Julie Whitcomb's speech Oval Ceremony 9-11-11

Welcome Community Members, distinguished Guests

I am so glad to see so many people here to honor the brave Fire, Police and Ambulance personnel in our community, and all those who responded to the 911 attacks. Please enjoy the pancake breakfast that we put on as a fundraiser every year and thanks to the hundreds of sponsors from our community that contributed to make this such a successful event.  The generous donators are listed on your placemats, the club members are cooking and cleaning up and have spent hours planning and preparing for it

As the Milford Rotary president, I have been asked to say a few words here today.  Honestly, I have been struggling with what could be said about this anniversary that has not already been said so many times before.  We all remember so well exactly what we were doing that morning, before our lives changed forever.  We all recall how shocked and dismayed we were to see the destruction of the towers, the pentagon and the plane going down in Pennsylvania.  We all remember how beautiful the sky was that morning- so very blue and perfect, one of those early fall days that reminds you of why you live in new England, and why you brave the cold winters and hot summers here.  We all have told our stories of how we remember that day to someone. 

We will always remember.

One way to pay tribute to this day is to contribute to a service organization such as Rotary.

Our Rotary Club here in Milford has always worked to find ways to help those in need in our own community first and in communities around the world.  This giving of both work projects and money has accomplished so much towards Rotary’s goal of making the world a better place for everyone.  For example, the Milford Club sent a group of 10 people to Honduras in 2007 to build a medical clinic and deliver water purification systems for homes in small villages that had no access to clean water.  This kind of effort makes an unbelievable difference to the people who are lucky enough to get it.   In the future our club plans to do a similar project in Pakistan, to promote understanding and peace between our two cultures.   Locally, our club donated a significant amount towards the new share center, and many members volunteer time every week. 

Rotary International has a vision to promote world peace.  Clubs around the world have worked to support peace for decades, through many different programs.  If you are interested in finding out more about it check out Rotary.org.   When Rotary defeats polio, it will focus it’s attention on peace initiatives.  Based on the success of the polio eradication movement, you can bet the that peace may be right around the corner. 

Thank you and may peace be with Milford, may peace be with America and may peace be with the world!