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Show JULY FOURTH, 1949 July Fourth, the anniversary of the historic Declaration of Independence, In-dependence, will be observed in every American state. There will be speeches, programs and various celebrations as the men nnd women of today eulogize the great event of 1776. Millions of people, including hundreds in Milford, will turn a reverent gaze in the direction of the early heroes of this republic, repub-lic, the men who placed their lives and fortunes in hostage for the freedom of the 13 colonies. These early patriots did not then comprehend the full nature na-ture of the nation that would spread to the Pacific and cast its line across the oceans. It is well, no doubt, for us to celebrate the day with pageantry pag-eantry and pomp, but it is better, bet-ter, we think, for us, as individuals, indi-viduals, to. dedicate ourselves to the principles upon which the republic was founded. Before we can fully accomplish this fealty, it is necessary to thoroughly thor-oughly understand the fundamental funda-mental principles of American republicanism and to resolve that, as citizens of a great nation, we will loyally support them. The allegiance of the heart and mind is worth more to the country than physical participation participa-tion in any public display. At best, pomp and ceremony can only offer a spectacle to this generation but complete obedience obedi-ence to the vital truths of democracy de-mocracy will serve as an acceptance ac-ceptance offering to those whfl come after us. Let us remember remem-ber that this republic will survive sur-vive through the genuine loyalty of its men and women, not by virtue of parades, processions, addresses and poppy-cock sen-tentiously sen-tentiously sponsored by pompous pom-pous individuals. It should be recognized that few men living in 1776 had any idea that the union of the thirteen thir-teen colonies, modestly referred to as these United States, would develop into the present highly centralized government. Few then dreamed that the federal government would become so all-powerful as to dwarf the respective re-spective states or that the rights of the people would depend upon the action of the so-called confederation.. We will not prolong this article with an exposition of the citizen's duties in connection with the American ideal of government. gov-ernment. These would vary with individuals. We merely suggest to every man, woman and child w ho happens to read this article that each for himself or herself her-self undertake to understand Ihe principles of a republican form of government and that each, as a loyal American, pledge anew a personal faith in the strength and permanency of our country. Such a resolution, engraved in the hearts of millions of citizens, citi-zens, will be the greatest possible pos-sible commemoration of a rightfully right-fully celebrated anniversary. It will be worth more than all the public performances, staged in the name of liberty, since the advent of the human race. |