Pages

Sunday, September 11, 2011

Yellow Hill Farm and Remembrance Day 9/11


Take a magical journey to Yellow Hill Farm...

Today is such an emotional day for everyone and there isn't much one can put into words that doesn't sound cliche. My kids are becoming young adults and I struggle with how to mark this anniversary. We will say prayers and reflect. I'll look back and think about how much has changed since that awful day and be thankful for this wonderful place we call home and being able to enjoy so many things that so many have sacrificed their lives for. And, of course, we will want to "do something" because that is how one heals, by moving forward and trying to help each other. It is a solemn day, but also a day to celebrate how wonderful America is, and how fortunate we are to have men and women who love this country so much, that they gave their lives for it, including those that woke up on September 11, 2001 and headed off to the airport or work in New York, and D.C.

I am reminded of this every day at my job, where I have the privilege of working in a place that spans over two and a half centuries and has quietly stood through many struggles for freedom and was here twenty years before the Constitution was signed on September 17, 1787.
George Washington wrote in his farewell speech "...profoundly penetrated with this idea, I shall carry it with me to my grave, as a strong incitement to unceasing vows that Heaven may continue to you the choicest tokens of its beneficence; that your union and brotherly affection may be perpetual; that the free constitution, which is the work of your hands, may be sacredly maintained; that its administration in every department may be stamped with wisdom and virtue; than, in fine, the happiness of the people of these States, under the auspices of liberty, may be made complete, by so careful a preservation and so prudent a use of this blessing, as will acquire to them the glory of recommending it to the applause, the affection, and adoption of every nation, which is yet a stranger to it." What powerful words to read;it's inspiration for all of us.

Don't you feel sometimes like you are just one person who deeply cares but as one indivual, how can you possibly make a difference? Even the smallest gestures can make a big impact. Today, the girls and I plan on going over to Yellow Hill Farm in Biglerville to pick raspberries, cut some gorgeous flowers from their beautiful garden and enjoy a homemade sundae. The farm will then make a donation to the fire department on our behalf to thank them for their continued service.

This will be the way we show support for the unselfish sacrifice of so many. Thank you, America.