Don't let historic documents fade
Visitors to the National Archives in Washington, D.C., discover to their dismay portions of the Declaration of Independence and U.S. Constitution to be horribly faded and in some cases totally unreadable.
With today's education system actively trivializing and intentionally downplaying the importance of these ageless documents, the lessons of freedom's struggle stand to be lost forever for posterity.
Recent events reaffirming government of, by and for the people, highlight the critical role played by every citizen. Statewide elections in Virginia, New Jersey and Massachusetts stunned career politicians in recognition of the awesome power of a dedicated, informed and engaged electorate.
Our founders pledged their lives, fortunes and sacred honor while countless generations of Americans since have sacrificed with their blood and treasure to perpetuate the genius of democracy's promise. God help us all if we walk away in complacency and self-serving indifference from the profound responsibility we all inherit to preserve, protect and defend the precious legacy of those who have gone before.
William G. Parrot
McHenry