[caption id="attachment_126" align="alignleft" width="217" caption="Bronze commemorative plate from the Rising from the Ashes Collection"][/caption] We have been blessed beyond measure these past 12 months.  It is hard to believe we are coming up on the 1 year anniversary of the tragic fire that consumed our historic workshop, flagship store, and corporate offices.  But honestly, rather than a somber remembrance, we are planning a small celebration of thanksgiving amongst our team on Monday March 7th.  We are so thankful for the providential hand of God as He worked in and through our wonderful employees and the amazing folks 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 hear about the heroism of these men and women frequently, but until I saw them first hand put their lives in harms way battling the blaze, I’m not sure I fully appreciated their service and sacrifice.  And to think that each of them volunteers their time and talent to their local communities as fire fighters…it is truly humbling.  They are living American heroes. To honor these brave fire fighters, we introduced a commemorative Rising from the Ashes line in 2010. A significant portion of our profits from the sale of each item in the collection goes to support a charity that benefits fire fighters directly in Mercer County. Holmes County, and Chester County – the counties our stores are in.  We’ve decided to retire this collection, fittingly on Sunday March 6^th, 2011.  If you haven’t picked up one of these commemoratives yet, you can do so at one of our retail stores or online.  But once midnight on the 6^th hits, these will be retired forever. We thank each one of our customers who have supported us over these past months as well.  Without you, our tradition of American craftsmanship could not carry on. I am truly amazed, humbled, and thankful.  God bless America!