spoz prna Official Organ Of The Slavonic Benevolent Order Of The State Of Texas, Founded 1897 BENEVOLENCE
HUMANITY
BROTHERHOOD
Postmaster: Please Send Form 3579 to: SUPREME LODGE, SPJST, P.O. Box 100, Temple, Texas 76501 VOLUME 63, NUMBER 27 JULY 2, 1975
FROM THE EDITOR'S REM NOTICE: THERE WILL BE NO VESTNIK PUBLISHED ON WEDNESDAY, JULY 9th, 1975. * * Friday, July 4th, 1975 is the 199th anniversary of our Declaration of Independence in our United States of America. One year from now, we will be celebrating the 200th birthday of our Declaration of Independence from the taxes and ties of Great Britain, and one is tempted, and indeed, forced, to wonder how well we have fared in the past two decades. One wonders how our forefathers — George Washington, John Adams, Thomas Jefferson, Benjamin Franklin, etc. -would view us now. This nation has undergone many trials and tribulations during its 199-year existence -- the Civil War, WW I, the League of Nations effort, the Great Depression, WW II, just to mention a few — but we came through, thus showing the nation had a great depth of character. Then came Korea, the assassination of a President and other leaders, Viet Nam, the division of the people that caused a President to end his political career, the hope that arose with a new administration only to end with Watergate and the resignation of the Vice President, and eventually the President thus giving us a President
REPLEDGE YOURSELF INDEPENDENCE DAY Born of a revolution, this country began with a pledge: liberty and justice for all, Now . . . nearly 200 years later .. . we, the American people, are still striving for these goals. It's easy to find fault . . . but it takes dedication and unity to bring about change, as our forefathers did. We have the freedom now to do it peacefully. Let's celebrate that freedom today and honor our nation for what's been achieved. Then, let's join together . . . with a renewed sense of purpose .. . to reach our goal. and Vice President not elected by the vote of the people; inflation, recession, energy crises, and now the CIA scandal. What would our forefathers think? They would surely be amazed at how far we have strayed from the principles on which they laid the foundation for this nation. They
would feel that their well-laid and sincere plans have become a pawn of political motives and mercenary ideas, similar to the type that had caused them to leave their native lands to seek political, religious, and economic freedom. Our fraternal societies have steadfastly stood for our type of democratic Americanism! * * Another record-breaking YAD in our SPJST is behind us and, we are sure, brings a sigh of relief to youth, DYCs, youth leaders, and parents. That was the District III YAD at Sokol Center and Lodge No. 135, Ennis, Sunday, June 22nd. We regret that some of our pictures have not arrived in time for this issue. Throughout the year there are numerous responsible adults who endeavor to stimulate interest and motivation among the youth in the approximately 50 youth clubs within our Society. These adult members assist in promoting activities beneficial to the close family circle affiliation of the youth club and the mother lodge. An example of this factor was exemplified at the District III YAD held at the Sokol Center in Ennis with 400 members and guests present. From the 310 entries, I will point out only the highlights of the day. DYC Sister Wilma Nesuda has the