By Peter Ralston

Dear Friends,  

This is a quick but heartfelt morning salutation from Maine with two purposes…..next Sunday I’ll explain today’s relative brevity.   First, here’s recognizing Memorial Day and all that for which it stands. Here’s recognizing our lasting debt to the countless Americans who have given their lives in the service of our country. I think of the grandfather my brothers and I never met, killed in France just before the end of WWI.

Patriot

Up Country

But in addition to this, I have always extended the gravity of the day to honor all those – here and abroad – who have given of themselves to defend and protect goodness and whateer is truly right and just, wherever they are in this world. Thank you, thank you.  On our refrigerator at home we have this wonderful line from Pablo Casals, “The love of one’s country is a splendid thing. But why should love stop at the border?”    Amen.

Budding

For Nancy

And secondly, here’s a tiny taste of spring for you, for all of us. The trees are budding, flowers are bursting out, boats are in the water…..heaven.  I hope this all means that we might see you soon, but in any event, wherever you are, enjoy the light, the warmth and the renewal! 

Cheers,

Peter