Government views Monarch Butterfly Releases as a threat to We stern Milkweeds

[Paul Cherubini]

Stan Gorodenski wrote:

> Finally, with respect to butterfly releases in general, I think the
> practice is a hold over from man-woman-kind's primitive ancestry.  It
> seems to me that the one trait butterfly releasing (for weddings,
> birthdays, and other such events) has in common with satanism is that
> both use other life forms for ritualistic purposes and societal (group)
> events.  For this reason, I am totally against these kinds of releases,
> and do not support businesses that promote this activity.

Stan, FYI here are some typical testimonial letters butterfly breeders
receive from their customers:

Weddings: 

"The butterflies were great! We will send you the photos as soon as 
they are developed. They  were so easy to handle, and the guests raved 
about them for days. They flew around the lawns of the country club
for hours, and some of our guests (big and small!) decided to see how many
 they could catch and release again....in total, about 1/4 of the butterflies 
were re-released! Thank you for making our special day even more special.
The butterflies were the main event next to the actual wedding....and our
guests were mystified, as were we, at how beautiful and graceful those 
little creatures can be. They will be special to us forever. Thank you again for all
of your efforts to get them to us."
Christina & Peter E., bride & groom, Seattle, WA 

"I just wanted to tell you how beautiful we thought the butterfly "nest" 
was that you made for ourwedding! The butterflies were alive and well, and
getting quite a ride on the ocean breezes as we let them go. A few clung to our 
fingers, a few landed in the flowers, but it was the most riveting part of the
ceremony. We'd conjured up a single page about how butterflies have
symbolized love, including Cupid's wife and the Native American legend, 
and placed this in a frame on the reception table. We incorporated a phrase 
into our ceremony - "Treat each other as you do these butterflies - hold them
gently for support, but not so tight as to smother them.May each one take away
with it a burden from your heart and leave an open space for new joys
in your marriage." At any rate, the display cage was so pretty - you really 
went above and  beyond, and I wanted to send my kudos to you for your work 
and special attention. Thank you again!"
Holly S., bride, Cal Tech University, CA 

"Hello, I am sending this as a BIG THANK YOU for a great idea.
My husband and I just attended a wedding this past Saturday, (Gina and 
Scott L.) and the surprise finale was releasing your butterflies. As each person 
was handed their small envelope, I don't think anyone realized that
these were real live butterflies inside! The weather was beautiful and kids
and adults alike had great smiles as their butterflies flew away right out of
their hands. This truly is a wonderful and unique idea, and will be something
that each guest will always remember. Thank you again."
Marie & Greag S., wedding guests, Puyallup, WA

Birthdays/Baby Showers/Bar & Bat Mitzvahs/Valentines: 

"This is the first time I'd ever heard about this--thank you so so very 
much for sending the magnificent butterflies! What a wonderful, wonderful 
presentation and beautifully received by my guests, of course! Thanks also 
for the extra butterflies--I was so delighted! Everyone got to
share their wish... I loved it: they were beautiful treasures and they flew off 
into a perfect, sun-drenched day. Thank you again so much for making 
my birthday incredibly special!" Ellie M., 60th birthday celebrant, San Rafael, CA 

"We hand-fed the butterflies for two days in the gorgeous Valentine decorated 
cage, then released them in the garden, where to our surprise and pleasure, 
they stayed for over a week.Thanks for a wonderful treat!"
Geena D., actress, Hollywood, CA 

Memorials: 

"At the memorial service, we released the butterflies and played the music 
you suggested...there was not a dry eye in the congregation. One butterfly
wouldn¹t leave, so after the burial we recaptured it and took it home and 
released it in Mom¹s garden...your ministry is greatly needed." 
Renée S., daughter, Bend, OR 

"It was very warm, and the butterflies kind of circled the gathered
mourners, then they took off toward the sunset. My daughter said, 
Just like Dad: always in a hurry to see what happens next.
We laughed through our tears...²
Kishie B., wife, San Diego, CA

 
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