Get involved in Chamber’s Veterans Count Auction

Wednesday, February 3, 2010

To the Editor:

“Honoring All Who Serve.”

That is the tag line for a very worthy program. The Veterans Count Auction is the creation of the Souhegan Valley Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with Easter Seals of New Hampshire. This year marks the third annual fundraising event, and it will take place at Cirtronics Corp., on April 17. On that night, folks will gather. A fine dinner provided by Elisha’s Restaurant will be served. Prizes will be auctioned off to the highest bidder. Nice stuff; fabulous stuff; unique experiences will be up for bid. People you know will join together for something bigger than themselves. By the way, Cirtronics has donated the venue. In fact, virtually every item will have been donated by a local business or professional. An “ask” was made and someone stepped up. We help one another. And so it goes.

I am proud to say that I support this auction. As an American, it makes me feel good. It makes me feel connected to my community. Work like this adds meaning and purpose to our lives. Even in these difficult times, we truly all have so much to be thankful for here in our beautiful corner of New Hampshire. It is important to be reminded from time to time that there are people putting themselves in harm’s way to protect us. We need to acknowledge that and honor it.

We don’t see the men and women who have stepped up to serve our country to fight distant wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. We grow numb to the countless news stories. We have been a nation at war for seven years. But soldiers and their families endure the sacrifice, every day. It’s important not to lose sight of the sacrifice others have made and continue to make. This is my small way to say thank you.

I heard yesterday that there are now more than 10,000 Americans deployed to help in the recovery from the tragedy in Haiti. Many of them also wear the uniform and have left families behind to cope while they help strangers. Let us not forget to help those that help, too.

Please consider donating an item, a sponsorship, or buying a ticket to support this year’s Veterans Count Auction to pay honor to all who serve. Please contact the Chamber’s Executive Director, May Balsama at http://souhegan.net to find out how you can get involved and step up.

LEN GERZON

Amherst