NOTL Lord Mayor Betty Disero issued the following message on Tuesday.

Today, Nov. 19, is International Men’s Day, a day dedicated to celebrating the positive impact men have on their families, communities and the world.

International Men’s Day provides an excellent opportunity to highlight positive male role models and raise awareness of men’s well-being. The theme for the day is “Making a Difference for Men and Boys.”

Knowledge of this day has made me think of the three men in my life who taught me the most valuable lessons. They have all passed away, but they will forever be my role models.

First is my grandfather Nunzio, who taught me the value of hard work and always putting a little money away for a rainy day. My father, Raymond, instilled in me at a very young age, the value of honesty and taught me that most people are willing to accept misgivings and mistakes if they are revealed through honesty and forthcoming. This truth and encouragement have carried me throughout my life.

My third role model is my son Michael, who taught me to be adventurous, courageous, and independent, just as he was. He was curious, he loved life, and he was eager to try anything. These three men were my role models. I miss them all very much.

International Men’s Day is a time for us to reflect on the contributions and progress made by men in society. Such growth includes that of men working together with women to create educational, economic, social and technological advances in our community.

The Town of Niagara-on-the-Lake is full of great men, many of whom I am grateful to know and have the privilege of working alongside. Role models like Dan Patterson, Donald Ziraldo, Ward Simpson, Christopher Newton, and Doug Garrett, as well as those who are no longer with us, including David Wall, Michael Vriens, and Peter Stokes, have made vast advances on our community.

John Graves Simcoe, John Norton, John Brant, Richard Pierpoint and John Waters are also men worthy of mention for their impact on our history. We celebrate the lives and contributions of these men and thank them for their dedication to our community and world.

Mahatma Gandhi said, “We must become the change we seek.” It is only when we all, both men and women, lead by example, that we will create a fair and safe society that allows everyone the opportunity to prosper.

I invite you to participate in International Men’s Day by celebrating the male role models in your life. Share a picture or write a short story about your male role model(s) by using the hashtag #InternationalMensDayNOTL.