President Steve Hug welcomed members and guests to the meeting.
Pledge
Mike Kelly led the Pledge of Allegiance
Inspiration
Jim Gilcreast acknowledged the importance of Veteran’s Day with the following quotes:
“This nation will remain the land of the free only as long as it is the home of the brave.” Elmer Dais
“Our debt to the heroic men and valiant women in the service of our country can never be repaid. They have earned our undying gratitude.” President Harry Truman
“Some people live an entire lifetime and wonder if they ever made a difference in life world. A veteran doesn’t have that problem.” President Ronald Reagan
Guests
- Lois Willey, wife of Cap Willey
- Paul Kaufman, father of Jonathan Kaufman and member of the Somerville, MA Rotary Club
- John Hackett, guest of Bob Murphy
Announcements
Steve offered condolences on behalf of the Club to Rob and Mary Brewster on the passing of Rob’s father.
Get well wishes to PP Ken Conde who is recuperating at home and Margaret Kane who continues her recuperation in Warren. Steve has informed us that Margaret can see visitors at the nursing home caring for her. However, because of Margaret’s condition, visits need to be by reservation. If you are interested in visiting Margaret, please email Molly Clark at mclarkri@aol.com
Holiday Party - Kris David reported that the holiday party is back! The “ugly sweater” party will be at Swan Point on Thursday, December 15 between 4pm and 7pm. There will be catered appetizers and music. The cost is $20 per person.
Gala Thank You letters - Steve reported that a group of club members are working on coordinating information to send timely acknowledgement letters to Literacy Gala donors. Family Service of RI is providing administrative help to get the letters out. Steve asked that anyone who might have similar administrative support to please email him. There is a process in place and plenty of guidance is available.
District 7950 Foundation Dinner
Steve reported that Providence Rotary received a number of awards at the recent District Foundation dinner.
Kento Suzuki joined Steve as a guest of the Applegates and presented banners from the Kure Japan District 2710 to District Governor Dave Sampson and Immediate Past DG Billy Roberts.
PP Holly Applegate accepted a Rotary International 2021-2022 award that recognized the Providence Rotary for helping Rotary change lives of people all over the world.
Kris David, Polio Plus chair and the Providence Rotary were also recognized for outstanding support of Polio Plus. There were two awards: one for the highest District total and another for exceeding goal. A big thank you to Kris for her outstanding leadership and to Club members for their generosity.
Happy Bucks
- Pete Brock $10 for the Patriots “ugly” win
- Jim Gilcreast $3 for his upcoming hip surgery on November 11
- Cap Willey $2 reminding people to vote – one vote can make a difference!
- Kris David is happy that the joint District grant with the Falmouth Club has been approved. Providence Rotary Foundation donated $2,000 towards the project that will install solar panels on a school in Nepal.
- Paul Kaufman is happy and very proud that his son is joining Rotary.
- Steve Hug for Pete Brock and Susan Kearney Kaplan, who he enjoyed working with on the gala. They are great partners and leaders!
- Anthony Hollingshead to welcome Jonathan Kaufman and Sam New to the Club, they were a pleasure to work with during the membership process.
- Frank Leonard $2 for The Rhode Island Hall of Fame November 19 gala
New Members induction Ceremony
President Steve inducted Jonathan Kaufman who was pinned by his father and Sam New, pinned by Kris David.
Speaker
Bob Murphy introduced Frank Leonard, founder, and current president of the Rhode Island Aviation Hall of Fame. The organization recognizes a wide variety of Rhode Islanders who are accomplished in all fields of aviation including many combat pilots. Frank is a West Point graduate, served with special forces (Green Berets) in Vietnam and the recipient of a Bronze Star for valor and a Purple Heart. He is committed to issues that concern veterans and currently writes a column in the Providence Journal on topics and events of interest to them.
Frank spoke about the origins and meaning of Veteran’s Day. In 1919, Armistice Day was established to commemorate the end of World War I. The name was changed to Veterans Day in 1954 by an act of Congress to better recognize veterans from all wars. Veterans Day is not a day to be celebrated, but a day of reflection and acknowledgement of the unique contributions of veterans who have served all day, every day, for every citizen of our country.
Instead of thanking veterans for their service, he suggested we thank them for their sacrifice. We can help by reaching out to the veterans we know to encourage them to register with the Veterans Administration if they have not already done so. They will be eligible for numerous benefits including world class health care. Many, especially those who served in Iraq and Afghanistan, may not have registered because they feel other vets have more serious needs.
Frank’s remarks sparked remembrances about Cy Wyche and Kirk Everson, Providence Rotarians who served as combat pilots in World War II. Steve shared that his father, a WWII and Korean War veteran, was like many vets and never talked about what he had seen during his service.
To all the men and women veterans and their families, we thank you for your sacrifice!
