Greetings Laurel Hill Associates and friends of Stockbridge. The big day has arrived. I am humbled and honored to be standing at this historic rostrum to share some remarks that will connect me both to the illustrious history of all those famous speakers who have gone before. I will also attempt to tie these remarks to the time and place on this Earth within which we find ourselves today!

For the past 170 years local Stockbridge residents and other friends have gathered in front of a rock outcropping in Laurel Hill park located behind the Stockbridge Town Offices. This year the keynote address will be delivered by Starling (Star) Childs.