Editor’s Note: This newsletter was originally published on May 31st, 2021.
Salute To Those Who Served!
This is a weekend set aside to celebrate and memorialize those who have given their lives in service to our country and communities.
I cannot imagine the sentiment better shared on a day like this than those by Abraham Lincoln from his Gettysburg Address on November 19th, 1863.
But, in a larger sense, we can not dedicate — we can not consecrate — we can not hallow — this ground. The brave men, living and dead, who struggled here, have consecrated it, far above our poor power to add or detract. The world will little note, nor long remember what we say here, but it can never forget what they did here. It is for us the living, rather, to be dedicated here to the unfinished work which they who fought here have thus far so nobly advanced. It is rather for us to be here dedicated to the great task remaining before us — that from these honored dead we take increased devotion to that cause for which they gave the last full measure of devotion — that we here highly resolve that these dead shall not have died in vain — that this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom — and that government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth.
We were able to visit family members today and we picked up lunch at an area ChikFilA where I saw the below display.
For those of you who served, thank you! For those who have lost loved ones in that service, know that we honor their sacrifice.
These are the memorial meanings for the elements of this Chik-Fil-A Memorial Table for the Missing.
This table is reserved to honor our missing comrades in arms.
The tablecloth is white – symbolizing the purity of intentions when answering the call of duty.
The single red rose displayed in a vase reminds us of the life of each of the missing and their loved ones and friends of these Americans who keep the faith awaiting answers.
The vase is tied with a yellow ribbon and the burning candle is a symbol of our continued determination to account for the missing.
A slice of lemon on the bread plate represents the bitter fate of the missing.
A pinch of salt symbolizes the tears endured by those missing and their families who seek answers.
The Bible represents the strength gained through faith to sustain those lost from our country, founded on one nation under God.
The glass is inverted – to symbolize their inability to share in a toast.
The chair is empty – they are missing.
This is a quote that was shared with parents and students when my son, Alex, was a freshman at Forsyth Central High School by then-principal, Mitch Young.
During Alex’s years at FCHS, I never had the opportunity to get to know Mr. Young personally, but it was obvious that he did get to know the students.
As a part of his graduation address to my son’s 2021 graduating class, he shared these six pieces of advice. (Of note, his son, Joseph mentioned during his speech, was one of the graduates this year which explains some of his emotion during the delivery.)
- Be Grateful
- Be Humble
- Focus on Fulfillment (not Happiness)
- Start Engaging (and Stop Cancelling) Each Other
- Be Committed to Our Country
- Have Faith
You can hear his address via this YouTube link. (He starts at about 46:30.)
Note: If you’ve got the time, I suggest you hear the address from their Senior Class President (Prat who starts around 34:00).
This was his last graduating class at FCHS as he is slated to become our new Deputy Superintendent of Schools for Forsyth County. We wish him well in the new role and think he is going to be a great addition to education for all of Forsyth County’s students.
Hint #7 was his above quote that he’s been telling the Seniors since they were in 9th grade. When you succeed, celebrate – but remember: Nothing good happens after Midnight!
For those checking out the book reviews, I finished The Ultimate Sales Machine by Chet Holmes. My post of notes from the book is complete. You can check it out on my blog at this link.
If you would like to read along, I will be starting Content Inc. by Joe Pulizzi soon.
Note: Book links are Amazon affiliate links.
Other Links
How to Target a Country
Most marketers sense the growing cost of advertising (and attracting attention in general) from US markets. Considering both Canada and Europe, it is costing more and more for lesser and lesser returns. Whether it is focusing on more specific markets (where you know your best customers are) or focusing on markets where costs are lower, learning to target geographically is a valuable skill. Depending upon your goals and your intended market(s), it deserves a place in your toolbox!
I found three (3) good SEO links this week and wanted to share them with you. Optimizing for search grows more challenging as the noise and chattering continue to rise.
Apple vs. Epic
I’ve shared links and thoughts about the conflict between Apple and Epic over In-App stores & other topics over the last year. If you’ve been following along, this link includes some of the testimony as these cases are being heard. While there may be some time before definitive results are in place, these topics have widespread influence when it comes to the power platform creators can enforce upon those building atop their platforms. #MoreToCome
