Past at District Convention May 4, 2013
May 4, 2013
Statue of Responsibility
Freedom must first be declared, then won, and finally preserved. Once declared, and won, the act of preserving freedom becomes the duty of each citizen who wishes to see our very freedom endure from generation to generation. Responsibility lives in the very act of preserving freedom. A “Statue of Responsibility” will be a book end for America on the west coast which will complement the “Statue of Liberty” on the east coast.
Whereas: A noble idea was proposed in the 1960’s by a man who lived through the most intense deprivation of personal freedom imaginable. His name was Viktor E. Frankl. Mr. Frankl challenged America to keep its light of hope and freedom burning brightly for future generations by declaring that liberty must be embraced with responsibility in order to maintain that very freedom, to stand always as a visual reminder. His idea, recommended that the “Statue of Liberty” on the east coast be supplemented with a “Statue of Responsibility” on the west coast. Mr. Frankl, a concentration camp survivor said; “Freedom is not the last word. Freedom is only part of the story and half of the truth. The positive aspect of freedom is in citizens accepting responsibility” for their very freedom.
Whereas: The intent of responsibility in underscoring the importance of the Statue of Responsibility is that - With liberty come greater responsibility. Prominent authors from around the world reveal how application of responsibility is both needed and essential at all levels of society, from the family kitchen table to the corporate board room. The “Statue of Responsibility” would provide timely observances of personal rights and responsibility, moral leadership, and accountability versus entitlement, and corporate responsibilities and ethics.
Whereas: The “Statue of Responsibility Foundation” is an IRS recognized 501 (c) (3) charitable non-profit foundations whose purpose is to build what is to be called the most compelling monument of the 21st century. The “Statue of Responsibility Foundation” is dedicated to advancing and maintaining the core principles of liberty, responsibility and the freedom in society that pertain to American Legion principles of duty to God and Country.
It is therefore Resolved by The American Legion, Dean Mendenhall, Provo Post 13 in special meeting May 4th, 2013 assembled in the Old Provo Historic Courthouse, 51 South University Avenue, Provo Utah 84604, that The American Legion shall sponsor and support organizational and Legislative support for the ”Statue of Responsibility” and that it also be resolved that The American Legion associates itself with support to the erection of a “Statue of Responsibility,” and that this monument on the west coast shall stand as a bookend to the “Statue of Liberty” on the east coast . The “Statue of Responsibility” shall further fulfill our mission toward Children and Youth programs, Americanism, Patriotism, Flag Etiquette, and continue to add to our educational scholarships for deserving individuals who are committed to applying the principles of liberty, responsibility, and freedom in their life’s journey.
Randy D. Edwards, Commander
American Legion, Dean Mendenhall Provo Post 13
(801)-224-7477 (H) or (801)-22406168 ( C )
