Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord, the people he chose for his inheritance. – Psalm 33:12
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July 4, 2025 • Volume 6, Issue #26
INSIDE: • Around Town.... 12A • Churches.......... 11A • Classifieds......... 10B • Food.................. 8B • Fun & Games.... 12B • Pets for Adoption �� 3A • Obituaries........ 10A • Weather........... 10A
PLUS:
CoxHealth partners with Wings of Pride Air Show – SEE PAGE 3A
Summer fun in the Ozarks – SEE PAGE 1B.
Celebrate America’s 249th birthday in the spirit of the Declaration of Independence!
BY GARY J. GROMAN a.k.a. The Ole Seagull, Columnist Emeritus
T
he Declaration of Independence, signed on July 4, 1776, declares the independence of the thirteen colonies from British rule. It states that all men are created equal and have the right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. To support that, its signers, “with a firm
reliance on the protection of divine Providence,” made a mutual pledge to each other of their lives, fortunes and “sacred honor.” These words were not just empty promises; they were the foundation of America then and just as necessary for America’s survival today. The Alamo was defended by a group of about 189 men. They were fighting against thousands, knew the odds were against them, but they fought anyway, inspired by their dedication to a noble cause and their willingness to sacrifice their lives. Colonel Travis, the leader of the Alamo defenders, gave his men a choice: to escape, surrender, or continue to fight with the certainty of death. In spite of the fa-
vorable chances of escape, everyone except for one remained in the fight, determined to see it through. They realized they couldn’t win. Despite the price, they fought on because they believed it was proper and necessary to fight the army of Santa Anna at that time, in that place. They were willing to sacrifice their lives for that cause and did so with courage and honor. The spirit of “Remember the Alamo” represents that which is courageous, honorable and worthy of commitment in the hearts of individuals and nations. That same spirit was in the hearts of the signers of the Declaration of Independence when they pledged their “lives, fortunes and sacred
honor” on behalf of a new nation. It has been present in America, from Valley Forge to Mount Suribachi, Vietnam, Baghdad, Afghanistan and countless other places in between. The Alamo defenders were not the only ones who have shown this spirit. From the soldiers who fought in the Revolutionary War to the firefighters who rushed into the Twin Towers on September 11, 2001, Americans have always been willing to commit and sacrifice their all for the sake of their country and their fellow citizens. America’s foundation is not just its institutions, laws, or government. It’s its people and the spirit that animates and drives them. A spirit of courage, honor,
duty and commitment as necessary to America today as it was when our Forefathers, “with a firm reliance on the protection of divine Providence,” made a mutual pledge to each other of their lives, fortunes and “sacred honor” as they put their signatures on the Declaration of Independence. Without that spirit, America would not have been born and will not long endure. As we celebrate America’s 249th birthday, let us remember that spirit, unite and pledge to each other “our lives, our fortunes and our sacred honor,” as did the signers of the Declaration of Independence 249 years ago. Happy Birthday, America! Happy Birthday!
Branson named Live Entertainment Capital of Missouri BY K.D. MICHAELS, Staff Writer Missouri Governor Mike Kehoe visited Branson recently to speak at the Branson Chamber and Convention and Visitors Bureau State of the State Luncheon. The Governor shared with those in attendance his desire to increase public safety and economic development, and to decrease taxes.
Governor Kehoe also made a surprise move by signing Senate Bill 348 in front of the crowd. Said State Representative Brian Seitz, District 156, “This bill, which I championed in the House, getting it through the tourism committee, which I chair, and helping to compile the various amendments, is the omnibus
tourism naming day bill. At its core, it is an opportunity for legislators to honor those in their district making a difference, bring awareness to important events and issues, and do something meaningful for those they serve at a local level.” “For my part, I put my legislation, HB 109, on as an amendment that declares
what most already know to be true. It names Branson as the Live Entertainment Capital of Missouri,” Seitz explained. Seitz noted that the Governor’s signing of this bill indicates his commitment to promoting the Branson/Lakes Area and his understanding of the importance of tourism.
“This was a great surprise, and I’m thankful that those who contribute so much to our tourism industry were able to be there to share in the signing,” Seitz noted. “Thank you, Governor Kehoe, for your leadership and for this surprise signing of legislation. It is simple, but impactful for my area of the state.”
The Beck Museums of Branson Welcome You to...