by Mary Beth Daley, Staff Accountant
Did you know that August 7 is, celebrated annually as, National Lighthouse Day?
On August 7, 1789, the United States Congress approved an act for the “establishment and support of Lighthouse, Beacons, Buoys, and Public Pears.” It was two hundred years later that Congress designated August 7th as National Lighthouse Day.
Why do I bring up National Lighthouse Day? I make note of it for two reasons.
- First of all, World Book Encyclopedia (v.13, p.500 of the 2000 edition) states that Michigan’s shoreline, at 3,288 miles is “more than any other state except Alaska.” Because of this there was, at one time, almost 250 lighthouses guiding sailors through the dangerous waters of the Great Lakes and safely into Michigan’s harbors.
- The Pure Michigan campaign lists 129 lighthouses that are open to the public. This site also provides links to information about lighthouses of the Great Lakes, which operate as Bed and Breakfast Inns, as well as, ones that have Volunteer Keeper Programs.
All that information aside, I bring up National Lighthouse Day because I believe what we do, here at ELM, is like a lighthouse to the clients we come alongside of and help. Merriam-Webster defines Lighthouse as: a tower with a powerful light that is built on or near the shore to guide ships away from danger. I feel like when we help seniors find benefits, restore pensions and traverse the legal system we are shining a light on the dangerous unknown “shoreline” that so many are struggling to navigate. I believe we often make a difference and ultimately afford many a better quality of life. So, celebrate National Lighthouse Day on August 7th and be thankful for organizations, like Elder Law of Michigan, that help folks to navigate the dangerous waters of life.