Casselberry (FL) Commission Meeting
25 June 2018
Anna Lonergan (291 words - 1:36)

The fifth secular invocation at the City of Casselberry. The entire transcript of this and dozens more secular invocations are available at www.cflfreethought.org/invocations

Thank you Chairman, Commissioners, staff, and community members for giving me the opportunity to offer some opening words for this meeting.

I am a senior at the University of Central Florida, and I have lived in Central Florida my whole life. This summer I am preparing to graduate and for the first time in my life, I will soon be living outside of this gorgeous state. Being faced with this move has led me to reflect on the place that I have called my home for 20 years. Today I would like to share these reflections with you.

Even in the Sunshine State, there can be darkness. Inequality. Injustice. Hatred. But I have seen the residents of Central Florida rise up and conquer these, time and time again. I have seen resilient men and women repairing not only their own hurricane damage, but also their neighbors’. I have seen parades, marches and protests in which our citizens have spoken out for what they believe is right. I have seen amazing research come out of the University that has helped improve lives across the globe. I have seen a community full of wonderful people of all different races, religions, genders, and socioeconomic backgrounds. I am thankful for this community.

Central Florida is a special place-- one that I am happy to have known. As you conduct your governmental duties this evening , I implore you to keep each and every resident of Casselberry in your mind. Govern with a sense of duty, love and compassion for each and every constituent, even those who may be very different from you. Strive to listen earnestly, think critically, and live truthfully. Let your decisions tonight and every night lead to a better future for all.