Editorials - 07/04/02

Show patriotism by joining Main Street celebration

Over the past year Americans have endured the tremendous pain of Sept. 11. For the first time since America fought for its independence, the continental United States was attacked on its own soil. Families lost loved ones, entire corporations were left without employees and we watched as two towers of American prosperity were reduced to rubble.

Nevertheless, America and its people are healing as New York City and Washington, D.C., are rebuilding. Families are coping with the loss of loved ones, and soldiers are fighting in a foreign land in an effort to apprehend those who participated in this heinous act.

With husbands, mothers, sons and daughters overseas in an effort to bring the perpetrators of this horrific crime to justice, it is important to show the rest of the world that America is still free and that its citizens will not be imprisoned by senseless acts of terror.

In our opinion, patriotism should begin at home. What better way to show American pride locally than to gather on Main Street for Jackson County's annual Independence Day celebration? It promises to be one of the best ever with a program of patriotic music planned to accompany the pyrotechnics.

The freedoms we often take for granted - like saying what we think, worshiping how we choose, and even dressing the way we want - did not come without a price. These freedoms were paid for by the blood, sweat and tears of the men and women who have fought for our liberty throughout our young nation's history.

When we gather on Main Street tonight (Thursday) to enjoy fireworks, music and games with our friends and families, let's remember all who were lost in September's terrorist attacks and praise all of those who are fighting today so that we may continue to enjoy the blessings of freedom.

- Written by Western Carolina University intern David Bailey

Back to Archive: 07/04/02.