Dear editor:
The First Annual Garland County Tea Party Patriots Award Banquet was recently held at the beautiful Hot Springs Five Star Theater to a sold-out crowd. The evening began with a wonderful buffet supper, which was then followed by many patriotic activities.
Those in attendance enjoyed the presentation of the U.S. and Arkansas flags by the Hot Springs Honor Guard. Nancy Carlton beautifully sang the national anthem. A bugler played the official songs of the different branches of our armed services as those who had served stood for recognition.
Dr. Jack Sternberg welcomed and thanked everyone for coming to the event. All the elected officials in attendance were then recognized by name for their service to the city, county and state. Rebecca Seewald then amazingly sang "Let Freedom Ring" (if this song didn't get you all fired up, your wood is all wet).
The featured speaker was Jan Morgan. She gave a challenging, encouraging and convicting talk about America, patriotism and the need to be personally active in saving our country. She reminded us of the sacrifices of our Founding Fathers to have the opportunity we have to live in the greatest country in the world. We have to continually remember to fight to keep the Constitution and the Bill of Rights as the foundation of our country. The Second Amendment, the right to keep and bear arms, is what guarantees and protects us all from government tyranny and personal harm.
Then came the announcements of who won the Patriotic Awards:
Patriotic Volunteer of the Year -- Clay Herrmann.
Patrick Henry Award -- Mayor Ruth Carney.
Patriotic Media Award -- Hot Springs Daily e-paper.
Patriotic Business Award -- The Gun Cave.
Patriotic Organization Award -- Garland Good Government Group (GGGG).
Patriotic Bulldog Award -- George Pritchett.
Patriotic Woman of the Year -- Dianna Cowan.
Patriotic Man of the Year -- Dr. Jack Sternberg.
Patriotic Lifetime Achievement Award -- Hettie Lou Brooks.
To sum up the evening, it was a great night for all those in attendance. It honored so many who have served the cause of freedom in our community. It included all those who were nominated to those who won their categories. It also honored everyone who attended and have shown his or her patriotism over the years.
Finally, it was a call and a reminder to continue all our efforts to keep America, America. The greatest country in the world.
Tom Wilkins
Hot Springs
Editorial on 02/09/2016