"I want my 16th birthday to be different and make a difference rather than being just another 'Sweet 16' party."
-Ava Lowery, advertising Sixteen Candles for Soldiers
In ten days, our Ava will be celebrating her sixteenth birthday in style by leading a protest and candlelight vigil at the State Capitol in Alabama. I'd love to be there, of course, but I'm only 16 myself, and my parents wouldn't be too keen on me flying out of the country to protest a war. (Don't worry, they're against the war, too. They just care about MY safety more. I haven't decided whether that's a good thing yet.)
So, to make up for it, I've decided to gather together some birthday shout-outs for Ava. If you'd like to include yours, just add your comment, and I'll e-mail our greetings to her on the 21st. If you live in or around the Alabama area, stop by if you can. Is there any better gift than that?
First, my greeting:
Hey there, Ava! On behalf of your Canadian fan base, I'd like to thank you for keeping on fighting the good fight despite the right-wing crap you've had to put up with. It's people like you who keep the Bushies reminded of their own wrongdoings. You are a remarkably brave young woman. Good luck with your future work as you hit the big 1-6!
Much love, RioMadeira