July has been a month for celebrating, and the Golden Age Center had lots of things to celebrate. The winners of the Father’s Day giveaway were Patrick Breen and Gil Dildine; although all the men who were fathers felt like winners. Seven members celebrated birthdays: Almeda Dyer, Barbara Harrison, Charles Nix, John Tessmer, Glenda Smith, Leota Trice, Virginia Upton, and Betty Wood. Happy birthday wishes to all of you. Almeda Dyer celebrated a special 4th birthday with her twin great-grandsons, Boston and Houston Morley, in Wellston, OK with the proud parents, Austin and Carrie.
Both sets of grand-parents, four great-grandmothers, and one great-grandfather were able to attend. “I was the oldest one there!” reported Almeda.
The center was closed July 4th so all could celebrate with family and fireworks. Today, the Liberty Bell (located in Independence National Historical Park in Philadelphia, PA) is tapped 13 times in honor of the original 13 colonies on the 4th. It is no longer rung because it was cracked eventually even though it was recast several times. It was rung from 1754 to 1777 as the Pennsylvania State House bell. “Proclaim Liberty throughout all the land unto the inhabitants thereof, Lev. 25:10” is inscribed on the bell.
At the first public reading of the Declaration of Independence on July 8, 1776, bells rang throughout the 13 colonies so the Liberty Bell is a national symbol of that today.
In 1965, I had the priviledge of visiting Independence Hall to see the Liberty Bell in Philadelphia. I am glad it is preserved and honored for all generations. Today, the words “freedom, liberty, and rights” are tossed about to claim our own desire to do what we want without regard for our fellow man and his “rights”.
Mobs protest; men, women, and children claim the right to decide for themselves about their own bodies; all claim the right to free speech; to defend themselves; all without regard for how it may hurt someone else.
Our forefathers were very concerned in writing the Constitution that our “rights” be protected, but I don’t believe they meant for those rights to be abused to harm others by destroying their property, by acting in an indecent manner, by making false accusations, etc.
May this nation return to celebrating the “Golden Rule”.
