Each of us who depends on our earned Social Security benefits stands in salute to Social Security's 89th anniversary Aug. 14. Thanks to Secretary of Labor Frances Perkins’ diligence in working for Social Security for our seniors. She saw the problems and pushed for President Franklin Delano Roosevelt to enact a law for seniors, spouses and youngsters to be protected. Seniors could stop being sent to work at poor farms.

FDR's son, James Roosevelt, started the National Committee to Preserve Social Security and Medicare in 1982 to protect his father's Social Security program. James's son, Jim, is on the board. The Roosevelt family stands strong with seniors protecting our benefits. This is not a government organization, and is a measure to be sure the government does not take away our earned benefits. The committee works in Washington, D.C., on Capitol Hill pushing for strengthening these two programs. 

Happy 89th anniversary for each of us on the program and securing Social Security for generations to come. Everyone needs confidence in keeping and strengthening our earned Social Security. No one can take away our own earnings; do not let anyone diminish or delete the program. Whom we vote into office determines how hard we must fight securing Social Security. Let each of us celebrate the anniversary and prepare for the big 90th anniversary in 2025.

Kath Allen 

Peterborough