Speaking of Freedom: What's Next?
July the 4th will soon be upon us once again. Independence Day. Cook outs, fireworks, ball games, etc, etc, etc... That's the way we celebrate, right? Most every one does and our members celebrate in these ways, too. But we strive also to remember and appreciate that America is about so much more than that. She is about liberty and justice for all.
I have for some time been planning to write about one of the things that is so special about America, the idea of American exceptionalism. This is a much maligned and misunderstood term and perhaps Independence Day is a good time for me to put in my 2 cents worth.
What American exceptionalism does and does not mean: It does not mean that Americans are somehow inherently superior people. That seems to be what those who have attached a negative connotation to the term think. But this makes no sense whatsoever given the fact that our population is made up of people from "every nation, tribe and tongue."
American exceptionalism does mean that the American Way-the system of government and society devised and instituted by the Founders-provides a framework of just law which, when adhered to, makes it possible for anyone to reach their maximum potential, i.e. to live an exceptional life.
May we the members of MCP, in reliance on God, work to restore a right understanding and application of American exceptionalism. Then may God bless America once again. And may He bless us each and all this Independence Day.
Workshop for firearm safety, maintenance & basics of marksmanship.
After lunch we'll go out to a local range for some marksmanship practice.
Please bring your firearms & at least 50 rounds of ammo.
You're welcome to bring a dish to pass.
not a sudden, spectacular program.
Our next meeting will be June 18 from 10-2 at the Church of the Open Door in Macon. Our topic will be firearms safety, maintenance and basic marksmanship. We will begin in the classroom by reviewing shooting basics. We will then share a meal after which we will head out to the range for some practice. Bring a dish for the meal, your firearm(s) and at least 50 rounds of ammo.
Another thing that is "next" is the next national patriotic event. Know what that is? Independence Day? Let's not forget D-Day, June 6th. That's today!
"Resolved, that the flag of the United States be thirteen stripes, alternate red and white; that the union be thirteen stars, white in a blue field representing a new constellation."
Flag Day was officially established by the Proclamation of President Woodrow Wilson on May 30th, 1916. While Flag Day was celebrated in various communities for years after Wilson's proclamation, it was not until August 3rd, 1949, that President Truman signed an Act of Congress designating June 14th of each year as National Flag Day. Since then the President proclaims the commemoration yearly, and encourages all Americans in the country to display the Stars and Stripes outside their homes and businesses. Individual states determine how they will observe the day.
Although Flag Day is not a national holiday and there is no specific way to celebrate it some use the occasion to set out flag displays, leaving them out until after Independence Day. I suspect that most if not all of us already display Old Glory most if not all the time. But, if not, maybe this Flag Day will be your time to start this good habit.
Beyond that one might suggest to a business, town, club or other group that they sponsor a flag display this year?! Whatever way we do so, whether on a small or grand scale, it's always a good thing to display the Red, White and Blue.
I'll close by giving these two definitions of "patriotism". The first is from Merriam-Webster's 2004 dictionary, the other from Noah Webster's 1828 edition. The difference in the two may sum up about as well as anything what has gone wrong with America and what it is going to take to restore her.
2004 definition: "love for or devotion to one's country."
1828 definition: Love of one's country; the passion which aims to serve one's country, either in defending it from invasion, or protecting its rights and maintaining its laws and institutions in vigor and purity. Patriotism is the characteristic of a good citizen, the noblest passion that animates a man in the character of a citizen.
I hope to see many flags flying this Flag Day and many patriots at our June 18th meeting. See you then?!