The border vidette., 1922-06-24
AMERICA FIRST DAY.
EXECUTIVE OFFICE STATE OF
 ARIZONA.
A PROCLAMATION

furtherance of American ideals deserve hearty support of our citizens. One is that of making the anniversary of our Indepen dence something more than a noise holiday, through holding Civic Courts of Honor for the welcoming into citizenship of onr foreign born residents who have signitied their desire for adop tion by this great republic, and for the rededication of all our citizenry, whether native or for eign- born to the ideals upon which this nation was founded. The other, similar in it's concep- tion, would set aside the Sunday preceding the Fourth of July for the presentation and discussion in the churches of our land of the gospel of true Americanism and those fundamental truths which are essential to the larger development of the nation.
 Admirable as these sugges- tions are, observance of them will be hollow mockery if we permit ourselves to ignore the great truths of liberty and jus tice. This nation was founded by those who sought on a new found continent shelter and ref uge from the religious hatreds, tyrannies and prosecutions of the old world. They came here in order that they might wor- ship as conscience dictated, un molested by the intolerance of bigots, and on the bed rock of law and order laid the corner stones of equality of opportunity and religious liberty. Into the haven thus established here focked the oppressed of many lands. finding under the Stars and Stripes sanctuary denied them by the autocracies- of Ea-- rope.
 It is just one hundred and forty five years today since the American Flag was born, and in that period men of every faith have fought, suffered and died for the fundamental ideals for which it stands. Every fold of this symbol of our liberties is consecrated with the blood of patriots, who, regardless of per scnal religious beliefs have sa- criticed their lives in order that we may live in peace, security and contentment, any may en- joy the blessings of liberty un der law.
 In the light of history it ill behooves any group or organi- fo o ho law, or to assume the preroga- tives of the duly elected repre- sentatives of the people. Re sort to the ballot is open to all, and if there is laxity in the en- fOrcement of the laws, the rem eday is to be found in the recall of any who have demonstrated their unfitnesS and not through the illegal activities of self con stituted guardians of public nor als. There is room in this country for but one government, that of the people. Invisible Empires" meeting in secrecy to impose judgment and inflict pun ishmeut have no place in free America. Our government guar antees equal rights to all, and violation of this sacred preroga- tive calls for prompt and vigor- ous action.
 The American spirit of toler- ance of fair dealing will not ap prove, however, of any effort to persecute those, who, under the influence of miSrepreSenta tations, or misguided zeal, have become affiliated with any such move ment, withdrawing when it's true character became apparent, nor will it condone the efforts of those narrow minded individuals who are seizing upon any oppor tunity to foment religious strife. As the anniversary of our birth as a nation approaches, let us in all humility, quicken and refresh our minds with the great truths of liberty and justice, re affirming our undying loyalty and allegiance to the sacred ideals upon which this govern ment is founded, and reconse crating our lives to it's service.
 Now, Therefore, I Thomas E. Campbell, Governor of the State of Arizona, do hereby designate Sunday, the second day of July of the present year as America