Editor, Times-Union: The following is a suggested Kosciusko County creed:
I am a citizen of Kosciusko County. Therefore I am a citizen of Indiana, the United States, and the World.
I revere the name of Polish-born, Brigadier General Thaddeus Kosciusko, who came to America in 1776, was moved to tears when he first read our Declaration of Independence, and offered his services to General George Washington. The officer for whom my county is named, was a friend of Thomas Jefferson and received honors and gifts from George Washington for faithful service to the United States. General Kosciusko helped our troops to win independence for America by fortifying Philadelphia, Saratoga, and West Point. Each day he put God first. He honored hard work, honesty, loyalty, frugality, and humility. I will always be able to explain to others the importance of the name of my county.
I acknowledge the significance of the agricultural and railroad industries that have so greatly influenced the economy of my county. I enjoy the towns, lakes, and farmland that make up my county. I understand that my county’s history is rich in its influence of Bible preaching and evangelism. I honor the name of Billy Sunday who lived in my county and spread the Gospel all across America. I will respect the sacrifice of those settlers who died and their families who lost loved ones in battles, skirmishes, accidents, and epidemics in my county.
I will honor the local men and women who served, were wounded, or gave their lives in the United States military. I will have compassion for soldiers from Kosciusko County who have endured extreme hardness as prisoners of war. May our county and its citizens always enjoy freedom and peace. May they always have respect for God, our founding fathers, our veterans and the laws of our land.
I will be a God-fearing, law-abiding citizen of Kosciusko County. I will stand for the right and participate in my county’s government. I will vote with biblical principles in mind. I will pray for my leaders. This pledge I give for the good of Kosciusko County.
Yours for Kosciusko County, Dan Manka Fairmont, WV, via email
