1908- May Twentieth

The Charlotte News 5/20/1908 p.4

MAY TWENTIETH.  

Today marks another anniversary of the signing of the immortal Mecklenburg Declaration of Independence.  Although the celebration of the occasion is not marked by that brilliance and ostentation that has been witnessed before, in the hearts of every true Tar Heel the significance of the day is none the less keenly appreciated.  

Two years ago the celebration in this city was the most impressive ever held, and it was not until two years ago that the national government took official recognition of the day.  It is well remembered how, at that time, through the good services of the president, government troops were sent to participate in the commemoration, and other aid was given by the government to the fullness of the day’s observance.  

Since that day the country at large has looked with more favor on the occasion, and although there are still those who attempt to underestimate the great importance of this first declaration of American citizens against the Crown Head, the country at large is gradually coming to accept the Mecklenburg declaration as wholly authentic and as an epoch in history worthy of official recognition.  

It is our pleasure, now to stop in the hurry of business life and cast a flower of pride on memory’s bier where rests our immortal dead.  Their deeds are writ in history’s pages, as pride in those deeds is stamped indelibly on the hearts of their sons and daughters.  

May the day never come when we shall fail to remember with veneration and respect the heroism of our honored dead, whose names are synonymous with liberty and freedom and happiness.  It is with joy that we celebrate again the anniversary of the signing.