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by Lois Bolin, Ph.D., Old Naples Historian
Thanksgiving: Renewing Our Sacred Honor America’s Founders placed their honor and duty ahead of their
eorge Washington issued the first private rights and even personal survival. Their conviction is shown
Thanksgiving proclamation by the in the "Declaration of the Causes and Necessity of Their Taking up
GUnited States government in 1789. In Arms," which was approved by the Continental Congress in 1775.
1846, Sarah Josepha Hale, the editor of It stated, "We have counted the cost…and find nothing so dreadful
Godey's Lady’s Book, published the first of as voluntary slavery.”
many editorials encouraging the celebration Fast forward to the day after the bombing of Pearl Harbor,
of the "Great American Festival." She hoped it would be a Franklin Delano Roosevelt, a descendent of Howland, delivered
unifying holiday to avert a civil war. Seventeen years after those a speech to Congress where God was referenced. He said, “…in
editorials in the middle of the Civil War, Lincoln finally issued a America’s righteous might, we will gain the inevitable triumph –
Thanksgiving national proclamation on October 3, 1863, asking so help us God.”
his fellow citizens to “set apart and observe the last Thursday As Allied forces prepared for the 1944 D-Day invasion, FDR
of November next as a Day of Thanksgiving and Praise to our delivered a prayer over the airwaves to the nation, “Almighty God:
beneficent Father who dwelleth in the heavens.” Our sons, pride of our nation, this day has set upon a mighty
In the Beginning endeavor, a struggle to preserve our Republic, our religion, and our
Throughout American history, the idea of God’s connection civilization, and to set free a suffering humanity.”
to man is prevalent and relevant because without those shared WWII Prayer Project
values, the idea of a United States and its principles could not The WWII Memorial, dedicated to our Greatest Generation
have been birthed. in 2004, highlighted 12 famous speeches given as America was
The genesis of Thanksgiving began when the Pilgrims, dragged into this worldwide conflict; yet none mentioned faith even
financed by the Company of Merchant Adventurers of London, though prayer was a key part of the American way of life. In 2011,
sailed to America in 1620. For weeks they were at the mercy HR 2070 proposed adding FDR’s D-Day Landing Prayer to the
of the gale force winds. John Howland, an indentured servant, WWII Memorial, but the administration dismissed the request.
weary from weeks below deck, decided to fill his lungs with Finally, on December 22, 2022; the D-Day Prayer was added at the
fresh air. Before he could retreat below, a gigantic wave washed Memorial’s Circle of Remembrance.
him overboard to what seemed like certain death. As he blindly Thankful for Patriots
struggled to surface, something brushed his arm. He grabbed November is a special month where we can renew our personal
hold of the topsail’s halyard and was pulled to safety wherein his “sacred honor” and give thanks for all we have. On Saturday,
relieved passage mates acknowledged his saving was by the hand November 11th, there are two Veterans Day programs you can
of God. attend: Cambier Park at 10:30 am conducted by the Collier County
The Pilgrims understood that earlier settlements failed because Veterans Council or Marco Island’s Veterans Community Park at
no governing body or principles had been established, thus the 10:30 am followed by Thanksgiving two weeks later.
Mayflower Compact was drafted. It was the first written laws of, A very special thanks to CCSB member, Tim Moshier and the
by and for the people – a covenant between God, man, and each Patriot Readers who visit local schools (K-3) to read to the students
other – the cornerstone for later generation’s ‘sacred honor.’ about America and the VFW Post 7721 Auxiliary who are getting
Sacred Honor’s Foundation schools prepared to participate in the ‘Patriot Pen Project’ for
The Mayflower Compact served as the foundation for the grades 8-12.
Declaration of Independence, (150 years later), where five Blessings to you and yours this November as we honor all
references to God can be found: …the Laws of Nature and of Veterans and give thanks for all to those who fought to preserve our
Nature’s God entitle… who is responsible for “the laws of nature” Republic.
but God… endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable
Rights… our cause was left to God as judge… with a firm reliance
on the protection of Divine Providence, we mutually pledge to
each other our Lives, our Fortunes, and our sacred honor.
