Social was planned. Grandma Labrie, not unlike the also-famous Grandma Moses, captured New England scenes in a uniquely primitive style.
The raffle.
Today’s raffle of $67 was won by Peter Weeks, who may buy his lovely wife Pat a Christmas
present this year. Jon Flagg quipped that Peter last won on this day in 1943. That turned out to be a better line than his anti-climactic historical moment about some past member also being in the Coast Guard.
The Speaker.
“The Only Easy Day Was Yesterday” is the motto of the Navy Seals.
Our Veteran’s Day guest today, Bo Smith, was introduced by Captain Mike Sullivan. His first gesture was to ask all of the veterans in the room to stand. We are honored to have so many among us.
Master Chief (Ret) Smith joined the Navy Seals in 1983. Of the 100 candidates in his class just 13 graduated. Perhaps this is because, true to its motto, Seal training required candidates to do 1000 push-ups on day one. Many of today’s attendees remarked that they hadn’t
done that many in their lifetimes. A brief video showed powerful images of Seals jumping from aircraft into the sea. There is a purpose behind that rigor. On a never-ending basis, Seals are called to perform the near impossible in service to their country and their fellow soldiers.
Smith concluded with a powerful message. The Navy Seals are just one of the military’s Special Operations units. All are at work for our protection every minute of every day somewhere in the world. This was something to ponder as we left a beautiful country club setting to continue our lives in blissful security. Thank you to them and thank you again to all of our Veterans and active-duty service members.
And thank you, Stanford, for another inspiring Veteran’s Day program.
Nominating Committee
Elected to Leo Gagnon’s Nominating Committee were Nancy Notis, James Peterson and yours
truly.
Respectfully submitted, Neal Ouellett
