I’m pleased, as a veteran, to observe all of the ceremonies, programs, and recognition of American veterans this year that includes the Army, Air Force, Navy, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, and National Guard. I feel that our military is the best in the world and under President Trump is becoming even stronger with increased funding and a mission to defend America. I appreciate it when people tell me, “Thank you for your service.” The simple statement means a lot to veterans at all ages, ranks, genders, and service branches.
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Been hitting the trail this month. Attending several Veterans Day Observances. One in Aurora at the Heritage Eagle Bend Golf Club with an evening program and dinner for 250 military veterans. A fine guest speaker, Major Kathy Gunson, a former combat nurse and Vietnam war veteran followed by an excellent buffet dinner. I was at the American Legion Post earlier in the day where Chef Mike served a buffet luncheon to a packed Post of hungry veterans. I’m a member of the Post and also the Denver Lions Club where the club meets the second the fourth Tuesdays at the Legion Post at 5400 E. Yale. The Optimist Club also meets there every Friday morning at 7 a.m. and is about to open their annual Christmas tree lot. This past week I had Bill Maniatis and Bob Reginelli as my guests; two longtime friends and both military veterans. Bill is a member of the large Greek Maniatis family where a family gathering involves 150 renowned members. Bob has been my investment counselor and Lion friend for over 40 years. Bob joined the Lion Denver Den in 1968 and is one of the oldest surviving members, hosting many Lion events at his Denver home. Bob’s son Bobby also joined us; and it was just a great luncheon with a retired Peace Corp speaker preaching that we should all be more involved in our communities. She said, “If anyone is going to save our country it is up to us.” That means citizens working together to honor our country and end some of the nonsense that seems to be spreading across the land, like socialism. It has failed all over the globe. Millions of people escaping socialism and communism desiring to live in America with our strong Constitution, Rule of Law, and Free enterprise system that rewards hard work and individual initiatives. The speaker reminded me of Andy McKean, who with his wife Kathy, founded Liberty Day decades ago to have students receive and read the Constitution presented to school classes. Liberty Day has faded away, and McKean has moved to Missouri, but his dream lives on. We need to read two books in our lives, The Bible, and The Constitution of The United States of America. Also read a good weekly newspaper, such as The Villager, still family-owned, believing in free enterprise and strong local news coverage. I think The Villager coverage of the recent elections by Freda Miklin and our team was outstanding and unmatched by any other publication. Online readership has soared in recent times, and we value both our print and digital readership. Best $78 investment for 52 issues mailed to your home or to your computer. Subscribe at 303-773-8313.
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Lastly, and very important at this time of year, is to support local retail business and nonprofits. Visit local shopping centers and malls for your holiday giving. I read where Amazon plans to replace 600,000 jobs with robots. Well, America doesn’t have to shop with Amazon and send our hard-earned money to “Robotville.” The backbones of our economy are the local business firms who are near our homes with real people and local jobs. Boo to Amazon, and hurrah for the South Metro Denver Chamber and all of the local business firms who work so hard to keep their doors open and the rents paid. Shop and donate where you live!
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Another factoid this week is learning that over 600,000 Coloradoans are on food stamps. That is ten percent of the six-million people who live in Colorado. We have every sporting team in existence, multitudes of concerts and plays, and fabulous ski resorts and mountain retreats all providing jobs. Something doesn’t quite add up in our beloved state. Highways are in disrepair and road signs weather worn. What’s happening to our state?