“Gratitude is not only the greatest of virtues, but the parent of all others.”
― Marcus Tullius Cicero

Steady, steady. For those who served, action and trust speak volumes. One person who cares and acts is worth a mountain of memorials, stones, plaques, words. Sorry, but it's true. People, after all, lead by example each and every day. Like the calm trust between human and equine, beauty and health that comes from the inside out because of patience, consistent behavior, care every day – day in and day out. People (most, not all) respond to the same behavior patterns.

That doesn't happen by overnight. It's being dependable each and every day, building trust and confidence with consistent handling. Feeding good food, rejecting shortcuts, providing care and knowing each other so well that words aren't even needed to know something is off the mark. Parents know this as well as anyone else who has created an unshakeable bond between another living creature.

Veterans Day is Saturday, Nov. 11, honoring people who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces. Who are they? Just look around. You might be surprised. While at a routine exam, a simple questions led to learning about a U.S. Navy veteran who built on her service experience as a sonar technician aboard battleships and to become an ultrasound specialist in civilian life.

So to honor those who serve, have served, and support those who believe in showing up and doing what's right every day, remember that Nov. 11 was first designated as Armistice Day, but since 1954 it's known as Veterans Day. In this 99th year of commemoration, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs is expanding on the tradition of observance and appreciation to highlight and honor both veterans and military families for all of November.

St. Luke’s Community Services of Middletown, CT has formed a new community partnership with Ray of Light Farm in East Haddam, CT, to help provide outreach and Middlesex County veteran resident transportation assistance to qualified participants for the Horse Feathers Veterans Program, an animal-assisted therapy program that serves all veterans.

Horse Feathers specializes in helping veterans with post-traumatic stress and welcome veterans with physical challenges. Veterans are paired with horses and other rescue animals to facilitate self-awareness and promote healing for those affected by emotional or physical trauma. Dave Bradham is director, a certified driving instructor with the
Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship (PATH). For veterans in need of transportation assistance, the Ray of Light Farm will work in coordination with the VETS4VETS program and any additional resources if needed. Also, Ray of Light Farm is seeking veterans who would like to volunteer in the Horse Feathers program. To learn more contact is Jackie Mickiewicz, program coordinator (860) 550-1955 or visit www.rayoflightfarm.org.

November is also National American Indian Heritage Month – to celebrate and recognize the accomplishments of the peoples who were the original inhabitants, explorers and settlers of what is now known as the U.S.

“National American Indian Heritage Month” had its origins in 1986 when Congress passed Pub. L. 99-471 which authorized and requested the President to proclaim the week of Nov. 23 to Nov. 30, 1986 as “American Indian Week” according to the Law Library of Congress.

In Connecticut, Honoring The Veterans Powwow will take place Saturday, Nov. 11, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., at the Mashantucket Pequot Museum and Research Center. Open to the public, this is an exceptional opportunity to see traditions and customs of an indigenous nation. For a writer's experience, here is a link to a story on Reader's Digest about a visit to another tribe's powwow.

“We invite all members of the military, both veteran and active duty and their families to join us in honoring and thanking this country’s greatest heroes at our 2017 Veterans Powwow. This event is open to all Native and non-native veterans, active duty military and their families, museum members as well as the general public who are encouraged to join us in honoring and thanking this country's greatest heroes at our 2017 Veterans Powwow being held inside the museum.”

The following individuals are allowed free admission into the museum during the Veterans Powwow: Native and non-native veterans with ID and one guest. Native and non-native active duty military and one guest. Museum members. Children younger than 6.To honor and thank service members we will be offering a complimentary meal of succotash or chowder and corn cakes or frybread to veterans/active duty military and one guest. Guests that purchase a daily museum admission have access to the entire museum including the powwow. Daily museum admission is $20; seniors (+65), $15. College student (with ID), $15; ages 6 to 17, $12. Admission to only the pow wow for guests (adults, seniors, students and youth 6-17) is $10 – if they want to experience only the powwow in the Gathering Space. (Powwow access only admission does not allow entrance into the museum exhibits.)

Here is some information from the official site for those attending: A Powwow is a gathering of men, women and children from different Native American nations. Friends, family and new people come together to sing, dance, share food, present their craftwork and socialize. These cultural events preserve Native American traditions and heritage. Respect shown to veterans is an integral part of the Native American culture. Native Americans have a rich history in the U.S. military. The veterans of today are shown the same honor and respect as the warriors of times past. At Veterans Pow wows, Native and non-Native veterans alike are especially venerated for their service.

Powwows are public events anyone can go to. But, there are a few things that first timers should learn to expect. Most instructions will come from the announcer so make sure to pay attention. Certain parts of a powwow ask the public to stand for events such as the grand entry, flag song, or honor songs. Some dances, like intertribals and round dances, are open to the public – and some are not. The announcer will inform the public when they can enter the arena to participate in a dance. Cameras are allowed and welcome, but occasionally you’ll be asked not to photograph certain events and if you’d like to stop a dancer and take a picture with them, the proper thing to do is to ask their permission first. The dancer’s outfit is commonly referred to as “regalia” and for Powwow dancers this is a way of life and not a show for the public so respect for their regalia is also key. Please do not touch a dancer’s regalia unless invited. Other than that, enjoy the music, dance, food, art and celebration that are going on and make sure you have a good time.