To Brent Darden,
Our industry is indebted to you for all you have done for us, stepping in as a leader when it was needed the most. You have been the epitome of the “Salt & the Light” for us all. Whether helping to counteract the negative powers that made our world tough sledding or showing us the way by illuminating & making visible our future that is looking more bright with each passing month, you deserve our utmost appreciation. Thank you!!
Club Leaders,
With the industry needing our activism more than ever, I share the below poem as inspiration to spring into ACTION, as Brent has asked of all of us. Whether supporting Gale Landers & the NHFA, executing on the Active & Safe Commitment, being involved with State Alliances & the Gym’s Act, United We Rise or the Rallying Cry, ….be involved, be the light yourself and spread the word for our vibrant and essential industry….and SPEAK UP! There is innumerable industry need and vast opportunities to chip in.
This week’s closing comment comes courtesy of a poem by Martin Niemoller, a German theologian and pastor. He is best known for his opposition to the Nazi regime during the late 1930’s and his widely quoted poem below;
FIRST THEY CAME….
“THEY CAME FIRST for the Communists,
and I didn’t speak up because I wasn’t a Communist.
THEN THEY CAME for the Jews,
and I didn’t speak up because I wasn’t a Jew.
THEN THEY CAME for the trade unionists,
and I didn’t speak up because I wasn’t a trade unionist.
THEN THEY CAME for the Catholics,
and I didn’t speak up because I was a Protestant
THEN THEY CAME for me,
And by that time no one was left to speak up”