Ceremonies - Opening

America Is A Beautiful Word

What do you see when you look at the word America? What mental picture do the seven letters create in your mind?

The capital "A" suggests our magnificent snow-covered mountain peaks, and the wigwams of the original Americans.

The "M" symbolizes the broad shoulders of our pioneers: shoulders to the wheel pushing our frontiers westward; broad shoulders swinging axes, building a Nation.

The "E" might be the lariats of the cowboys riding the plains: lariats of Kit Carson or Buffalo Bill.

The "R" is a man with outstretched arms in friendship and cooperation toward all who love freedom, justice and peace.

The "I" represents the individual American with his right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.

The "C" is a bent bow from which an arrow has just sped toward the stars of mankind's highest ideals.

The final "A" is a man on his knees in prayer, symbolizing a Nation, which recognizes its Creator and gives thanks for HIS blessings.

Yes, America is a beautiful word.