New Britain herald., 1922-06-16
EDUCATION BOARD
 URGES SANE FOURTH
Mayors and SeleCtmen Forwarded
 Letters of Suggestion

Letters are being forwarded to tn,
 mayors and first selectmen of citie
 and towns regarding the observanc,
 Of Independence Day and how |
 should be celebrated These letter.
 have been approved of by the stat,
 board of education and department O.
 Americanization and are as follows:
 Text of Letter.
 Following the approval of tho governor. am sending you herewith suggested program to be carried out
 by organizations in your communit, that the celebration of Independence Day may be carried out in a safe sane and appropriate manner.
 Heretofore the Fourth of July has been little more than an excuse for a vacation jaunt or for meaningless shooting of fireworks and for making of unbearabe noises. A certain amount of this kind of celebration may be reasonable. but the signif- canoe of the day has too often, been obscured or wholly disregarded. This has been true of those recently ar rived. on our shores who now con- stltute nearly one-third of our state, and considerable part of your city, and of tthose whose heritage is an ancestry dating back to the Revolu- tion.
 The spirit of the Fathers of the Re public still guides the destiny of these United States. It is in our hands to see to it that this heritage is passed on. Independence Day. therefore, may well mark rededication to America and of America by native and foreign born together to the ideals and principles of the founders of the nation. The American by birth, about to attain his majority, and the newly naturalized citizen, American by choice, can unite on this day in conservation to American prin- ciples
 An Independence Day program, inn pressive and dignified, can emphasize certain rights and privileges, certain duties and obligations. Too long has America been a mere synonym for op- portunty It's people should not be merely receivers of protection of life and limb and prosperity, or education, public preferment and private gain. There are certain reciprocal obliga- tions, to study domestic and foreign problems, to observe and measure the conduct of our lawmakers and ad- ministrators of law, to make them selves heard when wrongs are to be rectifed, to register, to vote, and to act as their conscience dictates.
 Plans Suggested.
 Every city and town has this great ing, a civic court of honor, on Inde- pendence Day. There. may be a parade or pageant to which every or ganization and foreign-born group car contribute. The great events and epochs in our history can be depicted from the eras of discovery, through revolution and evolution to the pres- ent. Invitations to the civic court of honor can be carried by the Boy Scouts or similar organizations to those whose names and addresses are given them as foreign born who have been newly naturalized during the current year as well as to those native born who will exercise their right of suffrage for the first time this year. Only by such means can the sacred privilege of citizenship be recognized by the community and raised to the position of honor it must hold
 The meeting could be addresses by leading citizens and public officials. There can be an address by pros pective voter and a new citizen who should state what citizenship and civic responsibility mean to them. Stress may be laid upon the ideals | and the meaning of America and the [ part it has played in forming gov ernment based upon the consent of the governed. But these talks should | be directed to certain practical ends, to hasten the speaking of English | for the development of common language for the proper performance of their civic duties,-that industrial opportunities may be gained and in- dustrial accidents avoided,-to encour- ge the reading of American news papers,-to obtain understanding and friendships between native and foreign born.
 There can be songs-of the old patriotic airs are sung by all.
 There can be distribution of small American flags. and allegiance to the flag should be pledged.
 The mayor could issue an appro- priate proclamation. II
 If the meeting is in the evening there could we'll be slides and motion pictures, etc.
 Through the appointment Of committee of prominent men and women representing important or in your community who are interested in this vital phase or this event can De made one of the civic accomplish ments of the year and will be of in estimable value to all concerned. IL Is hoped that our Residents word Of welcome to all at these meetings Will add that note of unity which will the governors and your own.