Dear Friends,
It seems there is an almost unending list of reasons to be distraught, discouraged and downtrodden. But overarching and undergirding our myriad problems is the fact that we control our own destiny
We live in the greatest country in the history of mankind. The vast majority of our fellow citizens, thank goodness, recognize this. Each time I visit our Sevier Valley Veterans Memorial, I take a minute to pause and ponder journalist Elmer Davis’ sentiment that’s inscribed there: “This nation will remain the land of the free only so long as it is the home of the brave.”
Independence Day is this weekend. While we’ve postponed a number of events until next year, we’ve chosen to have our regular parade (minus throwing candy to and at each other).
Please be responsible. Please use wisdom and good judgment when setting off personal fireworks. Please wear masks so we’re not spitting on one another, and please practice social distancing. It’s not a political statement; it’s just a small way we can show concern for one another.
Those with compromised immune systems and those who are particularly vulnerable to COVID-19 are encouraged to stay home. We’ll see you at next year’s event. But you can still enjoy the festivities with a live broadcast of the parade on KTTA 8.1 or Centracom Channel 10. I express our community’s heartfelt thanks to Michael Parsons for making this happen.
When you watch the Stars and Stripes lead the parade up Main Street, think of what it has meant to us and signaled to the world for so many years. It is Old Glory, and we must be brave and do the work required to keep her flying.
We probably won’t all agree about what work is needed, and we might differ on exactly what part we each will play. But I believe if we all start by trying to do what we think is right and fair and just; if we consciously respond to our better natures; we’ll overcome our current bumps in the road and be happy and proud of the results. God Bless America.
Mayor David Ogden