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January 26, 1982
<br />
<br />At a regular meeting of the City Council held on January 26, 1982, there were present:
<br />
<br />J. E. Johansen, Jack P. Barnes, Ben A. Beamer, Sr., J. Robert Gray, Edward L.
<br />Oast, Jr., Gloria O. Webb, Morton V. Whitlow, C. H. McGinnis, Assistant City
<br />ManaRer, Steven Lieberman, City Attorney.
<br />
<br /> Rev. F. S. Rhoades, Pastor, Grove Baptist Church, opened the meeting with orayer,
<br />followed by the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.
<br />
<br />Mayor Johansen welcomed all visitors in attendance.
<br />
<br /> Motion of Mr. Beamer and seccnded~by M~. Whitlow, minu~es of the called meeting of
<br />January 12, 1982; minutes of the regular meeting of January 12, 1982, to be approved as
<br />received, and was adopted by unanimous vote.
<br />
<br /> 82-28 Frank Cadlaon, Chairman of "Voice of Democracy", introduced David Gardner,
<br />Senior at Manor High School, 5st Plac~Winner in the State, District and local High Schools
<br />of "Voice of Democracy, sponsored by the Veterans of Fore~n Wars. Mr. Gardner made the
<br />following presentation:
<br />
<br />'Building America Together
<br />
<br /> It has been said that something which ceases to grow willdie and something not being
<br />build upon begins to decay. I believe this holds true of our nation today. If America is to
<br />survive in our restless world, its citizens must realize the importance of building and
<br />strenghting her. I would like to discuss three apsects of this: the call, the cost, and the
<br />commitment to building America together.
<br />
<br /> The call was fir~t heard by colonists as Paul Revere cried, 'To arms' Later. the call
<br />was a unified government and %eaders to serve thi~ ~ev nation. The call rallied patriots to
<br />their feet as they began the endless task of building America together. By voting fomr'cur
<br />countries officials and taking an active part in political functions, Americans layed the
<br />foundation for future generations to build upon.
<br />
<br /> Through the years, the call has changed to meet the problems and needs facing the nation
<br />It has been heard beyond the blood Stained battle fields and challenged Americans to face
<br />enemies at home as well as abroad. It has called for reforms in legislation to protect the
<br />rights of all citizens rggardless of their age, race, or sex. The call has been heard by
<br />numerous muckrakers who exposed and fought social evils that hindered the growth of our natio~
<br />It echos in the minds and hearts of all who love our homeland.
<br />
<br /> The call can still be heard today as it challenges us ~o build America by safely harness
<br />ing the limitless power of nuclear energy. It cries out for a cure for cancer and other
<br />dreaded diseases. The call is heard through the smog in our skies begging us to conserve'~l~e
<br />environment. We can read it on signs asking us not to carelessly burn down our woodlands or
<br />destroy the beauty of our country with thoughtless litter. Yes, the call is ~11 around us.
<br />Though many ignore it, it is ever present, reminding us, even as it did our forefathers; buil
<br />America together.
<br />
<br /> As it was in the beginning of our nation, there is still a cost to building America.
<br />~It~.~felt most keenly by those who have lost love ones in war, the cost is sensed by every-
<br />one who sacrifices for the good of the majority. The cost, today, goes beyond our patriotic
<br />duty and attaches itself to our very lifestyles. You see, America is people; building America
<br />together is people helping people. It is the inconvenience we indure in order to conserve ou~
<br />natural resources for generations to come. It is the unselfish efforts of individuals workin
<br />tog~B~r for the common gcod of all Americans, both present and future.
<br />
<br /> The commitment to build America together is born within each of our spirits. It is the
<br />wisdom to hear the call, the courage to resFond, and the willingness to pay the cost, what
<br />ever it may be. It is this kind of commitment that led to our independence in 1776 and forme~
<br />a strong democratic governmenn. This type of commitment still motivates citizens today to
<br />take an active part in their government by carefully s~lecting its leaders. It is this com-
<br />mitment that will lead us on to conquer the upmost corners of space. It compels us to seek
<br />peace with our fellow nations, but holds us together when we must fight to defend our country.
<br />It has lead us to many victories in the past, and as long as we hav~ commited patriots, it
<br />will lead us to even more victories in the future.
<br />
<br /> Yes, I'm proud to be an ~merican citizen, and I realize the responsibility it demands.
<br />The call to build America together still rings clear. The cost is as high as in the past and
<br />still requires a deep commitment of all who respond. Now, more than ever, America needs
<br />modern day minute men; individuals with a deep commitment to their country and its people.
<br />I challenge you now, even as I am challenging myself to heed the call, pay the cost, and full-
<br />fill the spirit of' commitment in each of us ~o build Americ~ together."
<br />
<br /> Mayor Johansen complimented Mr. Gardner for being the recipient on the State, District
<br />and local level of the "Voice of Democracy" Award, and for making such an o~t~ta~diBg~pr~sentatio~.
<br />The Mayor presented Mr. Gardner with a paperweight. Mr. Cadlaon presented the Mayor "Cerfif%late
<br />of Merit" in recognition of excellence in the Voice of Democracy Broadcast Scriptwriting Pro-
<br />gram, as being designated ~An Outstanding Spokesman For Freedom~, and sponsored by the Veterans
<br />of Foreign Wars.
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