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JULY 4 WEEKEND - July 6, 2006
I received an e-card with a message reminding us to love
our nation, which does not celebrate our freedom with guns, tanks,
soldiers marching and bombers flying over the White House, but with
ordinary people involved in family picnics, children’s games, reunions
and neighborhood picnics, swimming and cook outs.
This was in the back of my mind all weekend, as we
celebrated.
The Alumni Day celebration was a huge success. Thanks to
the officers and committees that put it all together. It is a good
affair because of the foundation that was laid back in 1987 by Ila Grey
Snider and her committee. She had an organizational plan that will be
followed for many generations.
We are grateful that Calhoun County had a coach that
made men out of boys, not just winning football teams. His teachings are
still felt in many communities where Wayne Underwood’s players are
passing it on to another generation.
Saturday night, I attended a concert of the Wheeling
Sym-phony at Canaan Valley State Park. The music selections were mostly
patriotic, speaking of love, history and dedication of Americans to our
country. The musicians were not paid by the state, but by donations and
a foundation.
I attended a reading class for three-year-old children,
where the teacher gave each child a flag and was teaching them basic
flag etiquette. It was not a government requirement, it was a voluntary
program.
We salute our armed forces. This country does not have
military service as a requirement. These people serve because they
choose to in order to help keep us safe and free.
I read a book about an immigrant from Denmark, who came
to this country at the age of 18 with $50 in his pocket and only a few
words of English in his vocabulary. He often said, “If you have your
freedom, you have everything.”
Take time today to pledge to our flag and think of the
words.
“I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, and
to the republic for which it stands, one nation, under God, indivisible,
with liberty and justice for all.”
A final prayer from the song, “America”:
“Long may our land be bright
With freedom’s holy light;
Protect us by thy might,
Great God, our King!”
Note: This was written on July 4. The celebrating will
be completed when you read this, but it is always a good day to say:
God Bless America!
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