Patriots Day Honors

Patriots Day 2014 in Baton Rouge honored Texas Supreme Court Justice John Devine, who was ridiculed when he replaced a Bible in front of the Harris County Courthouse.

But, despite the ridicule, Devine was subsequently elected to the Texas Supreme Court in a statewide election.Devine told the group assembled at the Burden Rural Life Museum that he was proud to be at a meeting where the people prayed.  “We have become a nation that is afraid to pray,” he said.

The annual celebration was sponsored by the American Judicial Alliance and hosted by its founder, Judge Darrell White of Baton Rouge.  White said Patriots Day is held on March 12 every year in recognition of the Harlan Bible, which has been signed by the last 60 justices of the U.S. Supreme Court in a little-known ceremony when they are sworn into office.

Author and former Navy Capt. Bob Bell spoke on the history of Patriots Day.  He recalled how the original American colonies had de facto freedom because of their remoteness from England.  After the United States declared its independence, that freedom was almost lost until the tide was turned when General George Washington crossed the Delaware.He quoted Ben Franklin as telling someone that we have a republic, if we can keep it.

Judge White recalled Justice John Harlan as saying, “I believe the Bible is the inspired word of God.”  White’s organization presents copies of the Harlan Bible with the justices signatures to courts all over America.  White asked, “Why do we give Bibles to the courts?  It’s because the children of this country have just as much right to the heritage of freedom of this country as we do.”

White said, “We don’t have a juvenile delinquency problem in this country.  We have an adult delinqucny problem.”The group was entertained by James Linden Hogg and family.A buffet lunch was supplied by Bill Smith and Chick-fil-A.  Attorney Mike Johnson served as M.C.

For more information, go to www.ajatoday.com