A crowd gathered at the Moore County Courthouse in Carthage Thursday morning to celebrate America’s 250th birthday – the founding of the United States and the Declaration of Independence.
The celebration was organized and put on by the Alfred Moore Chapter of the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution. The festivities included the unveiling of a Revolutionary War Patriots Marker dedicated to those men and women who achieved American independence 250 years ago.
Charters of Freedom was also in attendance to perform a time capsule ceremony. The time capsule will stay sealed until its scheduled opening date of September 17, 2087.
The festivities started out with the Presentation of Colors, led by the Sandhills Chapter Color Guard, North Carolina Society Sons of the American Revolution. The crowd remained standing as they were led through the Pledge of Allegiance, American’s Creed, and the singing of the National Anthem, performed by the Golf Capital Chorus.
The Golf Capital Chorus performed several other songs as well; their rendition of “My Girl” brought smiles to the courthouse steps on the hot morning. Everyone stood and sang along as they finished with “God Bless America.”
Dr. Alexander “Sandy” Stewart, the President of Sandhills Community College, had the honor of giving the Commemorative Address. You could hear Dr. Stewart’s love for the county in his speech. He reminded those gathered that freedom isn’t free, and for some local families, the cost was very personal. He stated that “our heritage isn’t just a gift, but a responsibility. We must preserve it for future generations like those that came before us.”
The unveiling of the Revolutionary War Patriots Marker Dedication was accompanied by a floral tribute and commemorative musket volley in front of the courthouse.
The Moore County commissioners followed up by joining the representative from Charters of Freedom at the podium to present their additions to the time capsule. These items included a commemorative coin, a USB of a land use plan, church bulletins, pottery pieces, a Westmoore School paw print sticker, golf balls, and a hockey puck. The commissioners picked items they felt were important representations of our community: education, teamwork, faith, heritage, and tradition.
Commissioner Nick Picerno stated that our nation was founded on faith, family, and freedom. He hopes these values will still exist when the time capsule is opened years from now, and that they will be even stronger.
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~ Article and photos by Sandhills Sentinel reporter Megan Hall.
