A tale of the small town of Ameri is an inspirational story that shows the patriotism of one group of people, working together to do what is best for themselves and their country.

 

         Outside of having some light  manufacturing, a mall, and auto dealerships, there were mostly farms and small stores that formed the landscape. The major buildings consisted of what was Federal and State offices and of course the Historical Courthouse building in the center of town. There were several old churches near the center as well. The town got by with some of the basic techniques of neighbor helping neighbor, farming and livestock and of course general employment. Not far away was a University that some would attend or be employed by. Survival was easy and living was basic but in good times or bad times not much really changed and everyone was fine with that.

       

          As the war was becoming more and more dominant in everyone's life eventually a civic minded community allowed the building of a defense manufacturing plant. The people that ran this plant were open and fair, and respected what was important to the local people. It became a win for the town, and for the country. The increase in population and revenues improved the schools and the medical facilities. Being of one mind everyone was wondering what else they could do to show support for families that lost loved ones or were wounded in the war. One of the Ideas was to erect a huge billboard of the American Flag for which the defense contractor said he would pay all costs. No one had a problem with that  but at the town meetings it was brought to light that the only spot where it could really be viewed in it's glory was in front of the historical courthouse where existed an abandoned lot. The huge flag would obstruct the view of the historical courthouse which was the pride and main attraction of the town. Finally it was decided thru eminent domain to seize the abandoned property and put it to better use. For many days and nights people would come out to view this huge billboard. It was magnificent.  Shortly thereafter the war ended.

 

           Well the town of course is thrilled and the next order of business is to give the goods they had stockpiled in the churches to the needy but what about the Flag. Some felt it was time to restore the town to what it was and remove the huge flag that obstructed the view of the historical courthouse, yet some felt the billboard of old glory should remain. The flag issue would be decided at the next town meeting which were held in the old historical courthouse. Sadly though as the people gathered outside they started to notice that many of the historical relics and artifacts were missing. Upon entering the building they realized that under the cover of darkness, while no one was watching the courthouse, the two huge plaques that hung like bookends inside the walls of justice had been stolen. 

 

          One plaque was The  Constitution of the United States of America and the other plaque was of The Declaration of Independence. Also missing were the Scales of Justice that were so carefully crafted many years ago. The bill of rights were attached so firmly to the wall the thieves were only able to remove a few of them however they desecrated some of  the ones that remained behind. The churches remained in tact and their artifacts remained untouched having been only partially obscured by the flag. No one knew how The Constitution, and the Declaration of Independence had been stolen or even how long they had been missing. The Scales of Justice of course  were irreplaceable. The only remnants that were left behind was the remaining Bill of Rights that had been desecrated and a Beautiful Flag of our Country that represented much of the history and icons that had been stolen. 

 

          I'm sure you can see by now  this  story is only symbolic. Everyone in this story was doing what was right. No one did anything wrong and all of  their sacrifices were noble. However by being focused on the symbol we can sometimes lose sight of what it represents. We must never take our eyes off the courthouse. The symbol of freedom must never obscure the freedom it represents. The fundamentals of our freedom are the laws  that represent us. Church and State separations insure their survival. There are those who are not among us who will hide behind the flag while they desecrate the laws of freedom. Our perception of them is their deception of us. The title of the story is also symbolic,when brought together it reads  =  Our Small town America , for  911, for us.

                            

                                                William J. Wahlsteen