Working to Unite America Here at Home
The theme for the presidential inauguration on January 20 is “America United”.
Valley City residents can be part of the national Martin Luther King Day of Service on Monday, January 18 via a drive -through chili feed. Then participate in a Memorial for COVID 19 victims on Tuesday, January 19.
In a press release, Dr. Tony Allen, chair of the Presidential Inaugural Committee said, “it is time to turn the page on this era of division. The inaugural activities will reflect our shared values and serve as a reminder that we are stronger together than we are apart, just as our motto ‘e pluribus unum’ reminds us -- out of many, one.”
Between the lockdowns and mask wearing of the COVID 19 pandemic and 24/7 political turmoil, it is easy to see how any community can be stressed; bad manners become acceptable; differences in opinions can become harsh.
A few years ago, Anne Krapu of Valley City wrote:
“…Bison and Sioux fans are different. Gunowners and non-gunowners are different. Migrant and refugees are different. Democrats and Republicans are different. Christians and Muslims are different. Sexual identities and orientations are a spectrum of different. Not one of these classifications prevents any individual from being a good North Dakotan if the latter term is still defined as working hard, obeying the law, being willing to help your neighbor shovel the drive, and bringing over a hot-dish in times of need.”
Madeline Luke, Anne’s mother, Rick Ross and Sharon Buhr, along with other volunteers, offer a drivethrough chili feed as our version of hot dish in this time of economic hardship and social isolation. A free meal of chili, garlic bread, vegetable and fruit will be available for pickup after 5:30 PM on Monday January 18th at the North Door of Our Saviors Lutheran Church in Valley City. All are welcome until the food runs out.
On January 19, the reflecting pool around the Lincoln Memorial in Washington DC will be lit at 5:30 EST in a national moment of unity and remembrance. Communities throughout the country are invited to ring bells, light up municipal buildings and place candles in their windows.
Valley Citians can join in remembering the 30 Barnes County deaths and 1,363 North Dakota deaths by turning on their porch lights or lighting their window candles at 4:30 CST in unity with our countrymen. It is a time for us to acknowledge the pain of those who have lost loved ones from COVID, remember those who have died, and give strength to all for the months ahead to endure.