Carole Fields

Merry Christmas!

In reviewing 2009, our country and we, as individuals, have faced many challenges. It has been so throughout history. I take comfort from the following quote written in the sixteenth century.

      "I salute You!

There is nothing I can give you which you have not;

But there is much, that, while I cannot give, You can take.

 No heaven can come to us unless our hearts find rest in it today.

  Take Heaven.

No peace lies in the future which is not hidden in this present instant.

   Take Peace.

The gloom of the world is but a shadow;

behind it, yet, within our reach, is joy.

   Take Joy.

And so, at this Christmas time, I greet you,

    with the prayer that for you, 

Now and forever, the day breaks and the shadows flee away."

  Fra Giovanni---A.D. 1513

Best wishes for a Joyous Holiday Season. May the coming year be filled with Joy and Peace.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday!  It is great to gather with family and loved ones, and reflect upon one's many blessings. We are so Blessed to live in this country.  Thank you to the many people who have gone before us who have afforded us many opportunities for success and happiness. 

Best wishes to you for a Happy Thanksgiving!  

Veteran's Day

"It is foolish and wrong to mourn the men who died.

Rather we should thank God that such men lived."

George S. Patton, Jr.    General, United States Army

As we celebrate this Veteran's Day remember to take a moment to give thanks for the men and women who lived and fought for the gift of peace. Especially our thoughts and prayers go out to the brave men and women at  Fort Hood, and throughout all parts of the world where our troops are protecting our way of  life and liberties.

Get Ready For Franklin's Pumpkinfest

Pumpkinfest falls on Halloween this year. There are new events this year: a Carnival at the intersection of Margin Street and Second Avenue North, Walking tour of Resthaven and the city cemetery , free outdoor movies, and bands.  These are fun events for both young and old.

WHAT:  Pumpkinfest

WHEN: Saturday, October 31st, 10 AM-10 PM

WHERE: Franklin Public Square and  Main Street

ADMISSION:  Free, but bring money for food and arts and crafts vendors

For additional information, please visit www.historicfranklin.com

Happy Labor Day!

"The fruit derived from labor is

the sweetest of all pleasures."

Luc de Clapiers

Now comes the sweet fruit of your labors... take the day off!  Have a safe and happy Labor Day!

Happy 4th of July!

"1776"  by David McCullough describes the events and sacrifices of that fateful year in the development of our beloved country. It is amazing what these patriots had to endure.  If you have not read the book, I would encourage you to do so.  It will give you a better appreciation of the price paid for our liberty.

As we celebrate July 4th, remember that the day is much more than just a day to picnic and watch fireworks.  It is a day to honor and reflect upon what our freedoms have costfor so many heroes.

David McCullough in "1776" summed it up thus:  "The war was a longer, far more arduous, and more painful struggle than later generations would understand or sufficiently appreciate. By the time it ended, it had taken the lives of an estimated 25,000 Americans, or roughly 1 percent of the population.  In percentage of lives lost, it was the most costly war in American history , except the Civil War.  

The year 1776, celebrated as the birth year of the nation and for the signing of the Declaration of Independence, was for those who carried the fight for Independence forward a year of all-too-few victories, of sustained suffering, disease, hunger, desertion, cowardice, disillusionment, defeat, terrible discouragement, and fear, as they would never forget, but also of phenomenal courage and bedrock devotion to country, and that, too, they would never forget."

Let us remember and "never forget!"  Happy 4th of July!

Franklin on the Fourth!

The Franklin Lions Club, the oldest service organization in Franklin, is sponsoring their 13th annual Franklin on the Fourth celebration, starting at 11 AM on Saturday, July 4th.  Admission is free, but bring money for food, crafts, and artisans with their wares.  There will be as children's parade, music on the Main Stage at 7 PM, and fireworks around 9PM. It should be a fun day for the entire family.  See you there.

Happy Father's Day!

"When I was a kid, I used to imagine monsters running under my bed.  I told my dad, and he solved the problem quickly.  He cut the legs off the bed."

Lou Brock

In celebration of the man who protected us from the monsters under our beds and in the world... Happy Father's  Day!

Happy Flag Day!

"By the rude bridge that arched the flood,

Their flag to April's breeze unfurled,

Here once the embattl'd farmers stood,

And fired the shot head round the world."

Ralph Waldo Emerson

Wishing you a safe and joyous holiday as you unfurl the flag in celebration of Flag Day.

Memorial Day!

"And I'm proud to be an American

where at least I know I'm free.

And I won't forget the men who died,

who gave that right to me."

Lee Greenwood , Musician

Memorial Day, formerly known as Decoration Day, is celebrated on the last Monday in May; May 25th this year.  It is a time to honor the men and women who died on active duty in the military.  We owe so much to them for their sacrifices for our freedom and liberties.  Remember them, and say a prayer for our troops, today.  "God bless the USA!"