The Amboy Guardian will not be publishing the week of Independence Day so we decided to combine Father’s Day along with an Independence Day Editorial. We will also take into consideration the murder of the 9 members of the Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Charleston, South Carolina.

Rockwell Maxwell, 1915-2010

Although my Father (Rockwell Maxwell Sr.) left here a little over 5 years ago, he was not only our father, but also a father figure to many as we were growing up. He used to tell our Mother that he loved God first and then her second because, “God is the one that put that put the love in me to love you.” Happy 5th Father’s Day in Heaven, Dad. We will always miss and love you. C.M.

Tony Massopust with
Red Cat

  I am very fortunate to have my father (Tony Massopust) still. Here are some funny facts: I asked my father once why does he like snakes. He answered, “Because snakes are the underdogs. Nobody likes snakes and someone has to be there to like them.”

   Taking a photo of my father is never easy. In every single photo, he grimaces. The ONLY photo I ever took of him that he ever smiled in was a photo of him holding Red Cat (I never could think of a good name for that cat). The funny thing is that Red Cat loves him. Every time my father comes to see me, Red Cat comes and greets him. My all-time favorite picture of my father is a photo of him fishing in Sunset Beach, Cape May, NJ. The sun hit the water just right for a beautiful photo. He has worn many hats over the years and still does. Happy Father’s Day. We wish you many more. KM

   Here are some Independence Day and quotes from some our Founding Fathers, both secular and biblical. These quotes were spoken over 239 years ago and still hold true today. We understand today that may have a difference of opinion, and that’s fine. But just remember the freedom to have that opinion and voice it openly is because of these brave souls.

    “The best thing to give to your enemy is forgiveness; to an opponent, tolerance; to a friend, your heart; to your child, a good example; to a father, deference; to your mother, conduct that will make her proud of you; to yourself, respect; to all others, charity.” – Benjamin Franklin. (From 10 Independence Day Quotes from our Founding Fathers,” by Chelsea Johnson.)

  This quote above from Benjamin Franklin reminds us of what some of the survivors of the murder victims from the Church in Charleston said about forgiveness.

  “The second day of July, 1776, will be the most memorable epoch in the history of America. I am apt to believe that it will be celebrated by succeeding generations as the great anniversary Festival. It ought to be commemorated, as the Day of Deliverance, by solemn acts of devotion to God Almighty. It ought to be solemnized with pomp and parade, with shows, games, sports, guns, bells, bonfires and illuminations, from one end of this continent to the other, from this time forward forever.” – John Adams

   “It cannot be emphasized too strongly or too often that this great nation was founded, not by religionists, but by Christians; not on religions, but on the gospel of Jesus Christ. For this very reason peoples of other faiths have been afforded asylum, prosperity, and freedom of worship here.” – Patrick Henry – Ratifier of the U.S. Constitution – The Trumpet Voice of Freedom: Patrick Henry of Virginia, p. iii.

  “For happily the Government of the United States gives to bigotry no sanction, to persecution no assistance, requires only that they who live under its protection should demean themselves as good citizens, in giving it on all occasions their effectual support.” George Washington a the Touro Synagogue.

   On this past Father’s Day, we realize that it was very difficult for some. Families lost their fathers and fathers lost their children. Even those who were not fathers knew someone who were fathers, if not biologically, but through mentoring others. This had to be a hard pill to swallow. We along with our nation grieved the loss of these lives in South Carolina, especially when they were studying the word of the Lord.

    No matter how you choose to celebrate Independence Day, we hope that this editorial gave you some food for thought. See you July 8, 2015. C.M. & K.M.

Signing of the Constitution