Members of the community gathered in the atrium of Lufkin City Hall at noon Thursday in honor of Constitution Day, a day to celebrate "life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness" — as upheld by a document signed 222 years ago.
By JESSICA COOLEY
Members of the community gathered in the atrium of Lufkin City Hall at noon Thursday in honor of Constitution Day, a day to celebrate "life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness" — as upheld by a document signed 222 years ago. The event, originally scheduled to take place at Louis Bronaugh Park but moved due to the rain, was hosted by the Founder's Alliance — a "grassroots movement dedicated to reinstating the Constitution as the supreme law of the land."
"The Constitution of the United States is a miracle which was completed on this greatly under-appreciated day, 222 years ago," Founder's Alliance Executive Director Jessica Hughes said. "
In over two long centuries, much of this nation has forgotten what made that day unique. Today we are proud to honor men who have not forgotten our Constitution."
The "men honored" with plaques recognizing them as "Patriots of the Constitution" included: state Rep. Wayne Christian (R-Center), state Sen. Robert Nichols (R-Jacksonville) and U.S. Rep. Louie Gohmert (R-Tyler). Gohmert's Constituents Services Representative Melinda Kartye accepted the award in his honor.
Gohmert was the first to return a signed copy of The Founders Alliance's Contract with Texans. The contract intends to hold elected officials accountable to the U.S. Constitution by the involvement of a network of concerned citizens. Christian and Nichols are also supporting the document.
"I look forward to lending my full support to this organization as they continue to spread their message that freedom and liberty are simply not principles that the American people are willing to give up."
Community member Edwin Covington, who came out for the event, said he fought in Vietnam to support the Constitution and felt it was his civic duty to do the same thing today.
"It was important to me to be here today to show my support," Covington said. "
We need to get back to the basics and reaffirm our allegiance to God and godly principles in the U.S."
