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Wednesday, 25 June 2014 15:04

First for Freedom: Honoring our legacy

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A delegate scene from rehearsal. A delegate scene from rehearsal.

We have a legacy in Halifax County that spans beyond the serious and petty crime — that spans beyond the polarizing issues of school merger and the theater.

That legacy is a simple document called the Halifax Resolves, a document that was taken to Philadelphia as the first declaration wanting to break loose from British rule.

This document is remembered every April 12 and the date of its signing — April 12, 1776 — is remembered on our state flag for its significance.

(Full information may be found in our Tuesday story. More photos from the dress rehearsal may be found on our Facebook page)

Sadly, there are some who have no notion of what that date means. It is a date that is just as important as July 4, 1776, and a date of which we all should be proud.

Max Williams, who penned the outdoor drama First for Freedom, was aware of what that date means for us.

Debuting on our nation's bicentennial year, the play is currently in its 39th year and will celebrate its 40th anniversary next year.

Monday we were invited to view the dress rehearsal for the drama and would encourage as many as possible to come out for its debut Thursday at the 4-H Rural Life Center on Highway 903 just outside Halifax.

From the scenes we witnessed at rehearsal, the actors are in character and under the guidance of director Frankie King the play will be a good way to celebrate our nation's independence.

There is more reason to come out for this drama than celebrating the spirit of independence. It's a way to say thank you to those who have rehearsed to learn their lines and songs as well as a few dance moves.

These actors have worked hard and will be giving of their own time to help us remember this storied legacy that we have — one that should be taught not only in our own local school systems, but school systems around the state.

School merger and the theater issue will settle itself eventually, but the legacy of that important document signed by courageous delegates in Halifax will live on. It's up to us to keep its memory alive and cherish what it means not only to our immediate area, but a state and nation as well — Editor

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