The coastland times. [volume] (Mnateo [i.e. Manteo], N.C.) 1947-1959, 1958-05-16
Sc AND THROW OFF OUR sHAcKLEs.
Ry Victor Meekins

nature has given him may reach the depth of
his family may become his religion The memories OF my
boyhood spent here the knowledge that ancestors loved
this land sufficiently to live here for generations even be-
the Revolution The beauty and charm of
the hearts Of most of people, all have fired
with love for all this coasand and duty toward its pres
ervaon for its safety and for the continued
of our people.
More than anything else, this Coastand and the
right of its people my religion. believe man who
feels duty to country feel proper sense OF duty,
either to God family. do believe performs
his duty to his country and his neghbors he will be rem
srng prime service to his family and OF course to his
God.
Fortunately for me, have many things to strengthen
me my resolution and faith have the true friend
shin of people of character and in fact
of people in all walks of life have been blessed remarkably
in my family life and for poor man, shou!d never COM
plain of anv personal circumstances have ridden all
this from end to end and in many other places have
been much away from home with ample time TO view other
things and to reflect upon our relative values And now anu
then when illness gives chance rest and review the
past and dream of the future and mediate upon the means
of bringing about brighter day. gets refreshing and
there stronger of gratitude for the goodness
of Cod yet wtha spirit of humility of faith and Of hope
A year ago was Stricken down with serious ILL
ness and was at the valley Of death within inches of
dying Strange to say when thinks he is ABOUT 10
de- and is weak from loss of blood there is remark
able peace and contentment that leaves room for
fears, and where one becomes completely resigned to
anything that may betaIl.
But medical skill brought me of this crisis and in
the long weeks when recovering, meditated some
what the circumstances and the fact that was spared
while MANY Younger people go on though lot about the
many things that NV love for the coastand through
years had inspired to want to do but for reason OF
another had never gotten around to doing AND firmly ana
been extended in order that might continue to serve
my people, and to help them in those things where help
To every man is given a talent, and he has COM
mitted sin if he doesn't direct that talent to accom-
pIish useful and helpful things for the retirement OF
mankind
Anyone who believes providence must yield to in
that have been spared for purpose and SO am dedl
Gated to the purpose of devong such abilities as have to
There is so much to do for my children and grand
children, and if do it in spirit without seshness 1t will
help all other people And said to myself Life cannot
be long anyway, and will make of every opportun-
ty to aid my people.
Death holds terrors for not do feel that any
fight that is true and just and based on ana justice
be carried too far Death and even boodshed have
times followed attempts of people to be Free in their resl
lance of unfair treatment and oppression.
One must not expect every person to with him or
to understand the value of any and every battle Waged III
behalf of the good of all One need not look Tor justice every
time recognition that people expect return
for some of those most greatly helped recognize the
sacrifice that has been expended in their behalf.
But this believes That right and justice must pre-
vail against all the stupid and selfish people and forces
in this world; and too know that only the satisfaction
that wells up deep the heart of honest man, from
the pursuit and the performance of dedicated pur-
posehis is the only true and worthy reward that any
should seek.
Although is balm to the spirit and soothing to the
although be essential to bolster the tagging spirits
of worthy people ofmes struggling against great odds to
do good things have craved sought false credit
foolish praise doing honest job No should de-
deserves particular credit for doing merely his duty.
Duty demands of all of Us that we give something
back to life than take from it, This is interest
the debt to those who follow after in
turn for what have received from the toll and heart
ache and sacrifice of those who went before u.s.
There is occasion before us for resolution and
courage. For devotion to duty to God and to our
selves Definite acceptance of responsibility is es-
senta for the welfare of all. It is time to falter
under foolish sympathy to feel sorry thatt essen
ta for fall before the forces necessary for
the safety of people, and the future of children.
There are tyrants and robbers now among us as in
the days of DID, and this is time to be towards, and
place for the chicken-heated It is not time to sur
render either savings honor. God should have
mercy if to be remembered by our chill
dren than towards who allowed reck-
less wastefu and irresponsible people to rob them OF
their birthright.
Howwe have remained silent so long while our SUBJ
stance has been steadily taken from and repeatedly
wasted is circumstance that being reflected in