The first of many such engagements

The title is Jacob's words, not mine.  When he was asked by our local librarian (the tall woman, second from the right) to address the library's book club on the Halifax Explosion, he responded by hoping that it would be the first of many such engagements.  We shall see.  The book club chose Hugh McLennan's Barometer Rising as its study book for the month of May.  The book is based on events surrounding the 1917 explosion and is required reading in many high school english programs.  One of the book club's members had heard Jacob's speech at the Legion competition and suggested Jacob as May's guest speaker.  He readily agreed.

There he is surrounded by the book club's members who listened attentively to his 12 minute speech. He was quite nervous to begin.  However he quickly rose to the occasion and provided a magnificent summary of the devastating explosion.  I was as proud as a peacock, but resisted any extravagant plumage and dressed in standard black.  Jacob is really a fabulous young man.  His wealth of knowledge is astounding and I regularly check historical facts with him before I use them in conversation.  I can only imagine who he will grow up to become.  The future is filled with hope.