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While traveling recently I found myself listening to a talk radio host (one that does not air in this market) bemoaning the fact that his bank had made the decision to market credit cards to the "undocumented residents" in this country. Application requirements would be modified so that information necessary for citizens to supply in order to receive credit from that institution would not be necessary for the non citizen. He went on to say that he was considering removing his accounts from that institution to protest that decision, but as it would result in a lot of hassles for him, and would most likely make no difference to the bank, he would just leave them there. When the phone lines were opened, two themes dominated. First of all many of the callers wanted to know what had happened to the host's courage, and secondly pledging to stop doing business with that institution. Whether or not any of this will have any effect on the banking institution remains to be seen, however the fact still remains that it took just one person to make an impact. A few years ago AARP had a TV advertisement that showed an individual calling the President and asking him to fix social security, with the response coming back that it would be done. The commercial then went on to say: "If things were that simple you wouldn't need AAUP...." The fact that things just aren't that simple, is a given.

From time to time circumstances arise in our communities that need to be addressed for the betterment of all. Many times these things fall into the "needs have arisen" category as opposed to the negative side of things. As in the above examples, it takes only one to get the ball rolling, but more help is needed to make things happen. This application also has a broader sense, in that many times one organization can't make much of an impact by itself, and cooperation with other organizations is necessary.

When we desire to perform a task, most of the time are able to take advantage of a tool, the idea, development, manufacture and sale of which was accomplished by others. Regardless of how great the tool is however, it is worthless unless it is being used for what it was designed. Community organizations are tools, ready for their designed use. Join in, use them, and no longer be a majority of one.

Al Fine

Countless individuals have influenced society in one way or another. The names of some have been enough of an historical force memorializing them to the point that the mere mention of them links with their accomplishments, e.g. George Washington, Abraham Lincoln, etc. Others enjoyed great name recognition during their time on earth, contributed to shaping society at the time, but we have to stop and think for a while or perhaps even do a bit of research to refresh our memories about who they were and what they did. Names such as William Jennings Bryan and D.L. Moody come to mind in this category. Many others went about their daily lives, doing what they felt was the right thing to do, seeking no recognition, and yet contributed to society in mighty ways. One such man was William Saunders.

William Saunders was a man of many talents. Born in Scotland in 1822 into a family (three generations worth) of celebrated landscape gardeners, it was none the less determined by his parents that he should go into the Ministry. While he actually did start in that direction, by enrolling in St. Mary’s Divinity School, his love for horticulture took over and he pursued studies in that field at Edinburgh. He married in 1848, and set sail for America. In 1854 he formed a landscape gardening partnership in Germantown, PA, and in 1862 he received an appointment to a position in Washington in the Federal Department of Agriculture, as Superintendent of the Propagating Gardens, a position he held for the rest of his life. His work there resulted in the development of many varieties of plants which we still enjoy today.

A much more visible aspect of Mr. Saunders’ work can be seen at Gettysburg National Cemetery. He was responsible for the lay out, bringing the "cities of the dead" concept into its design. He was present with President Lincoln at the Dedication Ceremony. Other notable designs of his include the grounds around the Lincoln Memorial, and the National Cemetery in Springfield, IL.

On another front, credit has to be given to him as one of the prime movers in the establishment of the Order of Patrons of Husbandry. His intellectual insights into organizational structure, ability to articulate and lead, were second to none. The proof of this ability is shown by the fact that the organization he helped form continues to exist 140 years later, while during this time over 500 organizations with like purposes and significant memberships have come and gone. The organizational meeting of the National Grange was held in his office, December 4, 1867, at which time he was elected Master (President), contuing in that position until 1873.

One of the things that has always impressed this writer about Saunders was his writing ability, in that he was able to articulate timeless truths in a few sentences. His pen wrote the Preamble of the Constitution of The National Grange, of which the last paragraph is shared below. It’s application is as true today as it was when it was adopted in 1873.

To those who read aright, history proves that in all ages society is fragmentary, and successful results of general welfare can be secured only by general effort. Unity of action cannot be acquired without discipline, and discipline cannot be enforced without significant organization; hence we have a ceremony of initiation with binds us in mutual fraternity as with a band of iron; but although its influence is so powerful, its application is a gentle as that of the silken thread that binds a wreath of flowers.

William Saunders died in 1900, leaving behind an outstanding legacy, and yet one would be hard pressed to find his name mentioned in many history books, and if so, only as a footnote. The lesson here for all of us is that we have the opportunity to leave this world better than when we found it, and whether we fit into the force, flamboyant, or footnote category is not the most important part of the process.