Spirit of Jefferson. [volume] (Charles Town, Va. [W. Va.]) 1844-1948, 1921-06-28
america FIRST" DAY cELE-I
BRATiONs TO BE HELD IN MANY
COMMUNITIES IN w. VA.
Sunday. July 3, To Be Observed In
Many West Virgins Churches

Sunday, July 3, To Be Observed In
Many West Virgins Churches
Charleston, June 16.-Reports are
coming to the Governors Office daily
from communities in various sections
of Wet Virginia assuring him that
AN RIGA FIRST DAY, July 8, will
be ttirgly celebrated in compliance
with his recent proclamation.
In commenting upon this matter
todav Governor Morgan said: 1T is
graf. tying indeed to note the spirit in
which mayors in various municipal
ties in West Virginia have fallen in
line with this request and have ap-
pointed committees to arrange public
meetings of patriotic nature for
America First Day.
"The ministers in West Virginia, a
body Of noble, patriotic men, have ac-
cepted the idea and are willing to
either discuss American Ideals" in
their churches or invite some promi
nent persons to fill their pulpits on
that day. | was very pleased to hear
that the Ministerial Association of
Charleston has unanimously approx
ed my Proclamation, and agreed to
observe the day in fitting manner.
Welcome New Citizens.
"a suggestion was made recently
in one of our leading magazines that
the Fourth of July be used to well
come new citizens, both native and
foreign born. May / suggest that it
might be well to invite new citizens
in every community in cur State to
participate in observing America
First Day Sunday, July 3rd. A
place might be reserved for these
young men and women in the church
auditoriums. They will appreciate
this signal honor.
at is time for us in this country to
emphasize the point that to be an
American Citizen is privilege and it
carries with it certain duties and re-
sponsibilities. This fact should be
impressed upon every person when he
becomes citizen regardless of
whether he is of foreign birth or a
native American.
Patriotism Necessary.
My purpose in setting aside Sun
day, July 3rd, and calling it "Ameri-
ca First Day, was to bring to the at
tention of our citizens the fact that
it is just as necessary to be patriotic
In time of peace as it is to be enthus-
ed with love of country in time of
war. We have enemies in this coun-
try at the present time who are as
dangerous to the welfare and pros
perity of the United States, if unhin-
dered in their nefarious work, as any
enemies we have ever had in war.
Loyal Americans must stand for
American Ideals, and for the best
interests of our nation. This does
not mean that they should express
patriotism by loud declarations or
noisy rhetoric, or in Boosting of our
grandeur or parading before other
nations cur conceited notions. The
real American stands four square on
fundame1t2ls such as freedom of
speech and press, religious liberty,
property rights and respect for old
age and womanhood.
Il ar .cipate that AMERICA
FIRST DAY will be fittingly observ-
ed in every community in the great
state of West Virginia. | appeal to
every 10y; American living within
the State to assist in this important
matter. 1t is our duty to strive o
keep alive the patriotic fervor that
was stirred into action during the
recent war.
Il hope that the interest will be so
pronounced and the results attained
so worthwhile that the Sunday pre-
ceding independence Day will be OBJ
served in West Virginia annually as
AMERICA FIRST DAY"