Tag: patriotism

Happy Independence Day From EXAIR!

Published on by Tyler DanielLeave a comment
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Please Note: EXAIR will be closed July 4th in observation of the United States Independence Day

Summer is my favorite time of year. Warm weather, hanging out by the pool, and enjoying the outdoors (weather permitting of course). It’s also the time of year when my favorite holiday occurs, Independence Day. EXAIR will be closed on July 4th in celebration of Independence Day. On this day 243 years ago the Declaration of Independence was adopted, marking the official legal separation of the Thirteen Colonies from Great Britain.

Although today we celebrate on July 4th, Congress actually voted to declare independence two days earlier on July 2nd. If it were up to John Adams, that would be the date we commemorate to this day. He wrote in a letter to his wife that this would be the most memorable day in the history of America, to be celebrated by pomp and parade, games, sports, guns, bells, bonfires, and illuminations from one end of this continent to the other. In protest of July 4th being designated a federal holiday, he was reported to turn down invitations to appear. Coincidentally, both he and Thomas Jefferson both passed away on July 4, 1829 on the 50th anniversary of the adoption of the Declaration of Independence.

I imagine the celebrations looked quite a bit different back then, but today many of us will spend time with our family and friends enjoying some BBQ. Parades and firework shows are also in abundance as we celebrate together as a country in unison.

“America was not built on fear. America was built on courage, on imagination and an unbeatable determination to do the job at hand.” – Harry S. Truman

The very same can be said of EXAIR, built on the courage, imagination and determination of our late founder Roy Sweeney. Without his willingness to take risks and build his version of the American Dream, we would have never come to be.

So while we celebrate, hot dog in hand, take a moment to reflect on what it means to be an American. Enjoy your right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. To all of my fellow Americans on behalf of EXAIR, Happy Birthday to US!

Tyler Daniel
Application Engineer
E-mail: TylerDaniel@EXAIR.com
Twitter: @EXAIR_TD

 

Photo courtesy of Andy Morffew via Creative Commons License

Memorial Day 2018

Published on by Russ BowmanLeave a comment

Across the United States, we are gearing up for our traditional observance of Memorial Day, on Monday. A good many of us will be fortunate to enjoy an extra day off…EXAIR employees included; we’re closed Monday, May 28, for the holiday.

In the temperate climate of the mid-Atlantic region where I live, there’s going to be a LOT of landscaping and gardening going on. Those with swimming pools will be starting the chemical balancing game that, with any luck, they’ll win before Labor Day. As for me, my rest & relaxation game will be strong for most of the weekend.

Monday, though, my family and I will join many others from our community at our township’s Memorial Day parade. My son plays in the local High School Marching Band, and they will be leading it out with a grand display of brass and winds and drums and color guard and patriotic musical selections. Volunteers from a vintage military aviation museum at our local airport will conduct a “fly-over” that never disappoints. Members of other civic-minded groups will likewise join the parade. And we’ll all take time to remember those who gave their lives in service to our nation.

Whatever your plans are for this weekend, I join the rest of the EXAIR team in wishing for you a perfect blend of rest, relaxation, productivity…and remembrance.

Russ Bowman
Application Engineer
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Independence Day

Published on by Russ BowmanLeave a comment

I think the Fourth of July might be my favorite summer holiday. Warm weather, picnics, family, friends, fireworks…and a day off to enjoy it all to its fullest! It’s also the second summer holiday in fairly rapid succession; coming just a few weeks after Memorial Day. I’ve written before (twice, actually) about the differences in what we’re observing on these two holidays, but I’m still keenly aware of their importance to our American heritage: Memorial Day, as a time to remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country and our freedoms. And Independence Day, as, what John Adams called, “the great anniversary festival:”

“I am apt to believe that it will be celebrated by succeeding generations as the great anniversary festival…to be solemnized with pomp and parade, with shows, games, sports, guns, bells, bonfires, and illuminations, from one end of this continent to the other, from this time forward forever more.”
-John Adams, in a letter to his wife, upon signing the Declaration of Independence.

Since Independence Day falls on a Saturday this year, the management at EXAIR have graciously given us the day off on July 3rd in observance of the holiday. My neighborhood is decorated, as usual, with American flags up and down every street. I’m doubly blessed that where I get to spend my weekdays, and where I get to spend my weeknights & weekends, are both in tune with celebrating what I like to call the American Dream.

My fellow veterans at EXAIR on the left; my neighborhood on the right. Great places to spend time.
My fellow veterans at EXAIR on the left; my neighborhood on the right. Great places to spend time.

For all of you in the United States, happy birthday to US, and all my best wishes for a wonderful weekend to everyone.

Russ Bowman
Application Engineer
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