18 Life in Naples | November 2023 Life in Naples | November 2023
Exploring Alternatives—
Guardianship in Florida for Adult Children with Disabilities
by Amanda Dorio, Esq. Having a power of attorney provides a legal framework that balances
hen it comes to safeguarding the individual's capacity to make decisions while providing necessary
support and assistance, ultimately promoting their well-being and
the rights and independence of
W disabled adult children in Florida, respecting their wishes.
guardianship is often considered the traditional Healthcare Surrogacy
route. However, parents should be aware of Healthcare surrogacy, often referred to as healthcare proxy or
alternative options that can empower their adult medical power of attorney, offers individuals with disabilities a valuable
children. alternative to guardianship when it comes to healthcare decision-
Powers of Attorney making. By executing a healthcare surrogacy document, an adult child
A power of attorney grants authority to can appoint a trusted surrogate to make medical decisions on their
another person, known as the agent or attorney-in-fact, to act on behalf in situations where they are unable to do so. This alternative
ensures that their medical preferences and wishes are honored,
behalf of an individual. There are several reasons why a parent of a empowering them to participate in decision-making while receiving the
disabled child would want to consider having a power of attorney necessary guidance and advocacy.
executed, namely: • Healthcare surrogacy allows individuals with disabilities to maintain
• Executing a power of attorney allows the adult child with control over their medical decisions. By selecting a trusted surrogate,
disabilities to maintain a level of control over their affairs. It they can ensure that their personal wishes and values are respected even
recognizes their capacity to make decisions while acknowledging that when they are unable to communicate or make decisions themselves.
they may need support in certain areas. By designating a trusted agent, This ensures that medical choices align with their individual beliefs and
the individual can ensure their wishes and preferences are respected preferences.
while having a safety net in place. • The appointed healthcare surrogate acts as a trusted advocate,
• A power of attorney can be customized to suit the specific needs
and circumstances of the adult child. It can grant the agent authority ensuring medical decisions are made in the individual's best interest.
They collaborate with healthcare providers, gather relevant information,
over specific matters, such as managing finances, making healthcare and make informed choices based on the individual's known preferences
decisions, or handling legal affairs. This tailored approach ensures that and medical history. This ensures that decisions align with the
the individual's interests are protected in areas where they may require individual's unique healthcare needs.
• Having a designated healthcare surrogate helps to maintain
assistance.
continuity of care. The surrogate can work closely with medical
• For individuals with disabilities, maintaining consistent and
coordinated care is vital. By appointing an agent through a power of professionals, coordinating treatment plans, facilitating communication,
attorney, parents can ensure that a designated person is responsible for and ensuring that the individual's healthcare needs are met consistently.
This promotes a seamless healthcare experience and reduces the risk of
overseeing their adult child's well-being. This continuity of care helps
navigate medical treatments, financial matters, and legal obligations fragmented or inconsistent care.
seamlessly. • A healthcare surrogate plays a vital role in advocating for the
• Managing finances can be challenging for individuals with individual's healthcare rights and needs. They act as a liaison between
disabilities. By appointing an agent with a power of attorney, parents the individual, healthcare providers, and other involved parties. The
can designate someone to handle financial matters, such as paying surrogate ensures that the individual's concerns and preferences are
bills, managing investments, and making financial decisions. This effectively communicated and respected, facilitating a collaborative and
patient-centered approach to healthcare.
relieves the individual of the burden and complexity of financial By appointing a trusted surrogate, they ensure that their medical
management, ensuring their financial well-being is safeguarded.
• In legal matters, having a trusted agent through a power of preferences and wishes are honored, allowing them to actively participate
attorney can provide crucial representation for the adult child with in decision-making while receiving the necessary guidance and advocacy.
disabilities. The agent can act on their behalf in legal proceedings, Bottom Line
While guardianship has its place in protecting individuals with
negotiate contracts, and handle legal documentation. This ensures that disabilities, it's important for parents in Florida to offer pathways for
the individual's rights and interests are protected in legal matters and
promotes a sense of security. individuals with disabilities to actively participate in their own lives
• Emergencies can arise at any time. By executing a power of while receiving the necessary support.
attorney in advance, parents can ensure a designated person is ready to About the Author
act on their adult child's behalf during unforeseen circumstances. This Naples wills, trusts and estate planning attorney Amanda Dorio stands
helps to minimize disruptions and ensures that decisions can be made out as a compassionate legal advocate who truly understands the uniqueness of
promptly and in the individual's best interests. every family's dynamics. She may be reached at amanda.dorio@henlaw.com or
by phone at 239-344-1362.
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