After every Friday Night Fish Fry and other events hosted at the Judd Kendall VFW Post 3873, respect for the privileges of liberty as well as gratitude for every man and woman ever to help protect our nation’s freedom seem to follow me out the door.
I depart knowing that my father, who served in World War II as a Navy Seabee, instilled in me to be a peace-loving individual who is protected by the U.S. Constitution and the law. Elections matter. The vote of every individual counts for one (and none for more than one), yielding to a government by consent and political equality for everyone where ordinary people can change the world.
As an independent community newspaper publisher and editor, I also respect that there must be freedom of speech, freedom of the press, of religion, of assembly and of petition, protected by the First Amendment of the Constitution.
Beginning with the first issue of Positively Naperville introduced during Last Fling on Sept. 1, 2001, PN’s aim has been to feature brief stories about local businesses, local fundraisers, local nonprofits, local veterans and local lore while heightening awareness about local initiatives, dedicated community service and that all politics is local.
Usually by this time during a General Election campaign, our online Voters Guide is up and running, listing all the candidates that want to serve Naperville in Washington, D.C. and Springfield, as well as DuPage and Will counties. Unexpected events and other disheartening distractions have prevented our faithful fascination with trying to inform voters by promoting all the Primary choices on March 20 that could be on the ballot for the 2018 General Election in November.
We’ll get there soon. And we’ll let you know online where we plan to link to the candidates’ websites. Stay tuned.
Naperville Parade Season begins March 10
As another Naperville parade season is about to kick off on the right foot, full of family-friendly fun, frolic and festive floats to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day; we’re again mindful that our cherished freedom of peaceful assembly is protected by the First Amendment.
After the St. Patrick’s Parade in downtown Naperville, save the dates for the Memorial Day Parade (May 28), India Day Parade (Aug. 12), Jaycees Labor Day Parade (Sept. 3) and Little Friends Parade of Lights during the holiday season.
Attitude of Gratitude
The luck of the Irish is presented throughout this month’s issue as we consider our good fortune to have such a great group of sponsoring advertisers, contributing columnists and dedicated readers. (Quite frankly, we can’t help ourselves. My mother’s Mitchell family came to America from Bailieborough in County Cavan, Ireland, back in the 1800s.)
Thanks to everyone for supporting the community. As folks with the gift of gab might say in Ireland, “May your thoughts be as glad as the shamrocks. May your heart be as light as a song. May each day bring you bright, happy hours that stay with you all the year long.”
And remember to be an informed voter in the Primary Election on March 20.
–PN
