Dec. 15, 2010 – With the New Year approaching, I want to take a moment to extend my warmest wishes for the coming holiday season to all of the members of the State Bar of Wisconsin and to their families. We are thankful for ways in which members have supported and offered leadership to the State Bar of Wisconsin during this past year. Those who serve the law, including those who have established and defended our system of government and our way of life, are a significant part of the greater institutions of the United States.

During this holiday season, we count our blessings and take comfort in the joys of home and family. Soon my house will be filled with people I love. Along with the tumult of preparation, the mingled moments of excitement, warmth, pandemonium, and poignancy as they rush by, I want to be sure to take time to appreciate all those who are giving and working to make this time possible for all of us. We remember especially all those serving our country in so many places and capacities. Without their daily efforts, courage, and sacrifice, “peace” and “joy” might only be distant wishes here at home. Although not all our loved ones can be with us at this holiday season, they are very present in our thoughts.

Our nation is blessed by enduring freedoms and liberties, which are defended by our soldiers, sailors, airmen, and marines. These men and women voluntarily risk their lives for the country of which they are so proud. In the words of Abraham Lincoln: “I like to see a man proud of the place in which he lives. I like to see a man live so that his place will be proud of him.” In a time of enormous division and privation, Lincoln found, simply, the mutuality that binds us as a nation. Those individuals who serve demonstrate to us the worth of our freedoms, and we send back to them our admiration and pride.

To those veterans who have served this great nation and to the families of those who have lost loved ones in that service, I express my heartfelt gratitude. John F. Kennedy said: “A nation reveals itself not only by the men it produces but also by the men it honors, the men it remembers.” Let us do our part this season to honor and remember all of these people by sharing joy and love.

Enjoy the holiday season. My heartfelt best wishes to you and your families.

Jim Boll

President, State Bar of Wisconsin

December 2010