Show years ago U this s Sunday American colonists boldly proclaimed their political freedom and convictions In an extraordinary document of 01 profound and and continuing in in- fluence ler The ideals that distinguished the Declaration of Independence Independence Independence In In- dependence sparked not only the revolutionary zeal of these early patriots but have since illuminated ted our way as as a nation The truths expressed in the Declaration that all men are created equal that they are arc endowed by their creator with certain unalienable rights that among these are life liCe liberty and the pursuit of happiness- happiness that to secure secure these rights governments are instituted among men deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed remain t today day the enduring foundation of this thus government and the measure of our democratic birthright Across the nation and around the world pause will be taken to note this thus special moment i in the history of the worlds world's oldest continuously existing republic To Americans it means that the blueprint of the nations Declaration of Independence the Constitution and the Bill of still Rights-still serve them well To foreigners it means that the ye year r old experiment in self- self government continues to stand as a beacon of Freedom stated John W. W Warner Administrator Administrator Administrator Ad Ad- of the American Revolution Bicentennial Ad Ad- ministration I 1738 communities s across across across' the theland theland theland land have been given g special recognition n for their Bicentennial Bicentennial tennial commissions to support local projects As of the end of May j just t over 15 million had been allocated to projects around the nation During its two and one half years existence the Bicentennial n tennial J d Administration n has stressed three areas of recognition lI Heritage 76 a 76 a nationwide summons to recall our heritage to place it in its historical perspective and focus on the origins value and unfolding unfolding unfolding un un- un- un folding panorama of our nations nation's history Festival USA- USA is a nationwide opportunity to share with fellow Americans and the people of the world the traditions the culture the hospitality and the character of the United States and its people Horizons is 76 a nationwide challenge to every American acting individually or in groups to select and act up upon n goals to help make America the more perfect union and to improve the quality of life for the Third Century The significance of the celebration this week is well stated in a quotation given by John Adams to his w wife e Abigail on July 3 1776 this great anniversary festival ought to be commemorated as the day of deliverance by solemn acts of devotion to God Almighty It ought to be solemnized with pomp and p parade rade with shows games sports guns bells bonfires and illuminations from one end of the e country to the other from this time forever more This is just what we plan to do this Saturday Sunday and Monday Check over the schedule of 01 events and plan to take part in the festivities We would like to congratulate the Bicentennial committees who have worked so hard and spent so much time to insure the success of 01 our Bicentennial projects and celebration festivities From the district level to the county level many volunteer workers have freely given of 01 their time and talents to the Bicentennial promotion These workers have been patriots on the local level doing their assigned parts to insure our due recognition and enjoyment of the Bicentennial nial season We wish to thank them and assure them that the Bicentennial theme will live far beyond the celebration of 01 the tho tint first years yeara of the birth of 01 our great nation U If we can keep th the truths contained within the Declaration of 01 Independence t in our count country this will always be a land of promise and Independence Day will always be a day of gr great t significance Have a happy happ Bicentennial birthday celebration th this week eek l t |