“It is easier to build strong children than to repair broken men!” By Frederick Douglass
Veterans Remembered Today!
This is a very special year for recognizing veterans of this country. We should honor all current and past United States veterans including those who are considered as our “1st veterans” who fought during the American Revolution.
Starting this past July, our country has been celebrating our independence and the victory of the American Revolution. The celebration will continue through July 2026 comemorating 250 years since the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Numerous wars, conflicts, and battles have been woven into the fibric of our country’s history. No family has been detached from the benefits of victory and the horrors of war.
I fondly and respectfully remember my four high school friends who made the ultimate sacrifice while in uniform service during the Viet Nam Conflict.
Michael Charles, Danny Watkins, Kenneth Delaney, and Frank Campbell
For more than 50 years I have openly honored the service of these four young men by calling out their names for the purpose of upholding their memory. It seems seldom, very seldom that I hear their names mentioned in casual conversation among those who once knew these friends. I am sure they are not totally forgotten. But, they and many more deserve to be remembered with passion and compassion. I hope my reference serves to honor and respect their service, their lives and sacrifice.
NASA’s Katherine Goble Johnson Honored
Recently, I became aware of a special dedication on behalf of Aunt Katherine Goble
Johnson. The NASA icon who has been memorialized in the movie “Hidden Figures” continues to be honored. The latest event held at the end of September dedication the high school where Katherine Johnson taught and the home she lived in during the early 1950’s located in Bluefied, Virginia.
Aunt Katherine’s daughters, Joylette Hylick and Katherine Moore were present to share in the dedication ceremony. We are excited for the recognition and gratitude bestowed on Aunt Katherine. She continues to be an inspiration to many.
Graduation Is Near!
On November 26, The Copey Learning Center will hold its annual graduation ceremony. This will concluded another year of students attending the Copey Learning Center to develop English communication skills. There are several students who will graduate while others will be moving upward to the next level of learning. 
Graduation will also complete our 12th full year service and partnership with the Learning Center. As “Friends” we have without fail, maintained and sustained our commitment to be actively engaged and supportive of the efforts and the mission of The Learning Center. Just keeping open the doors and fulfilling the mission is an extremely challenging endeavor…albeit a most worthy cause that so many of us “Friends” have been fully dedicated to support…everyday for twelve years.
Personally, I regret not attending the ceremony this year. I did last year and it was personally rewarding and memorable.
As the current year comes to a close, to be ready to start again in early March 2026 will be a huge challenge. The Copey Learning Center is desperately searching for a volunteer teacher. I call on all “Friends” to help us find a willing volunteer to at least consider a three month, six month or longer term of service. There are folks available. Our challenge is to find them. Please help and send me any information or leads you may have.
Your comments are always uplifting. May the sacrifice of all the young men and women who fought for our country’s ideals not be in vain.