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You know the Pledge of Allegiance, probably by heart. You may recite it only occasionally, or get the chance several times a week. Sometimes, I’m guessing, you say it mechanically, and other times filled with deep meaning. I hope it’s more often the latter, because here’s what’s remarkable about the Pledge: in a few short phrases, […]
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You know the Pledge of Allegiance, probably by heart. You may recite it only occasionally, or get the chance several times a week. Sometimes, I’m guessing, you say it mechanically, and other times filled with deep meaning.
I hope it’s more often the latter, because here’s what’s remarkable about the Pledge: in a few short phrases, it lays out the fundamentals of what our country represents and strives to achieve.
Let’s start with these words: “and to the Republic for which it stands, one nation, under God, indivisible.” It’s not just talking about any nation or form of government; it’s talking about a republic — a unified nation, under divine Providence, with three fully equal branches that are strong and independent.
The meaning goes even deeper than that. Really, we’re talking about power being dispersed across a large number of people and institutions. Our founders created a republic that to its core rejects autocratic political leadership and authoritarianism.
This, in turn, provides a system that has the capacity to reform and renew itself, because its institutions rest on the political involvement of our citizens. Government is bound by the electoral process, an independent judiciary, and constitutional guarantees of freedom of speech, assembly, religion, and the press.
This brings us to the final words: “with liberty and justice for all.” They represent a system built on individual dignity and respect for each person. We recognize and tolerate our differences. We may not always measure up to our ideals, but we certainly know what they are. We don’t try to demonize those who are different.
At heart, then, this is a system based on the belief that we’re all in this enterprise together, and all connected to one another. Everyone has the right to enjoy the promise of America.
Put these two parts of the Pledge together, and what it’s telling us is that we live in a system that binds us together by adherence to rules of political engagement, respect for the rule of law, and belief in our democratic institutions.
What the country expects in return is that most individuals will live a life of honor, excellence and responsibility. The system demands hard work on the part of its citizens if it is to succeed.
So the next time you stand as the Pledge is recited, think about what you’re saying. It’s deceptively simple. But it packs a powerful message.
Lee Hamilton is a senior advisor for the Indiana University (IU) Center on Representative Government, distinguished scholar at the IU School of Global and International Studies, and professor of practice at the IU School of Public and Environmental Affairs. Hamilton, a Democrat, was a member of the U.S. House of Representatives for 34 years, representing a district in south central Indiana.
Pinckney Hugo Group has hired ZACH LEADER as a junior art director. He has a bachelor’s degree in communication and film studies with a minor in marketing from Le Moyne College.
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Pinckney Hugo Group has hired ZACH LEADER as a junior art director. He has a bachelor’s degree in communication and film studies with a minor in marketing from Le Moyne College.
JOSEPH MCMANUS has been named VP, computer operations manager at Pathfinder Bank. He has a bachelor’s degree from SUNY Oswego in information science. McManus has more than 15 years of experience in information technology, previously working as senior network technician for Oswego County National Bank and as a senior information systems architect for PCC Information
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JOSEPH MCMANUS has been named VP, computer operations manager at Pathfinder Bank. He has a bachelor’s degree from SUNY Oswego in information science. McManus has more than 15 years of experience in information technology, previously working as senior network technician for Oswego County National Bank and as a senior information systems architect for PCC Information Services. He began his career with Pathfinder Bank in 2008 as a computer operations manager.
APRIL PHILLIPS has been named VP, core systems and deposit operations manager at Pathfinder Bank. She earned a certificate of completion from the Leadership Richmond Program in 2000 and six years later, began her career at Pathfinder Bank as a loan servicing specialist. Phillips was later promoted to sales support supervisor in 2008, followed by AVP/sales support supervisor in 2011.
Syracuse Stage has appointed JOANN MARIA YARROW to the newly created position of director of community engagement and education. With more than 30 years of experience as a director and producer, she most recently served as the executive artistic director of Teatro Prometeo in Miami, the only Spanish language theater conservatory in the country. Yarrow
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Syracuse Stage has appointed JOANN MARIA YARROW to the newly created position of director of community engagement and education. With more than 30 years of experience as a director and producer, she most recently served as the executive artistic director of Teatro Prometeo in Miami, the only Spanish language theater conservatory in the country. Yarrow has also produced and hosted the International Hispanic Theatre Festival of Miami and Play Time! An International Theatre Festival for Children. She spent three years working on several Broadway productions. Yarrow joins Syracuse Stage when its education programs are serving more students than ever. Her appointment is part of a strategic initiative that includes promoting KATE LAISSLE, formerly assistant director of education, to associate director of education.
