Wishing You A Meaningful Independence Day Weekend
In March of 1788, George Washington said in a letter to James Madison that liberty, when it begins to take root, is a plant of rapid growth.
As we enjoy our holiday weekend, and I hope you are enjoying a splendid 4th of July with family and friends, I want to take a moment and reflect with you on Washington’s quote. For it’s our liberties that have given us the ability to become all we are today as individuals. And to achieve so much good in our great country.
For Karen and myself, liberty has allowed us to create and innovate in business and the opportunity to inspire future entrepreneurs to take the leap to independence as well. We have seen the positive spirit take hold in Newport where the liberty to chart a course of revitalization is in full swing. And we see it as well the efforts of Children of Fallen Patriots. Honoring those brave and selfless individuals who have made the ultimate sacrifice in defending our freedom by making sure that the children who are left behind can be provided with a college education. These and so many other endeavors spring forth and are made possible by the fight for liberty declared two hundred and forty-three years ago on July 4th, 1776.
So, as we gather with family and friends on this Independence Day weekend, let’s make sure to reserve a special place in our thoughts and hearts for our Founding Fathers who pledged ‘their lives, their fortunes and their sacred honor’ so that we can enjoy the freedom and opportunity so abundant in America today.
On behalf of Karen and myself, we wish you a wonderful Patriotic Weekend.
Modern Patriotism – Believing, Achieving, Sharing
I’d like to suggest a concept, a term – that I call ‘Modern Patriotism.’ It is a unifying and positive idea that I believe can be broadly supported. It builds on our traditional patriotic values and gives each one of us a mission – a way that we can each contribute to our country and to the world.
To me, Modern Patriotism has three basic elements: “Believing, Achieving and Sharing.”
Please take a moment and watch the short video above where I explain these three key elements. And once you’ve had a chance to digest and reflect, I would be grateful if you would take a moment and let me know any thoughts or observations you may have. You can simply share your input by emailing me at info[AT]jaylucas.us
Newport and Franklin
This past week, Karen and I had the opportunity to spend a day in Franklin. In so many ways, Newport and Franklin are sister communities – small mill towns in the heart of New Hampshire. Roughly the same size. Both having experienced long, slow economic declines as the mills have closed, jobs have left town and the main streets become hollowed out. And, now, thankfully, both enjoying the early stages of a dramatic and exciting turnaround.
We were hosted by Mayor Tony Giunta who is leading the Franklin renaissance and met with key members of his team. A community also inspired by an entrepreneur with a vision. Marty Parichand, pouring his energies into transforming ‘Franklin - the old mill town’ into ‘Franklin Falls’ – a destination location for whitewater kayaking, rafting and outdoor enthusiasts. As we toured the main street, we saw the early signs of turnaround at every juncture. A new craft brew pub, an old mill being restored, apartments being renovated for downtown living and more.
In Newport, so many similar initiatives are underway. And, also a transformation in the town’s self-image and branding. Whereas Franklin is becoming ‘Franklin Falls,’ Newport, the Sunshine Town is about to blossom with Sun Flowers popping up all over town later this summer. A highly visible indication of a rebirth now underway.
Small Towns Turning Around In The North Country
The New Hampshire Business Review had a fascinating story recently about how young people are revitalizing New Hampshire’s many small towns in the North Country. This group of entrepreneurs are not only moving to small towns like Littleton, NH but are setting up shop and opening businesses. Young people have recognized the North Country’s inherent beauty and great lifestyle, and they are bringing modern 21st century business and marketing approaches to an area that has been somewhat overlooked in recent years.
One story really stood out to me. The story of Emshika Alberini, who emigrated from Thailand and who had lived for a time in New York City. After learning about Littleton, she and her husband decided to move there and open up a café and giftshop that has strong roots from her homeland. She says business is booming and it is not that all surprising. New Hampshire’s North Country is an area ripe with opportunity. Moreover, Karen and I have gotten to know Emshika and truly admire her entrepreneurial spark and positive spirit. She is the embodiment of the ‘can do’ spirit.
I’m sure as more people learn about the great offerings of small town America – in our North Country, throughout New Hampshire and truly across the country - that more and more people will choose to call small towns there forever home. Small towns offer that sense of community where you know your neighbors, you care for one another and feel that you can belong. So, as we think about the future of America, we can have hope and genuine optimism that small towns can provide our country with the foundation upon which to build a bright and exciting future.
Children Of Fallen Patriots
Next weekend on Saturday, July 13th, Children of Fallen Patriots will be participating at the ‘SWIM With A Mission’ in Bristol, New Hampshire. An incredible event held on Newfound Lake – hosting Navy SEALs, with swim races, K-9 exhibitions, helicopter and airplane parachute displays and more. A great opportunity to interact with and show your support for some of our nation’s finest. If you would like to volunteer – even an hour of your time – to help with this event, we would be greatly appreciative. Please just contact us at: info@jaylucas.us Also to learn more about SWIM With A Mission, please visit: www.swimwithamission.org
Honoring One Of Our Own – Lincoln
A special ‘thanks’ on July 4th Weekend to our son, Lincoln, who is serving as an aviator in the U.S. Navy and on deployment on the USS Ronald Reagan in the South China Sea. Pictured above, while back in Japan, hosting local visitors and spreading American goodwill.
Profile Of The Week – Wayne L’Esperance
As Vice President of Academic Affairs at New England College, Wayne is a thoughtful leader and respected educator. Through his efforts at the Center of Civic Engagement, NEC has ascended to the status of ‘political powerhouse’ and a ‘must stop’ location for presidential candidates ahead of the first in the nation primary.
Wayne developed his interest in politics growing up in the military town of Virginia Beach. There, he watched first-hand how the decisions of political leaders impact a community.
In addition to his great work at NEC, Wayne takes a keen interest in community involvement and improving the lives of others. Wayne always looks for the ‘positive’ and strengths in people. We are indeed lucky to have him in New Hampshire and even more fortunate to know him as a dear and cherished friend.
Quotes Of The Week – Independence
“The important consequences to the American States from this Declaration of Independence, considered as the ground and foundation of a future government, naturally suggest the propriety of proclaiming it in such a manner as that the people may be universally informed of it.” John Hancock
“The Declaration of Independence pronounced the irrevocable decree of political separation, between the United States and their people on the one part, and the British king, government, and nation on the other.” John Quincy Adams
“It was that which gave promise that in due time the weights should be lifted from the shoulders of all men, and that all should have an equal chance. This is the sentiment embodied in that Declaration of Independence.” Abraham Lincoln
“Those who won our independence... valued liberty as an end and as a means. They believed liberty to be the secret of happiness and courage to be the secret of liberty.” Louis D. Brandeis
“It was by one Union that we achieved our independence and liberties, and by it alone can they be maintained.” James Monroe