By Michael Pineda
mpineda@ardmoreite.com
Trinity Baptist Church celebrated veterans and the nation’s independence during its annual 4th of July Veterans Breakfast.
State Sen. Jerry Alvord served as the guest speaker during breakfast Friday morning. Veterans from each branch of service were recognized, as has been the custom in years past. Pastor Terry Tolbert estimated this is the 27th year there has been a gathering of some sort to honor the veterans.
“This is a way to remember who we are as Americans and God’s people and to say thank you to those of you who served and served well,” he said. “We are honored that you are here.”
During his speech, Alvord talked about the connections that were established between God and the founding of the country.
“What is Independence Day?” Alvord asked. “One of the many issues leading up to the move for Independence Day that came to create America was the separation of Church and State. Its original intent was written into our constitution. Congress shall make no law establishing respecting an establishment of religion or prohibiting the free exercise thereof.”
Alvord said it was intent was to keep the state out of the church not the church out of the state. America’s Independence Day recognizes the sacrifice and commitment to liberty that makes our nation unique.
“At the time of our founding, there were those that had the foresight to see what independence would look like,” he said. “And there were those amazing service men and women, that were willing to give their all, so that we could live free from tyranny. These men and women put our families first, ahead of their own families, as many of you have done and I believe that America owes you a debt of gratitude. I personally am grateful and thank you all.”
Alvord was a county commissioner prior to winning election to the state senate. He talked about his background as a businessman, a politician and a Christian.
“I am comfortable in looking across this group, the majority of you will also understand as I do, the definition and importance of Independence Day,” he said. “Much of my education and understanding comes from the Bible. Solomon said one time that there is nothing new under the sun. I believe that more every day.”
Alvord said the Constitution was derived from the precepts of the Bible and is inseparably linked to the Declaration of Independence. In the early creation of America, the politicians were obligated to express their allegiance to God as a requirement to serve as a legislator because the founding fathers understood that independence and success were linked to the understanding and obedience to God’s guidelines.
“Just think about an oath for a moment, an oath that many people take including politicians,” Alvord said. “They are asked to take this oath before being sworn in. If that individual taking that oath has no belief in a higher power or a life thereafter, then that oath is nothing more than words. Nothing more than just a handshake, if you will.
“There would be little fear of true consequences without that belief. An oath was originally intended to be an oath to God.”
Alvord brought a copy of the Founder’s Bible, which he presented to Tolbert. He said the Bible, contained inspiring stories about the founding of America.
He said America’s Independence Day is to recognize the sacrifice and commitment to liberty that makes our nation unique. There have been efforts to take God out of every aspect of our lives, Alvord said. He pointed out that in 1954 “One nation, under God,” was added to the Pledge of Allegiance. In 1957, “In God we trust,” was added to our currency.
“Keep in mind, this was being done by a generation of people that had just won World War II and truly understood, through the grace of God, that we were now not being called Germans,” he said. “We had come through this victoriously. America has sometimes been referred to as a grand experiment because it is unique. This independence that created America through our Constitution and our Declaration with God as our creator has changed the world and has given countless millions the opportunity for a better life.
“Once again, due, in no small part, to our armed service men and women who played huge part in serving our country and its desire to be independent.”
Tolbert echoed Alvord’s point regarding the separation of church and state, noting that it does not mean there has to be a separation of God and country. Tolbert also said God placed three primary institutions on the earth. He began with the family, established government and placed the church.
“In every one of those institutions, God has intimately involved himself with a specific role,” Tolbert said.
