This weekend will be a joyous holiday weekend where Highlands returns to a normal operation as we move out of the COVID-19 pandemic. I hope everyone will have a wonderful Memorial Day weekend with their family and friends.
But, Memorial Day is a somber time where we should also remember the fallen from American wars, and their families. These patriots gave their “full measure of devotion” to this country.
I will never forget being at a party at a past holiday. I was in the kitchen of the hostess and noticed a faded telegram framed on the wall next to the window. It was near the kitchen sink, a place where that woman was everyday. It read, “We regret to inform you. . .” I asked her about the telegram. It had been sent to her mother with the news that her husband had been killed on a Pacific beach during World War II. The tragedy was that this gracious, adult woman never knew her father. Her Marine lieutenant father had deployed to the Pacific before she was born.
But, she kept that old telegram near her as she grieved for a father that she never knew. Like all Gold Star families, the lasting impact of losing a beloved son, daughter, parent or spouse never goes away. It is a burden that is carried for lifetimes.
I hope everyone will take a moment to reflect and pray this Memorial Day for the fallen and their surviving families. As a country we can never repay them, but we can be mindful and thankful for the ultimate sacrifices they all made.
American Legion Post 370 will be holding a ceremony on Monday, Memorial Day, at 10 am at the Veterans Memorial in front of the police station. It will be an appropriate way for everyone to show our gratitude.
Tonight is the in person May meeting of the Highlands Town Board of Commissioners. The meeting starts at 7 am at the Highlands Conference Center which is next to the ball field.
The meeting agenda is rather long. There will be two public hearings concerning changes to the Unified Development Ordinance. The changes to the UDO are being mandated by the NC Legislature under the new 160 D statues. The board will also review the NCDOT Macon County Comprehensive Transportation Plan. The plan identifies county transportation needs through 2045. We will also be reviewing the last component of the BearWise initiative. I anticipate Highlands becoming the first certified BearWise community in North Carolina this summer.
Our town manager will be presenting the proposed budget for FYI 21-22. As prescribed by law the proposed budget is balanced. There are a number of major road and infrastructure projects in this budget. The town board will call for a budget public hearing for the June meeting. Upon approval, the budget goes into effect July 1st.
The meeting will also be on YouTube for those who can’t attend in person. The broadcast will be a view only format.