Looking back, we can always identify these special individuals who in one or another way provided us with the support and guidance to continue ahead on the incredible journey of our life.

These people are the ones who inspire, empower, and set examples as we try to figure out the complicated web of everyday living, and find our place in it.

Whether these people are a part of your home life, social scene, or work place, their influence can mark your experiences, perspective, and outlook for the future. They can touch you in ways that instill reflection, share words of wisdom that spark better judgment, and ignite your passion to ensure you realize dreams and accomplish goals.

These people are mentors, and many times, these mentors are older adults: treasure troves of wisdom, knowledge, experience, and folklore. They are the roots that define our communities, towns, regions, and country, and the shoulders which we stand on today.

Today, as our nation faces great challenges and uncertainties, we must pull together more than ever. We must do everything in our power to protect our seniors who stood by us, empowered us, and mentored us so our generation could achieve greater and bigger goals.

As we celebrate National Mentoring Month, let’s thank these mentors for the impact they’ve left on our lives, and share the best of our talents so they can enjoy their golden years, just as we will want to spend ours: with economic security, good health, and quality, affordable housing.

In the words of President John F. Kennedy: “The rights of every man are diminished when the rights of one man are threatened.”