Weekly Newsletter | July 3, 2018

Salem Convention Center Image
July 4 – NO MEETING DUE TO INDEPENDENCE DAY HOLIDAY
Message from President Bruce Anderson:
Howdy, howdy, howdy, Salem Rotarians!
As we launch a new Rotary year with new Officers and a Board of Directors, it’s my honor to deliver one final President’s message for our weekly E-Blast.
This week, we celebrate our Nation’s Independence from Great Britain . In a letter to his wife, Abigail, John Adams wrote about this day during the early throes of the Revolutionary War:
“It ought to be commemorated, as the Day of Deliverance by solemn Acts of Devotion to God Almighty. It ought to be solemnized with Pomp and Parade, with Shews, Games, Sports, Guns, Bells, Bonfires and Illuminations from one End of this Continent to the other from this Time forward forever more. You will think me transported with Enthusiasm but I am not. I am well aware of the Toil and Blood and Treasure, that it will cost Us to maintain this Declaration, and support and defend these States. Yet through all the Gloom I can see the Rays of ravishing Light and Glory.”
What a great reminder for us 242 years later: appreciation for the freedom we have and what it took to get and preserve it.
On a personal note: thanks to you all. I very much appreciate your support this past year for me as your Club President. I was so fortunate to be in this position at this time. I was blessed with an awesome Board team, outstanding Rotarians volunteering to get things done, and the generous financial support you all provided for our club projects enabling us to do the Good Work of Rotary. You, Salem Rotarians, are a loving, giving, wonderful group of people! (Tolerant, too, for putting up with my weak attempts at humor!)
You all clearly showed this year, “Rotary: Making a Difference.” Have fun with friends and fireworks on Independence Day! I’ll see you at Rotary!