Ascent Wealth Partners in New Hartford has hired TIMOTHY WELCHONS as financial advisor. He previously an equities research firm in Boston, serving as VP of its institutional sales trading group. Earlier in his career, he worked for a Canadian–based investment bank’s U.S. brokerage unit. Welchons is a graduate of Hamilton College with a bachelor’s degree
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Ascent Wealth Partners in New Hartford has hired TIMOTHY WELCHONS as financial advisor. He previously an equities research firm in Boston, serving as VP of its institutional sales trading group. Earlier in his career, he worked for a Canadian–based investment bank’s U.S. brokerage unit. Welchons is a graduate of Hamilton College with a bachelor’s degree in government.
MARK JULIANO has joined Del Lago Resort & Casino as the new general manager. He is a 30-year industry veteran, spending the greater part of his career in a management capacity at multiple internationally known resorts and casinos, including Caesars Palace in Las Vegas, Trump Entertainment Resorts in Atlantic City, and Marina Bay Sands in
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MARK JULIANO has joined Del Lago Resort & Casino as the new general manager. He is a 30-year industry veteran, spending the greater part of his career in a management capacity at multiple internationally known resorts and casinos, including Caesars Palace in Las Vegas, Trump Entertainment Resorts in Atlantic City, and Marina Bay Sands in Singapore. Juliano served as the chief gaming officer of Marina Bay Sands for several years prior to returning to Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, with parent company Las Vegas Sands Corp. when he became president of the Sands Casino Resort in Bethlehem. Under his leadership, Sands grew to be the most profitable casino in Pennsylvania. Juliano has played significant roles in major casino construction and renovation projects. He holds a bachelor’s degree in history from La Salle University in Philadelphia.
MEGHAN NOLAN has been named nurse manager of AC 1 at the St. Luke’s Campus of the Mohawk Valley Health System (MVHS). Nolan previously held nursing positions within Faxton St. Luke’s Healthcare, most recently as a staff nurse in the Post Anesthesia Recovery Unit at the Faxton Campus. Nolan earned her associate degree in nursing
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MEGHAN NOLAN has been named nurse manager of AC 1 at the St. Luke’s Campus of the Mohawk Valley Health System (MVHS). Nolan previously held nursing positions within Faxton St. Luke’s Healthcare, most recently as a staff nurse in the Post Anesthesia Recovery Unit at the Faxton Campus. Nolan earned her associate degree in nursing from Mohawk Valley Community College and her bachelor’s degree in nursing from Utica College.
NICHOLAS SPUDIE has been named IT security analyst I at MVHS. He has been an employee of MVHS since 2009 when he served as an IT student intern. Spudie most recently worked as an IT desktop support technician. He earned his associate degree in business management from Mohawk Valley Community College and is currently pursuing a bachelor’s degree in cyber security, information assurance from Utica College.
MVP Health Care has promoted DENISE GONICK to the expanded role of CEO and director, joining the board as MVP’s first inside director in its history. In addition, MVP Chief Operating Officer CHRISTOPHER DEL VECCHIO has been elevated to the broader executive position of president and chief operating officer.
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MVP Health Care has promoted DENISE GONICK to the expanded role of CEO and director, joining the board as MVP’s first inside director in its history. In addition, MVP Chief Operating Officer CHRISTOPHER DEL VECCHIO has been elevated to the broader executive position of president and chief operating officer.
STEPHEN BREEN has been appointed the chief financial officer and treasurer of the Diocese of Syracuse, effective July 23. John Barsanti, who previously served the diocese as CFO and chief operating officer, moved into a part-time role overseeing the implementation of the diocese’s strategic plan and other special projects on April 1. Breen is a
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STEPHEN BREEN has been appointed the chief financial officer and treasurer of the Diocese of Syracuse, effective July 23. John Barsanti, who previously served the diocese as CFO and chief operating officer, moved into a part-time role overseeing the implementation of the diocese’s strategic plan and other special projects on April 1. Breen is a CPA who had leadership roles with the Cortland Companies from 1998 to 2016, including chief financial officer and global business leader of Cortland’s rope business. He has previous experience with Baasch, Winters & Breen and Coopers & Lybrand. Breen is a graduate of C.W. Post College.
Sutton Real Estate Company recently hired MAUREEN NAVATKA, who has joined Sutton as a property accountant. She graduated from Bryant & Stratton with an associate degree in accounting and also graduated from Colorado Technical University with a bachelor’s degree in accounting.
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Sutton Real Estate Company recently hired MAUREEN NAVATKA, who has joined Sutton as a property accountant. She graduated from Bryant & Stratton with an associate degree in accounting and also graduated from Colorado Technical University with a bachelor’s degree in accounting.
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