The Record Delta
Page 4A
Friday, July 5, 2019
Community leaders share what Independence Day means to them To me, the 4th of July means Freedom and Family. It means outdoors, and cookouts, the beach, the lake, and good times with family and friends. It means sun and fun, remembering good times and making new memories. It’s nice to be able to take time each year to celebrate living in the best country on Earth! God Bless the USA! Brian Gaudet Circuit Clerk
Independence means freedom, and July 4, 1776 was when our nation declared itself to be an independent nation. Since then, many men and women in the armed forces have fought and continue to fight to preserve our freedom so that we can enjoy life here in the United States. On July 4th we give thanks for the wisdom and faith and courage of those soldiers and leaders, but let’s never forget to take time to reflect on God’s goodness to us as a nation. In Winston Churchill’s words - “Pursue the vision, reach toward the goal, and fulfill the American dream.” And as you move to do it, Never give in! Lieutenant Mark Davis Upshur County Sheriff’s Office
Independence Day is one of my favorite holidays. It’s a time to gather with family and friends, as we celebrate the birth of our great nation by sipping lemonade, and eating our weight in hotdogs, hamburgers, potato salad, and apple pie. It’s more than just a day off from work. We are blessed to live in the greatest nation on the face of the planet; a nation worth celebrating from sea to shining sea. Although it sometimes may seem that we’re divided, and perhaps headed down questionable paths, at our core, we’re a nation of proud, hard-working people who understand our freedoms have never come free. I believe in this country, and I am so proud to be an American, and a West Virginian. I wish you all a very happy and safe Fourth of July weekend! Robbie Skinner Buckhannon City Council
Independence Day means different things to me. First of all, are the freedoms we have right here in the United States, such as freedom of speech, freedom of religion, etc. Also, it’s the ability to make my own choices about everything affecting my life. My freedom is knowing within myself that I can be at peace in all my choices and be content in it. Also, I know none of these freedoms we take for granted would be possible without our servicemen, military and leaders. I want to thank them and tell them that I appreciate their sacrifices.
July 4th - the day the Declaration of Independence was signed in 1776. By signing this proclamation, a new nation emerged; a nation founded on the pursuit of freedom. This freedom has not come easy. Therefore, on July 4th, not only do I celebrate that we are a nation pursuing the goal of life, liberty and happiness for all but I also reflect on all the heroes before us who have given their lives so that we can live the American dream. For our freedom has not been free, it has been obtained through the efforts and lives of our courageous military, policemen, firemen and others who protect us from harm each day. For all these and others, I am forever thankful. God Bless America. Bill Hamilton West Virginia Senator
When asked, “What does Independence Day mean to you?” - Many thoughts began running through my head. The first word that came to mind was FREEDOM. I thought that Independence Day is an opportunity to watch fireworks, attend family reunions, barbecues, picnics or parades. It is a holiday - a day off from work. I was so interested in this that I began researching Independence Day online. I found an article entitled “The True Meaning of Independence Day”, written by Sam Blumenfield. This is too good not to share. It reads, “In the American calendar no day is more significant than the Fourth of July, in which we celebrate the signing of the Declaration of Independence in 1776. That Declaration proclaimed to the world our separation from Great Britain and our emergence as a new sovereign nation, as we state in the pledge to our flag, “under God, with liberty and justice for all.” The Declaration states unequivocally: “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all Men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness - that to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their powers from the consent of the governed.” Those few words sum up the divine source of our unalienable rights and our philosophy of government. Nothing quite so revolutionary has been proclaimed anywhere by any people. But those beliefs had to be affirmed by a long, bloody war, which was finally won. The result has been the shining light on a hill, the United States of America, the freest, most creative, productive, and richest nation in the history of mankind.” So, I ask myself the question again, “What does Independence Day mean to me?” One word would sum it up, “Blessings.” A day to celebrate the freedom to be a citizen of the United States of America. Thankful for President Donald J. Trump’s leadership, and all veterans and branches of the military. A place where I can proclaim the name of Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior. That is what Independence Day means to me. God Bless You and God Bless America - The Land that I love! LeVera J. Gillum, President Central West Virginia Republican Women
Pam Bucklew Buckhannon City Council
The Fourth of July, or Independence Day, is a time to celebrate our great country. My family and I use this time to celebrate America and the freedoms associated with living here. Everyone loves cookouts, spending time with family, and fireworks as a way to celebrate. We should all remember the sacrifices that have been made by those that came before us that allow us the freedoms we celebrate today.
For me, Independence Day is a day of heightened Patriotism. As communities come together to celebrate our freedom, national pride is on our minds and faith in our hearts. As Sheriff of Upshur County, I enjoy watching our citizens I serve displaying their true patriotism on this special day. Independence Day is a day to remember those that fought to make the United States a country based on opportunities and freedom. It is a day to remember our forefathers signing the Declaration of Independence that has been the foundation for this great country that we live in today. I love my country, and I am so honored to be a citizen of the United States of America.
Mike Coffman Upshur County Magistrate
David H. Coffman Upshur County Sheriff
Two things that I feel are very important are faith and family. These are the essence of what Independence Day represents to me. Independence Day also reminds me of those, both past and present, which put their lives on the line for me every day. I pray I never take my freedom for granted or forget the sacrifice that was paid for me. Others have lost their lives so that I would be free, and no words can express how blessed I am. Kristie Tenney Upshur County Commissioner
The Fourth of July means a day to reflect on how great our country is and how precious our freedoms are. It is a day to celebrate with family and friends and to enjoy all of the subtle blessings of life in America, like taking your Dad to a baseball game and sharing a good burger together, watching a fireworks show, having a backyard barbeque with food and games, visiting a National Park, or taking your kids horseback riding after visiting a cave and hunting for the perfect rock at a really cool rock shop. Thanks again. Matt Gregory Buckhannon City Police Chief
“Independence Day is a great opportunity to reflect on the greatness of our country and be thankful for our freedom. My mother, Lala, was born and raised in Fidel Castro’s Cuba, where she was thrown into jail for seven weeks for opposing Castro’s communist regime. When she was 20, she escaped Cuba and fled to America to restart her life. My father, Vincent, served in the Vietnam War as a Captain in the U.S. Army where he earned a Bronze Star. On Independence Day, I am reminded of the freedoms we enjoy as American citizens. I’m thankful to live in a state like West Virginia where we treasure our God given freedoms, we value our faith, and so many of our brave citizens volunteer to defend our freedom.” Alex X. Mooney Congressman (WV-02)
Blueberries and ice-cream, cook-outs and family... Warm weather, our matching red, white and blue shirts and smiles...Fireworks and songs such as I am proud to be an American, God Bless America, and Born in the USA playing in the background during celebrations with family and friends. We are so blessed to live in the USA, this is a celebration of our wonderful country, our independence and freedom! As the daughter of a WWII veteran, I remember that freedom was not, and is not FREE. Thank you to those who have and continue to make the celebration of this day possible. These freedoms that we, asAmericans, enjoy including the right to a free and appropriate public education. In Upshur County, we have a close-knit community that supports our children and their education. Naturally, we are counting the days until we see the smiles of our students as they return to school. Only 26 days until the first day of school. Pre-K, Kindergarten, 6th and 9th grade students return for their “First Day on Campus” on Tuesday, August 13 and ALL students return on Wednesday, August 14. Have a great 4th of July and summer! Dr. Sara Lewis-Stankus, Superintendent of Upshur County Schools
Happy Independence Day