Kerry: Take heart, better times ahead

[globalvillage]

Thursday, December 22, 2005

In 2005, as our world was battered by earthquakes, tsunamis, and hurricanes, we were reminded both of our life’s fragility and the real strength of our nation. Unprecedented suffering was matched by the sacrifice and generosity of countless Americans who rushed to do their part. Here in Massachusetts, families and organizations have gone above and beyond the call of duty, giving their all to help those in need, reminding us again that what was written one hundred years ago is still true: America is great because Americans are good.

In this holiday season of giving, we should honor our fellow citizens who have given of themselves so others could heal.

I had the privilege to work with the people of Mendon, a small town whose 6,700 residents adopted Waveland, Miss. after it was ravaged by Hurricane Katrina. Under the leadership of Ken O’Brien, chairman of the Board of Selectmen, Mendon sent police cars, emergency personnel, and tens of thousands of hard-earned dollars to Waveland.

Two months later, the people of Mendon haven’t forgotten Waveland. Just last week, Mendon rallied communities all over Massachusetts to send supplies and gifts for the holidays. North Adams donated 100 backpacks filled with school supplies. The William H. Lincoln School in Brookline sent hundreds of books to replenish the school library that drowned in Katrina’s waters. The people of Mendon have done our state so proud. Waveland, Miss. will never forget them, and Massachusetts should never forget their example.

So many others across our state joined Mendon in going the extra mile in the wake of Katrina. From non-profits like the Greater Boston Food Bank - to companies like Timberland, FedEx, UPS, Shaw’s, The Eastern Bag & Paper Company and New Balance - to houses of worship like St. Paul’s AME in Cambridge under the leadership of Rev. Richard Richardson - Massachusetts communities gathered supplies, made donations, and even opened their homes to complete strangers. And it didn’t matter how small the efforts were, because every little bit counted.
http://www.metrowestdailynews.com/columnists/view.bg?articleid=117536

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