WREATHS ACROSS AMERICA MEMORIAL DAY 2010

Longtime Clarkston resident and Sashabaw Plains Daughters of the American Revolution member Charlotte Cooper is looking for veterans to thank this Memorial Day.

Charlotte has 100 business cards from Wreaths Across America with a picture on the front of the Arlington project (wreaths placed on graves at Arlington National Cemetery at holiday time) and the following message on the back

WE want to

THANK YOU
For your service and sacrifice,
We promise to REMEMBER the fallen,
HONOR those that serve and their families and
TEACH our children the value of freedom.

Thank you from Wreaths Across American and YOU SIGN YOUR NAME.

Wreaths Across American is trying to touch a half million veterans this Memorial Day with these cards. The cards are free, with $5.00 shipping from Wreaths Across America.org

Think about the surprise of a veteran when given a thank you card by a neighbor, resident, or total stranger this Memorial Day.

As of May 2009, Wikipedia says there are 1,445,000 active duty military personnel with a force of 850,000 men and women in the military reserve.

It would be interesting to note how many of these active duty personnel are men and women from Clarkston and Independence Township, who are serving in today's military.

There are only about 10% of our population that have served and are veterans. Serving in the military is an honorable endeavor in many families. In WW II, most everyone was touched by the military but not as much in the world of today.

As you reflect on Memorial Day, maybe you'll look at desertangel.org and pick up a few items to take to the Clarkston Congregational Church for the Miracle boxes they send to the troops. And remember our neighbor from Brandon Township, Joseph Miracle, who died July 5, 2008 from wounds sustained in the Watapor Valley of Kunar Province, Afghanistan. That's what Memorial Day is all about.

Tell me your stories and consider thanking a veteran this Memorial Day

First Congregational Church Clarkston

Clarkston and Independence Township have over 30 churches around the township. Each of the churches brings support to our community. The First Congregational Church located at Clarkston and Pine Knob roads is one of the newer churches, moving from Pontiac in 1990. The Congregation Church is one of the oldest denominations known as the church of the Pilgrims The congregation has become very active in the community. Each Saturday, the church members man the Kids Closet from 9 to 12 and offer clothing and food for children and families. The church is generous to the community providing use of their building for pickleball for the senior citizen center participants five times a week in their gym. (activity similar to tennis). On May 15, the church will host a Desert Angels Sew In to make neck coolers for soldiers serving in Iraq and Afganistan. The church hosts a Cub Scout group and Boy Scout council. Viewing the church's website, you find a Perennial Exchange on May 22 and a martial arts class, Church Ladies Chapter of Red Hat Society, and a Two by Two group for couples and singles. Thanks Congregational Church for sharing your facility with groups and making the Clarkston community stronger through your service to others and God.

More information is available online at firstcongregationalchurch.org