Harpers Ferry, West Virginia 2001

MAYORAL PROCLAMATION

 WHEREAS, the Preamble to the Constitution of West Virginia declares, “Since through Divine Providence we enjoy the blessings of civil, political and religious liberty, we the people of West Virginia…reaffirm our faith in and constant reliance upon God…”; and,

WHEREAS, the Bill of Rights to the Constitution of West Virginia guarantees freedom of religious speech and worship to all citizens, and Article 7 Chapter 14 recognizes Sunday as a day of rest and worship; and,

WHEREAS,  for many West Virginians, public school days began with a daily Pledge of Allegiance, prayer and Bible reading; and,

WHEREAS,  the state song, The West Virginia Hills, contains the lyrics, “With their summits bathed in glory, Like our Prince Immanuel’s land!”; and,

WHEREAS, Thomas Jefferson warned, “Can the liberties of a nation be thought secure when we have removed their only firm basis, a conviction in the minds of the people that these liberties are the gift of God?” (notes on the State of Virginia, 1781.); and

WHEREAS,  James Madison proclaimed, “And to the same Divine Author of every good and perfect gift we are indebted for all those privileges and advantages, religious as well as civil, which are so richly enjoyed in this favored land.” (Presidential Proclamation, 1815.); and,

WHEREAS, George Washington exhorted, “We ought to be no less persuaded that the propitious smiles of Heaven can never be expected on a nation which disregards the eternal rules of order and right which Heaven itself has ordained,” (“Inaugural Address,” April 30, 1789.); and,

NOW, THEREFORE, Let it be Known that November 18-24, 2001is hereby proclaimed as;

CHRISTIAN HERITAGE WEEK

in the TOWN OF HARPERS FERRY and I encourage all citizens to join in this local celebration each in their own way.

James A. Addy (Mayor of Harpers Ferry)