NOVEMBER GOVERNOR'S MESSAGE


The month of November brings attention particularly to those who served their County and
sacrificed their own lives as well as sacrificing and risking the future of their spouse and children.

Remembrance Day / Veteran's day is recognized in Canada on November 11th;  and in the United States Thanksgiving Day  is recognized on November 24th .

Veterans represent the 1% of the general population who are willing, able and capable of dedicating two or three years and sometimes their career, on the line, knowing and understanding the consequences they could themselves meet.

The United States and Canada “stand out” as two of the freest countries of the world. This just
did not happen by chance. People versioned, people fought, and people died for that freedom we enjoy
today.

Certainly, both Countries have challenges, however, the month of November is dedicated to the
memory and appreciation for the form of Government we live under.

It’s not perfect! It’s never will be! But we’re FREE, for which we celebrate and need to take time to be thankful for.

While the likes of War, such as World War I, World War II, or the war/conflict we’re seeing now
across the ocean, do change the World as it applies to all people and their everyday lives.

Why do I bring that up? As Optimists (Optimist International), as well as other very involved and dedicated Civic Youth Organizations, cannot Change the World! We just can’t!  What we can do, however, is have an impact on one Youth at a Time, one community at a time,  one day at a time.

As Optimists, it’s not just a matter of providing “hope”. Hope without action is meaningless. As Optimists, we understand that. The Youth of today are faced with significant challenges, I’m sure we can all agree on that? As Optimists, we do our very best, to provide a culture of community caring, not just to the Youth, but to the parents, many whom are single parents, and letting them witness “hope in action”.

I’ll end with this quote from the book "Good to Great", written by Jim Collins: “It is impossible to
have a great life unless it is a meaningful life. And, it is very difficult to have a meaningful life without
meaningful work. And, experience the deepest of al satisfactions knowing that your short time here on
earth has been well spent – and – it mattered!!"
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Those of you who may not be members of an Optimist Club – consider joining, getting involved
and experience the feeling of “giving back” to either those in need or simply by making it a better place
to live. To those of you who are members of our Optimist Organization – “thanks for giving your best”!!

Edward Hoem
AMS&NW Governor 2022-2023
 Picture2022 - 2023 GOVERNOR ED HOEM
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