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Show Iron County Fair a time for Patriotism GUEST EDITORIAL D. AMASA STONES President, Iron County Fair Board Once again we are looking forward with eager anticipation to the Iron County Fair. It is with sincere sin-cere gratitude and commendation that I address myself my-self to the fine people of Iron County who are the builders of this institution, and the fine people of our surrounding counties and states for the loyal support sup-port they give it through their attendance and participation. par-ticipation. Our general theme this year, as has been for the past several years is, "A Family Affair." This is not just an ordinary affair, but it is special in that it. brings our families together, under the title of "Homecoming," that they might enjoy and appreciate each other's friendship and association. Along with the very important social aspect, it - is a motivating force, within the exhibitors and participants, par-ticipants, which creates a desire to achieve and impels im-pels each one to put forth their best effort. The social, the cultural, the educational and en- tertainment teatures or tne Jfair an nave tneir place and are very important and are the factors upon which the Fair is built. But, underneath these is the "spirit" of the occasion which determines the social atmosphere and climate of this and other festivities within our county, our state and our nation. One of the main objectives of this county-wide celebration is to generate good will and fellowship among the people of this area, and a feeling of friendliness, envy and distrust cease to exist and, at least during this celebration, we give our allegiance to our great country. Let me again express my gratitude and deep appreciation ap-preciation to you for your loyal support to this function func-tion and the fine, friendly and sportsmanlike manner in which you participate in the different activities. The parade is the activity that we hope will create the feeling of love and loyalty for and to our country, our state and our nation. The theme for the parade this year Is "Your Land and My Land." I am hopefully asking that we as individuals, families, agencies, businesses and civic and church organizations organiza-tions make a sincere effort, not only to become identified iden-tified with the parade, but with the other features of the Fair. If there were ever a time in the history of our great nation when it really needed such people as you and I to step forward and echo the phrase "Your Land and My Land" it is right now, today and tomorrow and every day. Now, dear citizen, just meditate for a few moments on what this land means to you. Patriotism Pat-riotism is not only placing our hand over our heart when the flag is passing by and giving the Pledge of - Allegiance, but it is a pretty good indication 'of how we feel inside. A lot of people in America are suffering from a disease which the Bible calls "drooping of the soul" a deflation of moral character. Why can't Americans Amer-icans let loose emotionally and allow ther fervor for flag and country to ripple forth as do the red and whate stripes on our beautiful American flag? When you hear the rat-a-tat-tat of a drummer's stick, the clash of cymbals, the twirling of silver batons ba-tons and a brilliantly-dressed, fast-stepping color guard marching down the middle of a street in the USA does it make you want to feel your heart race, a mist to cloud your eyes, and the tightness of the lump in your throat make speaking impossible for a moment? Does it make you crave to know that good old spirit of flag-waving, wherein you see visions of Betsy Ross, Washington, Jefferson and Nathan Hale? Does it cause you to reflect on the blood that was shed while the Star Spangled Banner was being written, writ-ten, or the tears and sweat from those who fought at Flanders Field, Corrigidor and Pearl Harbor? In some quarters in America we have become brainwashed into believing it "corny" to become emotionally stirred by a 3 x 5 red, white and blue piece of cloth. A complacent attitude toward our 50 stars seems the socially accepted way to respond. God forgive those who have allowed this apathy to destroy our national heritage! The youth of our nation is Uncle Sam's strongest strong-est weapon against defeat. Each generation must rekindle re-kindle in its youth the allegiance to our flag, respect and reverance for those patriots who loved freedom 1 more than life, and rededicate themselves to place the good of the greatest country on earth above their own selfish desires. When the stars and stripes pass by and I bare my head and place my right hand over my heart, I feel very near to God; and He's the best friend we can have In these troubled times. And now, as a closing thought, let me invite you to lay aside your tools for a day or so and gather in ' festive celebration, that we might acknowledge the rewards of our labors, that we might come together to enjoy and appreciate each other's friendship and association, measure our creations and accomplishments, accomplish-ments, and bring into focus the mny blessings we! receive from God and country. j Again let me say the work, the effort, the coop-' eration and loyalty that has been exhibited and gp-en ' by you good people over the years, that the fair might be an outstanding activity, has not gone unnoticed. Once again, will you please accept my gratitude and deep appeciation. - i |