Destined for glory
K.B. Thomas Jr.
Saturday, June 30, 2007
MANY OF US grew up with a favorite cowboy hero. I know I did. Whether we knew him from the silent screen, the Saturday matinee, radio or Saturday morning television, the western hero shaped our childhood. Amid the thrilling chases and shootouts, we learned an important lesson about fair play and honesty.
As youngsters, we tried to live the “Code of the West” by drinking our milk, respecting our elders and looking out for our younger brother or sister, because that’s what our hero expected of us.
Today, more than ever, America appreciates the value of real heroes. Emporia has a wonderful opportunity to exemplify some of those legendary cowboys as part of a tourist center attraction in connection with the new 33 million dollar KTA interchange.
Tourism is the No. 1 industry in America.
This is a project that will benefit the whole community and won’t put anybody out of business.
And let’s not forget about William Allen White, Paul Terry, Dean Smith, J.L. Lewis, Clint Boyer and many others. And how about an antique display of some early Braum Ice Cream wagons?
Ice cream and clean restrooms are favorites of the tourist.
And let’s not forget the one thing that has made American GREAT: More than anything you can think of, it’s simply our freedom to worship.
If we as a community put God first and build a chapel — an old time country chapel, I believe this will bless not only our community but the millions of future tourists who may discover the Christian heritage from whence we came as a nation.
After all, Emporia is the front porch to the Flint Hills, which is God’s greatness on display.