Inauguration Invitations Mailing
When the message came into our office from the O'Malley/Brown Headquarters, I decided to volunteer one evening to help with the project. I saw this as an opportunity for networking and ministry.
A few hours later, before I acted on my decision, Pat gave me the opportunity to do this on company' time. Of course, I accepted.
I arrived at the National Guard Armory on time. As I rode the elevator to the appropriate floor, I made a major mistake. I greeted a gentleman in uniform as "Sarge." He was a major. On the new combat fratigue uniforms the rank is worn not on the collar for enlisted members nor on the shoulders for officers as on the old uniforms, but in the middle of the chest. The major was very gracious and not insulted at all, but somewhat honored and said that "we all have to pay our dues."
Inside the room where we worked we were greeted by staff of the inauguration committee and also by the adjutant general of Maryland, an Air Force major general (two stars). He was a real gentleman, but then, most generals whom I have met are. In our conversation I told him that I served as a chaplain for the Civil Air Patrol for ten years and I enjoyed it and I wish that I was still with them. Later in the day he addressed me as "Father."
While we were working, Governor-Elect Marty O'Malley visited us. A group of young Job Corps cadets, I think, stood at attention and saluted until he realized that they were saluting and he humbly told me "At ease." They replied, "You're our governor!" or something like that. I don't remember the exact words, but I was impressed by his reaction and their response. There is no question in my mind that these young people love their new governor.
Governor-elect O'Malley made his rounds to the various tables and when he came to mine, he remembered me. He might not remember from where, but he knew that I was familiar. He has seen me on only three or four occasions in the years that he has been mayor, and on most of those occasions I was in cassock.
I do not remember the names of those with whom I work, but it was a real pleasure. Two were from Anapolis and one woman is almost a neighbor of mine. She lives in the next neighborhood. One of the men is on the Transition Team for the new governor. My boss is also on the Transition Team as well as a few other people whom I know, including an attorney from the Greek Orthodox Cathedral of the Annunciation.
I had volunteered for two days, but we finished everything in one day. We all worked hard to get the job done and yet we had a wonderful time at the same time. I just wish that I had brought my Nikon with me to get better photographs.
I encourage everybody, espeicially young people, to get involved in the life of their community. Get involved with your political leaders. Let them know what you think. If you feel strongly about something, let your politicians know it. They want to hear from you.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
You are visitor # since Friday 22 December 2006.