Ted Smith

Contributing Columnist

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When the Pilgrims landed, do you think they had any idea what they were starting? As one searches the annals of our history, it is interesting to see and comprehend just how often our forefathers have been required to stand up and protect our free society.

My most glaring concern is our lack of support to those returning home from an overseas assignment where they fought to protect our freedoms and prevent bloodshed on our soil. It is not uncommon for our servicemen and women to return home with a long list of physical and mental impairments, and until recently they would be sent to a “Veterans Hospital.”

Am I the only one who sees a problem with this system? Let’s just say that you will probably not find a “Top 10” doctor practicing in a veterans’ hospital. Folks, these are heroes who fought for us and we are not giving them their just due. We should be rewarding our heroes with the best treatment possible. Hopefully we will soon realize our mistakes and correct them.

We are now into November, a month that includes celebrations like “Veterans Day” and “Thanksgiving.” Here in Newberry, November also means we will have a great Veterans Day Parade as well as the lighting of our Community Christmas Tree. So, you see, Newberry will be very busy this month. How will you spend your November?

Possibly, you have already participated or will take part in some of the following:

• Hopefully you took advantage of Newberry’s Historic Downtown Holiday Open House this past Thursday, Friday and Saturday. Many shops and restaurants were open extended hours and offered specials, door prizes, and fun activities.

• The Veterans Day Parade was held Nov. 7 along Main Street to celebrate those who have and are currently serving in our armed forces.

• Veterans Day will be on Nov. 11. Tell our veterans we appreciate them by lighting your porch light with a “GREEN” bulb throughout November. You can obtain more information if you Google “Greenlight a Vet” or simply call your Chamber.

Also, on the evening of this day, you are cordially invited to a free showing of a movie at the Newberry Opera House, “By War and By God” sponsored by Vets With A Mission. One lucky Vietnam vet will win an all expenses paid trip to Vietnam next spring with the Vets With A Mission group.

• Your Chamber’s Quarterly Breakfast will be held Nov. 17 from 7:30 a.m. to 9 a.m. at Piedmont Technical College-Newberry Campus. Doors will open at 7 a.m. Breakfast will be served by Bill and Fran’s and our guest speaker will be a South Carolina Highway Patrol trooper who will talk about highway safety during the holiday season. Breakfast is $10 per person. Call 276-4274 to reserve your seat. You will not be disappointed.

• Thanksgiving will be observed Thursday, Nov. 26. This is generally a time that families can come together and share thanks for family, friends, review our great year and be especially thankful for our freedoms. Above all, this month, take time to thank a veteran.

• Shop Small Saturday will be Saturday, Nov. 28. Visit your local shops for your needs before you hit the highways. If you haven’t visited lately, you don’t know what you are missing.

Should you have any questions, call us at 276-4274 and let either Liz, Michelle, or me tell you of the many benefits through Chamber membership.

Ted Smith is executive director of the Newberry Chamber of Commerce. Contact him at ted@newberrycounty.org.