As a Pastor and Councilman, I believe that people, businesses, and even nations require a set of guidelines to remind decision-makers, participants, and others of their identity and core values. These guidelines serve as an anchor during both the best and worst of times. For the United States of America, this anchor is embodied in the US Constitution, the Declaration of Independence, and the Bill of Rights.

The Declaration of Independence, first drafted by Thomas Jefferson in June 1776, gave birth to our country and established many ongoing principles that shape our nation. It continues to influence the present and future of our country, declaring principles we must hold on to, such as: “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.”

The Constitution of the United States of America, written at the Constitutional Convention in 1787, ratified in 1788, has served as an anchor for our nation since it began operating in 1789. The first three words, “We The People,” remind us that the United States government exists to serve the citizens who call this country home.

The Bill of Rights, written by James Madison on September 25, 1789, comprises the first ten amendments to the Constitution. Originally, there were 12 amendments, but only ten were fully accepted. These amendments were created to limit government power and protect individual liberties.

On July 1, 2024, the Nevada Veterans Memorial Plaza, located at the Sparks Marina, dedicated a life-size replica of these papers of freedom, which can also be viewed in Washington DC. This dedication marks the first piece of the Ron E. Smith Education Path. If you have a moment, please come down and see these historical documents. The memorial is free to all, and you can take a moment to honor the men and women who bravely fought and gave their lives to preserve the guidelines our country stands for.

Please visit NVMP.US to learn more about our events and fundraisers. Our next fundraising gathering, Sunset, Sneakers, and Stars, will take place on Thursday, August 15 at the Water Bar in the City of Sparks. At the end of the evening, we are planning a military-themed drone show over the Sparks Marina for all to see.

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Please give photo credit to Perspective Photography.

Due to their size the picture will come separately.