Humans in order to live peacefully and productively within a collective society must possess a few basic and indispensable qualities. These qualities must be possessed by all within the community. All some to a greater or lesser degree; but, each individual must possess some of each quality.

The first quality we as Americans are expected to possess and exhibit is that handed down to us by our forebears, our Puritan/Pilgrim Fathers and Mothers. They provided the genesis of every cultural quality we display.

We have every right and expectation that those who have chosen that all who immigrate among us will adopt our qualities as their own. In fact, we demand it in order that we coexist in an harmonious oneness we know as Americanism. These are what make us the Exceptional Outcome of a novel experiment.

The naysayers insisted it could not be done. It was and we are living proof. There are those among us who would destroy that which has been wrought by bloodshed, poverty. Industry and the quality which led us and, I believe still guides us.

Reverence is the linchpin quality by which all the rest are bound together. Without question or doubt a huge majority of Americans believe in the God of our founders and in the teachings of the Holy Bible.

Our first President and first Commander-in-Chief of our military forces led his men in prayer to, “He who created us all.” Every meeting of those who fought the War of Independence was initiated by a prayer seeking, “Your Divine Guidance.”

The constitution of every one of the thirteen original states speaks to and of “Divine Guidance and Protection.” Reverence is the most indispensable quality for each and every American; be he president, Soldier, Sailor, Marine, Airman or Coastguardsman or legislator, lawyer, John or Jane Doe.

Parents have an awesome responsibility to inculcate within the hearts and minds of their offspring, reverence not only for their Creator but for His other creations.

Synonymous with reverence is appreciation and high regard for our most cherished documents, customs and institutions. Examples are The Declaration of Independence, The United States Constitution, The Pledge of Allegiance, The National Anthem and uncased colors.

Reverence incorporates the genteel quality of respect. Good Americans have great respect for high office but not necessarily for the individual holding that office. Motherhood and Fatherhood are positions deserving respect. Family is the basic building block of any decent and God-fearing society.

I should like to present you with one shining example of the overall quality of reverence. I had the pleasure of knowing quite well a gentleman, born in Italy, immigrated to the United States in 1930. He became an American Citizen. He was a Master shoe builder, not just a repairman but a creator, a builder. He served in the United States Army in Europe during World War II, was honorably discharges, married in 1948 and raised 7 Children. Nick had a flag pole erected in his front yard complete with lighting. He flew the flag every day. He was rightfully proud of his Italian Heritage but when anyone asked his nationality, he looked them right in the eye and answered, “American.”

That exemplifies reverence and respect. Nick died in 1995 and I will never forget who and what he was. A simple man with great virtue.

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