Lessons in Citizenry and Government from a Family Man of the Century

Today, July 11, 2012, has been proclaimed, "Edward A. Wolak Day" in Naperville to honor the 100th birthday of my Great Uncle Ed. This past Saturday, Naperville's Mayor George Pradel made the proclamation in front of friends and family of my uncle, who is "Great" to me in more than relations.

The 40-year Naperville resident is a citizen that has served his community whenever called. He is a model of what the citizen's role should be. This from a Naperville SUN article in 2004:

"Politically active, Wolak was elected to two terms on the Cicero District 99 Board of Education. During his tenure from 1951 to '57, the board oversaw construction of three schools...His interest in politics continued when he moved to Naperville."

My uncle said in 2004, "I love to read about the candidates.I attend the council meetings often, and if I'm not there in person, I listen to them on TV. I think we've got a good council. Sometimes I feel sorry for them for the time they spend on it."

My uncle still lives in the same house he and his wife Jo (who passed away in 2007) moved into in 1972. On Saturday, not only proclaimations from Mayor Pradel, but also letters from Governor Pat Quinn, Senators Dick Durbin and Mark Kirk and even President Barack Obama were read honoring a great citizen, who even at 100 continues to do his civic duty.

In our family history book, Ed Wolak's time as board member for school board, Cicero Family Services, Morton Scholarship League, Columbus Council for Child Guidance, Little Friends and Fellowship Unlimited are all chornicled, though my great uncle says he never had a desire to be a leader. His wife volunteered them both for the various positions they held. A true example of political efficacy. Membership in voluntary organizations is a major determining factor in liberal democracies that value civil society.

"I went along and did what needed doing,'' he offered with a gentelmenly smile.

This Friday my Uncle Ed will be featured on Naperville Community Television News 17 at 6 pm. If you want to catch the thoughts of My Citizen of the Century, My Great Uncle Ed, follow the link:

 http://www.nctv17.com/

Some final words to live by, especially in this presidential election year (my uncle has seen 24 of them):

"I would tell anyone to be honest in what you do, and do the right things. Treat all people with respect. Keep a positive attitude. Make a lot of friends and sit back and enjoy the ride.

"Oh yes, one more thing -- always be sure to exercise your right to VOTE!"

Happy Birthday, Uncle Ed!

Happy 236th B-Day USA

Enjoy the fireworks!

What does the 'Man on the Street' think about 'Obamacare' decision?

The guy interviewed by Naperville Community News last week at the 1 minute mark of the first story could take advantage of the Afordable Health Care Act if he had to change jobs (pre-existing condition) or lose weight, (preventive care), ha!

Check out the non-profit Kaiser Foundation Health Reform Quiz

Early Reaction to Supreme Court Decision on ACA

Didn't they invent fireworks in China? A comparative look at national holidays

As we approach the U.S. national holiday on 4 July, Ken Wedding's wonderful Teaching Comparative blog (linked at side index) has posted about the days compartative states celebrate their national pride.


Nigerian national holiday


Nigeria celebrates the first of October as Independence Day (from United Kingdom, 1960) as a national day and, since the return of democracy in 1999, celebrates Democracy Day on the 29th of May.


There is no work or school on Independence Day. There are special ceremonies at parade grounds that are open to the public.

Chinese national holiday

October 1 is a public holiday in the People's Republic of China. The PRC was founded on October 1, 1949 with a ceremony at Tiananmen Square. It is celebrated with a variety of government-organized festivities, including fireworks and concerts. Public places, such as Tiananmen Square in Beijing, are decorated in a festive theme.


Fireworks displays are usually held in all cities, including Hong Kong, where a fireworks display to celebrate the National Day of the People's Republic of China has been held since 1997.

British national holiday


The United Kingdom does not have a recognized national day, although the Queen's Official Birthday (which is declared annually, usually falling on a Saturday in the first half of June) is sometimes considered as such.


However, the four constituent nations of the UK (England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland) all have National Saints' days.

Mexican national holiday


Grito de Dolores (declaration of independence from Spain)....NOT Cinco de Mayo!



Each year on the night of September 15, the President of Mexico rings the bell of the National Palace in Mexico City and repeats a cry of patriotism based upon the "Grito de Dolores," ending with the threefold shout of ¡Viva México!

On the morning of September 16, or Independence Day, the national military parade starts in the Zócalo, passes the Hidalgo Memorial and ends on the Paseo de la Reforma, Mexico City’s main boulevard.

Similar celebrations occur in cities and towns all over Mexico.

Russian national holiday

Russia Day

Russia Day, 12 June, celebrates the declaration of sovereignty in 1990, but Russian Army Victory Day (May 9) is still a bigger celebration. It marks the end of World War II and victory over Germany.

Iranian national holiday

10-Day Dawn

Iran recognizes 1 February as the beginning of 10 days of celebrations all across the country known as "10-Day Dawn", which culminate on 11 February, in ceremonies marking the anniversary of the victory of the Islamic Revolution. (However, in 2010, 11 February was a day of clashes between government forces and protestors in Tehran.)
 
 

PRI win in Mexico: Back to the Future?

With few votes yet to count, the PRI has been elected to power once again in Mexico.


Mexico's former ruling party voted back to office

The party that ruled Mexico with a tight grip for most of the last century has sailed back into power, promising a government that will be modern, responsible and open to criticism…

[Pena Nieto] won 38 percent support, about 6 to 7 points more than his nearest rival, with 92 percent of the votes counted, and he went to work immediately to win over the two-thirds who didn't vote for him…

But his top challenger, leftist candidate Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador, refused to concede, saying he would await a full count and legal review…
 
The PRI is Back