September 6, 2004
By Staff
Parents set rules for good reasons
I am writing this letter because I think the younger generation doesn't really understand the importance of rules and regulations. I myself have four children. Sometimes they do not always "listen."
This is a true account of many life decisions our children will have to make.
As far as I can remember, I've made a lot of decisions that could have changed my life for the better. If only I had made a different choice take for instance …
When I was about 5, I received a bicycle for my birthday. My mother sat me down and explained the rules and responsibilities of owning one. She said, that being able to have the privilege of owning it, there were a few rules to abide by.
We lived on a very dangerous street that had a history of children (one a very close friend) who were killed by motorists.
My mother gave me a few simple but fair rules to follow. One rule was that I was only allowed to ride on the sidewalk, and only go as far as the end of the block.
I was so excited about the bike I let it cloud my judgment. One morning, I decided to ride all the way around the block. Going around the last corner there was a slab of concrete that was cracked and had been lifted by some tree roots. I ended up hitting the concrete and wrecked my bike.
Not only did I destroy my bike, I had to be rushed to the hospital. I found out I would have to be in a cast up to my hip for six weeks.
If I had made a different choice, I might have saved myself a lot of discomfort. I would have enjoyed my bike for more than just a few days.
Always remember: Parents set rules because they love us. By following them, you will make more right choices in your life.
Kenneth Harrell
Meridian
Farm Bureau hosts Celebrate America!'
Farm Bureau holds dear the principles of individual freedom and opportunity. The grassroots philosophy upon which Farm Bureau was built celebrates family, patriotism, religious freedom, and many other values our members and all Mississippians cherish.
It is because of this philosophy that the Mississippi Farm Bureau Federation undertook a project last year called Celebrate America!
More than 3,000 people from all over the state converged on the Mississippi Coliseum to honor our veterans and active duty personnel.
The 2003 event was a resounding success. Even more important than the extensive media coverage of the event is the fact that those of us who worked so hard to make the event successful were extremely proud and humbled by the reactions of past and present members of the U.S. Armed Forces.
These men and women who are serving or have served in any branch of the service were very appreciative of the recognition for their dedication and sacrifice to keep our nation strong and free.
We are now planning Celebrate America! for 2004. It will be on Nov. 7, at 2:00 p.m., at the Mississippi Coliseum in Jackson. Our program this year will focus on prisoners of war and those missing in action from all military wars and conflicts.
Retired Navy Rear Adm. Jeremiah Denton, held in captivity for more than seven years by the North Vietnamese, will be the keynote speaker.
As you know, an event of this magnitude is an expensive undertaking. We are asking the Mississippi business community to assist in our goal to make this year's Celebrate America! an even greater tribute to those who defend and protect our nation. I hope you will make a generous donation to this event as we celebrate our freedom and honor the men and women who help provide it.
Your donation may be made payable to Mississippi Farm Bureau Federation with a notation "for Celebrate America!" and mailed to: Celebrate America!; Attn: Charles Cleveland, treasurer; P.O. Box 1972, Jackson, MS 39215-1972.
David Waide, president
Mississippi Farm
Bureau Federation
