Earn This
There’s an intense moment near the end of Steven Spielberg’s epic World War II film “Saving Private Ryan” in which Captain John Miller (Tom Hanks), a high school English composition teacher turned war hero, lays dying after finally saving Private James Ryan (Matt Damon). He pulls Pvt. Ryan in close and, with his dying breath, whispers, “Earn this.” Exactly what did Capt. Miller mean by these two words?
On Memorial Day – a national holiday that’s become synonymous with family cookouts and community parades – this cinematic plea rings symbolic of our nation’s obligation to remember the sacrifices that generations of American heroes made on our behalf; of lives laid down in the service of protecting America’s freedom and independence.
How could we ever truly repay them? How can we ever truly earn that sacrifice?
I believe that Capt. Miller is challenging us to compose in our individual life stories the ideals of service and sacrifice to others. We can start by paying it forward with acts of kindness towards complete strangers; by living lives of honorable service; by celebrating the freedom we hold so dear; and by helping others realize their independence. This is our mission at Fidelco. It’s a duty that we’re humbled and honored to carry out – not just on Memorial Day but every day.
During this Memorial Day holiday weekend, as we gather with our families, loved ones and friends, let us pause in a moment of silence to reflect upon and remember those who have died. And join me in thanking the men and women in uniform whom you may meet this weekend and who devote their lives to protect the precious gifts of freedom and independence.
“We can testify to these opinions, not by our words but by our actions…that must be the ideal of those who are worthy to share in the glory which you have given to the name of America…” – President Calvin Coolidge, 1924 Memorial Day speech at Arlington National Cemetery
Eliot D. Russman
CEO and Executive Director
For more information about service dog laws and access rules:
Americans with Disabilities Act
U.S. Department of Justice
2010 Revised Requirements regarding Service Animals
http://www.ada.gov/service_animals_2010.htm
DIRECTIONS TO FIDELCO
|
| Registration Now Open!
Pre-register by July 17 and be entered to win up to
$1,000 worth of leathers from
Gengras Harley-Davidson!
Click here for more information and to register today!
Click image above to purchase a flag
Honor the hero in your life with a place in Fidelco's inaugural Field of Flags. This commemorative display will be planted and featured at our Ride for Independence on July 21st.
Each flag will represent somebody's hero: those who are living, and those who have made the ultimate sacrifice defending freedom and independence. |
Click for information and to register.
A Vision for Veterans
Fidelco Client Inspires National Call to Action
On December 18, 2012, Senator John Kerry (D-MA) introduced S. 3689: the Senior Airman Michael Malarsie Act. Currently, the Department of Veterans Affairs does not provide financial assistance to veterans seeking Guide Dogs or the accredited organizations to which they turn. If enacted, the Senior Airman Michael Malarsie Act would change this by creating a federally funded competitive grant program for qualified service dog agencies like Fidelco.
Read Senator Kerry's floor speech.
View S. 3689: the Senior Airman Michael Malarsie Act.
| John Pimentel & "Victory"
Life is Better Than Ever 
It’s often said that the most successful people
are those who have discovered their true calling
in life. At sixty years old, lifelong Portsmouth, Rhode Island resident John Pimentel can certainly be counted among them. His path to a new,
rewarding role did come at a cost - his eyesight - but John is philosophical as he tells the story of his journey and how Fidelco played a major part in his ongoing success.
John Pimentel is one of three clients whose
Fidelco German Shepherd Guide Dogs were
provided by a generous grant from the Aetna Foundation in 2012.
|
Click here to read John's story.
Applying for a Guide Dog
SSgt Michael Malarsie, USAF, & “Xxon”
Every seven minutes someone becomes blind or visually impaired.
If you are ready to experience increased independence and mobility with a Fidelco German Shepherd Guide Dog, click here.
Registration now open! 
Click here for dates and registration form
Upcoming 2013 Fidelco Events
Sunday, June 9 –Annual Fundraising Dog Walk: Salem, MA
Sunday, July 21 – Ride for Independence Motorcycle Fundraiser
June 24 – August 16 – Dog Days of Summer Children’s Program
Sunday, September 29 – Annual Fundraising Dog Walk: Simsbury, CT
Saturday, October 12 – ING Hartford Marathon– Run for Team Fidelco
Saturday, November 23 and December 7 – Holiday Sale Days
|
