Tuesday, March 4, 2008 • Greenville earns recognition on America the Beautiful
Publisher’s note: This story originally appeared in the Tuesday, March 4, 2008 edition of the Lassen County Times.
Peter Smith, founder of the organization, appears as Super Sam at events across the nation.Those who live in Indian Valley already know it’s beautiful and full of patriotic people, and now other people across America will too.
Due to a quick note sent by Veterans Day organizers to americathebeautiful.com last year, the Greenville and Indian Valley area was chosen as one of 10 “beautiful” sites across the nation.
The website features patriotic images, and links to videos, fund-raiser ideas and other things to promote the American spirit.On their website is a place to click and suggest a city to be recognized, and the following is the suggestion sent by Veterans Day organizers:
Greenville, California — one of 26 sites across the nation selected by the Veterans Day National Committee as Regional Sites for the celebration of Veterans Day 2007. Please see past Veterans Day events at indianvalley.net.
In January, they responded favorably and just recently updated their site to include a link to the Indian Valley Chamber of Commerce.
America The Beautiful.com is an organization started by Peter Smith, a resident of the mountains of western North Carolina with 20 years experience in the convention industry.
During these times of global military and political unrest, Smith saw a need to remind Americans how wonderful the country truly is, and he saw the desire of people to be able to applaud “this great country we live in.”
The Greenville and Indian Valley area has been recognized as one of 10 beautiful places across the nation on AmericaTheBeautiful.com. Images from AmericaTheBeautiful.com.“Many of us too often get wrapped up in the day-to-day madness of the world and overlook the beauty of our great country and the freedom that we enjoy,” he said.
The website is dedicated to inspiring the hearts of all Americans with patriotic videos, photographs, Americana music, gifts, fund-raising ideas and other items.
Smith encourages people to post patriotic videos to the site, as well as photos and stories.
“We truly believe that God has blessed America and we should continue to stand proud for all the great ideals, sacrifices and labors that our forefathers and fellow countrymen used to build the United States of America,” Smith said. “The world’s eyes are on us and we need to set the example for all others to follow.”
Bus Tour across the country will soon be planned. Website visitors are invited to click on the bus and suggest a city.Smith appears at events regularly as Super Sam, a larger-than-life Uncle Sam character.
He is focused on keeping the spirit of America alive with his appearances and the Web site.
One of the main products he offers on the site is a DVD musical video titled “The Spirit of America.”
It features American songs and lyrics synchronized to footage of American people, cities, landscapes and business.
He plans to send more than 700 copies of it to U.S. military bases around the world in time for the holidays this year.
“The Spirit of America” video is one of Peter Smith’s top items for sale on the site. He hopes to send out 700 copies to military bases around the world in time for the holidays.“This video is fantastic,” wrote a former submariner in October. “This video brought back so many feelings of patriotism that have waned over the years. As ‘The Star Spangled Banner’ played, I found myself with a tear in my eye and my hand over my heart. Great job. I feel refreshed and glad I served the country I love so much.”
New Jersey teacher Nancy Sommers wrote the following note to Smith:
“I loved the video and my second-grade class did, too. I especially liked that the video can be played different ways. It was nice to sing along with the songs by showing the lyrics. Keep up the terrific work.”
Smith has also launched another patriotic Web site at americandiaries.com.
