We have been blessed beyond measure these past 12 months. It is hard to believe we are coming up on the one-year anniversary of the tragic fire that consumed our historic workshop, flagship store, and corporate offices. But rather than a somber remembrance, we are planning a small celebration of thanksgiving among our team on Monday, March 7th. We are so thankful for the providential hand of God as He worked through our wonderful employees and the amazing people of Pennsylvania to truly achieve the miraculous. The story of our last 12 months is a celebration of the greatness of the American spirit, without question.
As I think back on that fateful day in March 2010, the memory of the heroic actions of 21 local volunteer fire departments is forever etched in my mind. We often hear about the heroism of these men and women, but until I saw them firsthand putting their lives in harm’s way battling the blaze, I didn’t fully appreciate their service and sacrifice. And to think that each of them volunteers their time and talent as firefighters—it is truly humbling. They are living American heroes.
To honor these brave firefighters, we introduced a commemorative Rising from the Ashes collection in 2010. A significant portion of our profits from each item in the collection goes to support charities benefiting firefighters in Mercer County, Holmes County, and Chester County—where our stores are located. We’ve decided to retire this collection, fittingly, on Sunday, March 6th, 2011. If you haven’t picked up one of these commemorative pieces yet, you can do so at one of our retail stores or online. But once midnight on the 6th hits, these will be retired forever.
We sincerely thank each of our customers who have supported us over these past months. Without you, our tradition of American craftsmanship could not carry on.
I am truly amazed, humbled, and thankful. God bless America!
