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Editor:
As the anniversary of our country’s birth, Sunday, July 4th, approaches, gratitude demands that Virginians as all our nation’s citizens, observe our bicentennial. But beyond a fine sense of appreciation, what is the proper manner in which to observe this respected and hallowed day? Freedom of choice, is one of our great blessings, but even within the tolerance of this privilege, is there not an area of propriety in which observance is best expressed? Should not the same values, which our forefathers poured into our nation’s foundation, be honored for their 200 years of durable freedom?
Was not a pattern outlined for future generations, when Divine Providence was celebrated at Plymouth and Shirley Plantation? Does not the record bear witness of the first man to disembark at Virginia Beach, on his knees thanking God for a safe passage? Even more than the force of cannon and the shouted defiance of, “give me liberty or give me death”, was it not the power and guidance of Almighty God that pictures Washington on his knees at Valley Forge? Was not the sovereignty of God clearly affirmed, when Jefferson declared, “with firm reliance on the protection of Divine Providence we mutually pledge to each other our lives, our fortunes, our sacred honor”?
If our slogan is, God and Country, should not their commemoration go hand in hand? If God has been recognized as the author of freedom, should not God be the key factor in the very anniversary of freedom? Moreover, if Sunday by Divine edict and national tradition has been set aside for the worship and reverence of Divine Providence, should not true patriotism uphold the sanctity of Sunday, July 4, 1976?
By what contrast, therefore, is the carnival atmosphere of a country fair a logical or proper substitute?
Is the heartbeat or deep significance of our freedoms birth and life found in die frothy environment of a flea market?
In all kindness should the noisy bombardment of Sunday night fireworks supersede the open doors of institutions long established to honor God?
As our nation considers the how of our bicentennial observance, Sunday, July 4th, there is no actual stress on time or freedom of choice. The calendar has provided three days for both celebration and commemoration. But with due respect to those patriots
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