Marion progress., 1949-11-24
giving. The holiday has been OBJ
served annually since then.

Iserved annually since tnen.
| Thanksgiving Day, then, is a
Iday for reflecting upon our respon-
Isibilities as American citizens, For,
Iif the Pilgrims have any message
for us today it is the Importance of
developing this sense of responsi-
bility, responsibility they possess
|sed to high degree.
The American Heritage Founda-
ton which directed the nationwide
tour of the Freedom Train has pro-
posed that we revitalize Thanks
giving and other major holidays by
making them occasions for stimula-
ting "active membership"
These are the nine duties of a
good citizen suggested by the foun-
dation in it's holiday program:
(1) vote in all elections; (2)
serve On a jury when called; (2)
respect and obey the laws; (4) pay
taxes understandingly; (5) work
for peace, but accept all duties in
time of war; (6) avoid group pre-
ijudices; CD work for better
schools; (8) work for all communi-
ty improvements; (9) practice and
teach good citizenship at home.
One of the tragedies of our times
is that few Americans realize that
the development of this sense of
responsibility is the only way our
national greatness can be sustain
ed. If our American heritage is to
be preserved, enriched and handed
down to future generations, each
citizen must feel morally respon-
sible for contributing to the better
ment of his community, state and
nation.
Three religious leaders have
stressed these points in special
1949 Thanksgiving statements is
sued at the request of the Ameri-
can Heritage Foundation.
Bishop John Stamm said: ''There
is urgent need of the recovery of
a more meaningful observance of
Thanksgiving Day. Feasting, fell
lowship and other social activities
are not substitutes for thanksgiv-
ing to God. In these days when
many people forget God, and, when
there is growing totalitarian con-
troll which rules God out and seeks
to enforce pagan philosophy of
life, we as nation need to remind
ourselves of our national heritage
The founding fathers sought to es-
tabish a nation of freedom, not to-
talitarian rule. Freedom is, how
ever, possible only when there are
spiritual foundations, when God is
recognized in His sovereign char
acter and power, and when men are
willing to do the will Of God."'
/ The Rev. Raymond A. Meow
and, Director Of the Social Action +
Department of the national We'll 4
fare Conference, said: Thanks
giving Day checks US, or should
check US, in this matter of not ask
ing Gods help. I know that Thanks
giving Day tends to be late break
fast. a big dinner, football game,
a later radio roundup Of the foot
ball games over the country, and
a tired evening. I am so fooishly
American an optimist as to think
that the real meaning of Thanksgiv-
ing creeps through, anyway. If it
does, that makes Thanksgiving Day
great day.
! Dr. Bernard J. Bamberger, pres
ident, Synagogue Council of Ameri-
ca, said: "We must not only voice
our gratitude for our blessings, but
must recognize the obligations they
impose upon us. Freedom, bro
therhood, and democracy can be
eroded and dissipated if we are
careless and Indifferent. May
Thanksgiving Day awaken us more
fully to our duty to protect and
conserve and extend the blessings
of liberty-for US our people, and
for all people everywhere"
AS expressed in the words of the
| American Heritage Foundations
Freedom Pledge:"
l am an American. A free Ameri-
| can
Free to without fear,
Free to worship God in my own
] way.
Free to stand for what l think
right.
Free to oppose what I believe
| wrong,
Free to choose those who govern
my country.
This heritage of freedom l pledge
to uphold
For myself and all mankind