It was 23 years ago, when one of the most tragic events in world history occurred. The Twin Towers of the World Trade Center collapsed, due to a coordinated terrorist attack. Nineteen terrorists hijacked and crashed four planes- two in the North and South Towers, one into the Pentagon and a fourth crashed into an empty field in Pennsylvania after the passengers fought back. Everyone except for our youngest KellyGram subscribers will remember where they were on that day. I was in my office at the Suggs & Kelly Law Center when one of my fellow lawyers called me over to a television which was showing live footage of this horrific act. We were all left speechless and in complete shock at what we were witnessing.

I think it is important to take the time and remember the victims of this tragedy and one of the best ways to do that is through learning, such as watching a documentary or reading a book. On Sunday night my favorite TV show aired a repeat of a documentary prepared by 60 Minutes titled, “9/11: The FDNY.” Just like my mother and father before me, wherever I am, if possible, I am going to be sitting in front of the TV watching 60 Minutes. I think they do an outstanding job of giving details on the major stories of our times and never have they done a better job than their coverage of this tragic event. Its focus was primarily on the lives of the heroic first responders and their actions on this day 23 years ago. I highly recommend watching this documentary as a form of respect, education and remembrance of 9/11. May we never forget the 2,977 victims who lost their lives, their families and those who survived. God Bless America!

We’re here for the people of South Carolina!

It’s that Time of Year Again- Let’s play some Football!

I am truly blessed to have experienced life for as long as I have and as far as I know am in good health. I continue to work a busy schedule between my offices in Columbia and Myrtle Beach. Even though each day is a blessing, I am always excited about this time of the year as Fall is approaching. It is the beginning of the new school year for our children and grandchildren (mine started first grade last week at Rosewood Elementary) AND the start of the college football season. While I will continue to root for my Atlanta Braves to make the playoffs again this year despite injuries, nothing excites me like college football especially in the SEC. My neighbor Shane Beamer has a very difficult schedule ahead of him, but I have confidence that he will coach the players up to be competitive whenever they play. My beloved Gamecocks’ first game is August 31st against Old Dominion University, and I cannot wait for the season to kick off!

We’re here for the people of South Carolina!

During my many years of practice, first with Suggs & Kelly for twenty-four years and now the Mike Kelly Law Group for twenty years coming up on September 1st, I have been through all kinds of marketing consultants, TV, and radio ads and most recently the internet. Our friends and clients have blessed us where we no longer need media advertisements, and no one wants to see my face on a billboard! LOL! We are honored that we receive our referrals from past clients, present clients, lawyers, medical doctors, other professionals, and our wonderful Google reviews!

As we approach our 20th Anniversary as the Mike Kelly Law Group, we deeply appreciate the referrals, the kind words, and the positive accolades. It keeps us in business doing what we love, and we are extremely grateful for all of them!

We’re here for the people of South Carolina!

Going way back I attended THE OPEN Championship in 1995 at The Royal & Ancient Club of St. Andrews where John Daly took home the prize. I attended again in 1997 with my son Patrick and then law partner and watched Justin Leornard, a Texan take the most coveted prize. Do not get me wrong, I am a big fan of the Master’s Golf Tournament right here in our own neighborhood as well as the US Open and the PGA, but like Buc-ee’s there is something about it that you just have to go and experience it in person. I love golf – PGA and LIV, DP World Tour, and a thirty Handicap like me playing at home with my own club at WildeWood in Northeast Columbia, but I repeat THE OPEN is mystically special and I will be watching every moment of it I can get up for this weekend. For a mediocre golfer at best, I don’t know why I love it so much, but I do. Hmmm…maybe I should have taken up bowling.

We’re here for the people of South Carolina!

The July 4th holiday weekend (which I usually spend at the beach) is full of one of America’s favorite pastimes being played to sold out crowds across the nation – Baseball! Whether it be the Myrtle Beach Pelicans, the Columbia Fireflies or the Major League teams, every baseball team in America will be playing on July 4th. You can bet I will catch at least one game sitting in front of the television in my bathing suit! Baseball can be somewhat boring, with bursts of excitement, so for me attending a game in person is the absolute best. I enjoy eating the stadium food and watching the entertainment of the crowd. July 4th is a special time where we can rejoice and celebrate this country and enjoy it with our loved ones.

I hope you all enjoy your July 4th weekend wherever you are and in whatever you may be doing. For me, I am going to be hearing those famous words “Play Ball!”

We’re here for the people of South Carolina!

