Editor, Times-Union: The National Salvation Army Week of the United States runs 9-15 May. Proclaimed by the US President George W. Bush in 2001, the second week of May has been designated as the National Salvation Army Week. Also this year's National Week will be even more meaningful as the Salvationists celebrate its 125 years of contribution to social ministries in the country.
Across the US, local Salvation Army branches have been organising individual events to mark the special week. In New York City, where the first official pioneering delegation led by George Scott Railton arrived from England in 1880, a dazzling display of activities will be launched.
A huge banner in recognition of The Salvation Army's 125th Anniversary has been put up on the front of the organisation's historic Centennial Memorial Temple in New York.
A horse-drawn cart, similar to the ones used by the early Salvation Army, will visit some landmarks in the city. The highlight of activities on Thursday 12th May will be The Empire State Building, illuminated with the organisation's colours of yellow, red and blue, from dusk until 12 midnight.
All during the week, local radio stations will also highlight the work of rhe Salvation Army by airing public service announcements.
Running alongside with the National Salvation Army Week, the 2005 North American Disaster Training Conference started on 8th May and will end on 12th May. It has highlighted the Salvation Army's mission to serve the American Society.
Twenty international organisations from North Americaincluding faith-based groups and government disaster relief organisations are represented to receive training on how to respond to emergency and disasters.
The proclamation of the National Salvation Army Week by President Bush in 2001 stated, "Since its founding in Great Britain in 1865, the Salvation Army has provided humanitarian relief and spiritual guidance to people throughout the world...Through countless acts of service, members of the Salvation Army actively assist those who suffer in body and spirit."
"In more than 100 countries, speaking more than 140 languages, the Salvation Army follows Christ's call to "love your neighbour as yourself.""
"I commend the Salvation Army officers, soldiers, and those who support its mission for their continued dedication to helping meet the physical and spiritual needs of people across the Nation," President Bush added.
The Salvation Army has served in Kosciusko County since 1921. On Tuesday, May 10th, the annual "Donut Day" was held thanking the county for its supports as well as honoring all veterans past and present who have served the United States in time of war.
The Salvation Army is a member agency of the United Way of Kosciusko County since 1958 and provides physical, emotional and spiritual outreach to those in need.
For more information call 574-267-5361 or e-mail at Ken_Locke@usc.salvationarmy.org.
"Need Knows No Season" Ken Locke Warsaw, via e-mail
Class Motto
Editor, Times-Union: I'd like to post this letter to all of the seniors from this year's graduating class of Tippecanoe Valley High School, class of 05'.
First of all, congratulations for reaching a great milestone in your life by graduating from high school and venturing out into the real world. I applaud you. I also wish you the best of luck. Trials, hurdles, and moments will come, but they to will pass so stick to your values and they will lead you far.
I would like to ask a question, though, to the senior body. I read that your class motto was: "Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don't matter, and those who matter don't mind."
I have to admit, this troubles me. I've spent the last few days trying to decipher this phrase as it was hopefully meant. I've tried to come to the conclusion that I've misread it, but alas I always seem to feel it means the same. Now I hope I'm wrong, and I beg your forgiveness if I am, but the motto seems to say "I'll do what I want, say what I want, and if you don't agree, screw you."
Now again, please forgive me if I've taken it out of context. I hope I have and you can show me my error. If I am right, I'm greatly saddened. I'm going to wait to get up on my soapbox until I've heard the ideas and thoughts of some of the senior class. I've always said that getting your facts right before your sermon is the most important part, so I'll live by that now too. I wish you a great day and a safe one besides.
Duane Herendeen Warsaw, via e-mail
Daylight Vote
Editor, Times-Union: When you consider the huge amount of publicity generated by the debate of over Daylight Savings Time; it seems rather strange that there has been no mention of the part that our local representative Dave Wolkins played in the passage of the Daylight Savings Time bill.
Without his vote on April 11th (taking note that his was the only "YES" vote by a Representative, either Democrat or Republican from North Central Indiana) the Daylight Savings Time bill would not have passed in the House nor been sent on to the Senate.
His "YES" vote once again in April 28th is the only reason this bill became Law.
Whether you favored, didn't like, or just didn't care about Daylight Savings Time, this could or perhaps should be something to consider when Wolkins next stands for election. It would be interesting to see the results of the survey he sent out to the public.
