New Hampshire Honors ‘Children of Fallen Patriots’
Earlier this week on Monday morning, we joined Governor Chris Sununu at the State House in Concord as May 13th was Proclaimed ‘Children of Fallen Patriots Day’ in New Hampshire. More than seventy supporters packed the Executive Council Chambers to honor this great organization that provides college funding for any child who loses a parent in active military service.
Later that afternoon Mayor Joyce Craig of Manchester also joined in by dedicating the day to the organization and reading an official city-wide Proclamation. We are sincerely grateful that New Hampshire once again has demonstrated great leadership, as we joined together and brought much-needed awareness to such an incredible and selfless organization and cause.
We are so very thankful for the willingness to make a difference on the part of all those involved. I hope you will consider supporting our cause by donating or offering to volunteer.
How You Can Help
We need your help! We had a BIG week for Children of Fallen Patriots this week but now some of the hard work begins. Please let us know If there is an event, engagement, or speaking opportunity where we can discuss the great work of the organization and can help spread the word.
Furthermore, if you know of a child that would qualify for aid please let us know ASAP. Fallen Patriots is always looking for deserving recipients. If you do not know of someone but would like to help, please also consider making a donation. For more information, you can write to info@jaylucas.us Please also visit the organization’s website at: www.fallenpatriots.org
Newport Community Center – The Effort Continues
On Tuesday, Newport voters were offered the opportunity to vote on a new Community Center. They were being asked to approve a bond that would pay for approximately one-half the cost of a new facility. The proposed center is projected to have a total cost of up to $6.5 million, with at least $3.0 million of that amount required to come from non-taxpayer sources such as private donations.
As some of you may know, the vote in Newport this past Tuesday with regards to the proposed new Community Center was not in our favor. While it’s a tough blow, it’s not the end. Hundreds turned out on a cold, almost wintery day in May to vote in support of the Center. A large group even showed up to wave signs, hand out flyers, and show their support for the Rec Department which has shaped and changed lives of so many children across town. The timing was just not right, but it’s only the beginning of Newport’s comeback story. The Article will be back on the ballot next year. The community’s strength and pride is what will keep it moving forward.
Small Town American Pride
What better symbol of pride and perseverance than the American flag. While leaving the polls at the Opera House in downtown Newport on Tuesday, voters were welcomed by a beautiful sight. American flags lining Main Street! As many of you who have traveled from Goshen through Newport and into Croydon may have noticed, Newport was the only town without American flags on their light poles. Last week, the Town of Newport and Newport Town Manager, Hunter Rieseberg, set out on a mission to change that. The Sunshine Town, characterized by pride, hopefulness and patriotic spirit now has the ultimate symbol of respect and honor. American flags now line our beautiful Main Street.
Sunshine Initiative Spreading Positive Energy To Hillsboro
Newport and Hillsboro. Two Victorian-era mill towns in New Hampshire. Both experiencing long slow economic declines. Both having been cut off by the interstate systems, having lost jobs and both being shadows of their former selves.
The Newport Sunshine Initiative was launched a little over a year ago. And, today is in full gear. However, Hillsboro is just now about to begin its turnaround, and what better way to get off to a great start that to reach out to Newport – to incorporate ‘best practice’ lessons from the Newport Sunshine experience.
With this in mind, we joined leading citizens in Hillsboro earlier this week to share insights, and offer a helping hand. Spreading Sunshine to a neighboring community that is about to experience an exciting and dramatic turnaround.
Spotlight on Millennials:
It’s encouraging and truly exciting to see millennials getting involved and making a difference. This week, we’d like to highlight two leaders from this great new generation.
Dan Passen
Dan is a New Hampshire native from Amherst and a political activist who has been organizing and helping out on important causes for the last four years! Importantly, Dan was the President of the New Hampshire Federation of College Republicans and graduated this past week from Southern New Hampshire University. Congratulations Dan and I am sure there are more big things to come!
Lincoln Lucas
We’re proud of all that Lincoln has accomplished. But, tough to top this. Getting your name emblazoned on your own F-18 Super Hornet Fighter Jet in the U.S. Navy. Congratulations, Lincoln – How cool is that!
Profile of the Week: Pete and Susie Burdett
Pete Burdett is no stranger in the veteran community of New Hampshire. He and his wife, Susie, are tireless advocates for veterans. They are also wonderful friends and true patriots.
From the state capital in Concord to the steps of our nation’s capital, you will find Pete and Susie ‘rolling up their sleeves’ and getting to work to support veterans and the members of our military both here and abroad.
Pete himself is a veteran who served starting in 1972 and retired as a U.S. Navy Aviator in 1993 in both fixed wing and helicopter aircraft logging over 4200 hours of flight time.
Today, Pete is the past President of MOAA of New Hampshire, past Chairman of the State Veterans Advisory Committee and more recently has served as Civilian Aide to the Secretary of the Army for New Hampshire. In addition to all this, he is an accomplished professional in the financial services industry.
We all love Pete and Susie – and especially appreciate their kind hospitality at the Annual Lobster Fest that they host each summer at the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard.
And, just this past week, Pete and Susie joined me and others in Concord as Governor Sununu declared May 13th, Fallen Patriots Day in New Hampshire.
Heartfelt thanks and best warm wishes to Pete and Susie.
Quotes of the Week: Patriotism
“America was not built on fear. America was built on courage, on imagination and an unbeatable determination to do the job at hand.” Harry S Truman
“Let every nation know, whether it wishes us well or ill, that we shall pay any price, bear any burden, meet any hardship, support any friend, oppose any foe to assure the survival and the success of liberty.” John F. Kennedy
“Our flag honors those who have fought to protect it, and is a reminder of the sacrifice of our nation's founders and heroes. As the ultimate icon of America's storied history, the Stars and Stripes represents the very best of this nation.” Congressman Joe Barton