|
February 14~ 1984
<br />
<br /> At the regular meeting of the City Council held on Tuesday, February 14, 1984, there were
<br />present:
<br />
<br />J. E. Johansen,
<br />Gloria O. Webb,
<br />City Attorney.
<br />
<br />Jack P. Barnes, Ben A. Beamer, Sr., J. Robert Gray, James W. Holley, III,
<br />Morton V. Whitlow, George L. Hanbury, City Manager, Steven Lieberman,
<br />
<br /> Rev. Darrell E, Thomsen, Jr., Pastor Grove Park Baptist Church, opened the meeting with
<br />prayer, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance to the Fl~g.
<br />
<br />Mayor Johansen welcomed all visitor in attendance.
<br />
<br /> Motion of Mrs. Webb and seconded by Mr. Gray, minutes of the called meeting of January 24,
<br />1984; minutes of the regular meeting of January 24, 1984, to be approved as received, and
<br />was adopted by unanimous vote.
<br />
<br /> 84-43 - Mrs. Mary B. Westfall, Chairman, Beautification and Clean Community Commission
<br />presented the "1983 Governor's Award of Excellence For a Clean Virginia Community" Portsmouth
<br />was one of 14 in the State to receive this award. Also, Mrs. Westfall presented the "t983
<br />Keep America Beautiful Week Citiation for ?~utstanding Achievement". This award was presented
<br />from Keep America Beaufiful, Inc., for joint efforts during ciean community week. The Mayor
<br />commended Mrs. Westfall and the Clean Community Commission for their outstanding efforts.
<br />
<br /> 84-44 - Mr. Frank Ca~laon, Chairman of "Voice of Democracy", sponsored by the Veterans
<br />of Foreign Wars, introduced, Ronelle E. HaWkins, Senior of I. C. Norcom High School, 3rd
<br />Place Winner in the District, of the "Voice of Democracy Award". Miss Hawkins made the
<br />following presentation:
<br />
<br />"MY ROLE IN UPHOLDING THE CONSTITUTION"
<br />
<br /> The United States Constitution--that superlative body of laws that set up the govern-
<br />mental structure of this nation - is the supreme law of the lafid. The Constitution made
<br />America a nation and forms her government and the rights and duties of her people. The
<br />United States Constitut~6n is a "living document", a charter, able to guide myself and
<br />generations of Americans in an attempt to right society as a whole. If I, as a citizens of
<br />the United States, am to uphold our Constitution, I must be familiar with the Constitution
<br />and the reasons behind its development, I must believe in its doctrines and inturn, instill
<br />them in my daily life.
<br />
<br /> When I as an American, look at our Constitution, I stand fast to a sincere since of
<br />pride. Our Constitution has become a rallying point and showpiece fo~ America's ideals and
<br />aspirehi6.nss as well as a message to the outside world as to what America stands for.
<br />
<br /> Through the Preamble is not perse, a part of the Constitution and claims no govern-
<br />mental power or private right, it has a pertinent function in regards to the upholding of
<br />the Constitution. First, it indicates the power source of the four thousand odd words
<br />behind it the people of the United States and upholders of the Constitution. Secondly,
<br />it states the objectives which the Constitution is expected to promote - unity, justice,
<br />peace, liberty and general welfare.
<br />
<br /> As a citizens of the United States, I am one of the "We the people" and therefore, must
<br />help form the sovereign people who hold the power to conduct the government through
<br />representation. As an individual daily affected by the Constitution, I must help promote
<br />its objectives.
<br />
<br /> In upholding the Constitution, I must believe in the Constitution and the wisdom and
<br />insight of the men that authored it. I must believe that the Constitution was written to
<br />last, to be able to stand strong in times of crisis and turmoil. I must believe in its
<br />vagueness as to lend the Constitution to the flexibility of future generations, and I must
<br />believe in its brevity with provisions for amendments and interpretation.
<br />
<br /> As an upholder of the Constitution, I must impliment it is my daily life. I must
<br />understand that it is neither perfect or infallible and therefore, I must be knowledgeable
<br />of the Constitution, evalute its pass performance and determine how it can better serve
<br />the nation.
<br />
<br /> As a United States citizen and upholder of its constitution, I must see that it
<br />coninues to be a splendid monument of wisdom, peace, and liberty which the world may gaze
<br />upon with admiration forever. "
<br />
<br /> Mayor Johansen commended Ronelle Hawkins for her presentation and presented her with a
<br />picture from the Council.
<br />
<br /> Mr. Cadlaonpfr~ser~ted~i a !'Certificate of Merit" to the Mayor, Vice Mayor, and Dr. Alford,
<br />Superintendent of Schools, in recognition of excellence in Voice of Democracy Broadcast
<br />Scriptwriting Program, as being designated "An Outstanding Spokesman For Freedom!', and
<br />sponsored by the Veterans of Foreigns Wars.
<br />
<br />Mr. Holley asked that a copy of Miss Hawkins presentation be placed in the Public Library.
<br />
<br />
<br />
|