Over the course of my four and a half decades of being an attorney, I have never wavered about my feeling of satisfaction for my chosen career path. Performing my job duties is quite simply a gift from God. Most people who come through my doors in Columbia and Myrtle Beach are seldom having a good day. Instead, they are sick, injured, disabled, or being taken advantage of by the insurance industry. Recently I worked on a case where a prominent radio and TV broadcaster fell ill with carcinoma in his vocal cords and endured multiple surgeries. The illness sadly left him unemployed and as you can imagine, the Social Security Administration did not think he qualified for benefits; however, we felt otherwise. I have known him and his family for many years and never thought I would have to represent him on an issue like this. Along with my family and children, a key reason I get up in the morning is to help people such as him. It is an important aspect of my job, and I am always obliged to help those in need where I can.

I want to say thank you for the privilege of representing many of you over the years and I look forward to continuing to do so in the future.

We’re here for the people of South Carolina!

On this Father’s Day weekend, Saturday June 15th at the South Carolina State Fairgrounds between 12:00pm and 4:00pm, the South Carolina non-profit, Project Unity USA is holding The Exclusive Car, Truck and Jeep Show, along with a Toy Drive. The event is headed up by my good friend Bruce Trezevant. Bruce has done remarkable things as Founder and CEO of Project Unity USA. As a former Los Angeles Police Officer and Richland County Deputy Sheriff, Bruce has seen his fair share of violent crimes committed throughout communities. He has committed himself through this non-profit organization to promoting unity within communities. The goal is to bring law enforcement, churches, businesses, and the media together to advocate for the reduction of crime and to promote the betterment of people’s lives.

Admission to this event is either two toys or two articles of clothing for underprivileged children, size infant to age 15 years old. All the items collected will be given at a future event, Christmas in July. Not only will there be an incredible line up of cars, trucks, and jeeps but there will also be vendors, food, games, and music that will make it a fun-filled event for the entire family. Please consider going out to this wonderful event and supporting this organization as it helps in unifying our communities.

We’re here for the people of South Carolina!

This weekend culminates with Monday being Memorial Day, which honors the sacrifices made by all our military heroes and their families. Memorial Day started as an event honoring Union soldiers who died during the American Civil War and it was originally known as Decoration Day. Now we proudly celebrate and honor the contributions of all those who have served in the United States armed forces.

This weekend millions of Americans will pay their respects to honor their loved ones who have died in military service. Whether that be by visiting a cemetery or spending quality time with friends and family, it is so important to commemorate our fallen soldiers.

American Flags will be placed on graves in national, as well as many church and community cemeteries. We are very fortunate to have a national military cemetery right here at the base of Fort Jackson, which is the largest basic training facility in the United States Army.

Please enjoy your holiday by celebrating with your family and friends but take the time to do some inner reflection of this day and what it means.

We’re here for the people of South Carolina!

The Mike Kelly Law Group is a proud supporter of our hometown baseball team, the Columbia Fireflies. It is always such a fun experience to attend their games at Segra Park and cheer them on. The Fireflies also host theme nights that coincide with the games. Tonight, they have a Bobblehead giveaway, Saturday will be Star Wars Jedi Training and next Tuesday will be Arts Night with Karaoke. I truly love watching baseball but the most fun part about attending a Fireflies game is all the events, enjoying the endless activities, and eating all sorts of comfort food.

The Fireflies Management staff do a great job of entertaining guests from the time the park opens until it closes and a bonus on Saturday nights includes a wonderful firework display to conclude the evening!

We are currently in a 12 game homestand so go secure your tickets and check out our local heroes. Go Fireflies!

We’re here for the people of South Carolina!

As we progress as a society, it is becoming increasingly important to be mindful about the health of our planet and to recognize our impact on the environment. I was never known to be an environmentalist until two well-meaning church ladies confronted me in the naïve of St. Martin-in-the-Fields Episcopal Church and asked me to join the Gills Creek Watershed Association Board. Since I almost never say no, I signed on and boy was I in for a valuable education! I quickly learned that the Gills Creek Watershed services 200,000 South Carolinians, from Spring Valley all the way to the Congaree River. I also learned just how important it is to keep our waterways healthy regardless of where they may be located! I have since been enlightened about Earth Day, its origin, and its importance. It is a bipartisan effort to salute our planet and make positive changes for the benefit of our environment. On behalf of my children and grandchildren this is very important to me in creating a better future for them.

Planet versus Plastics is the theme this year for World Earth Day. It aims to bring attention to the serious threat of plastic pollution on our planet. Please consider protecting the environment in everything you do because it affects our lives, health, and society as we know it!

We are blessed to be on planet Earth so let’s honor it!

We’re here for the people of South Carolina!