The Bossier Sheriff’s Office invites the public to attend the “In God We Trust” rally on July 4, from 1-4 p.m., at the Bossier Sheriff’s Office Viking Drive Substation and sign a pledge showing your support for the “In God We Trust” campaign.
Sheriff Julian Whittington has taken a stand against the federal government for denying the Sheriff’s Office federal grant funding for their youth programs, Young Marines and Youth Diversion, because of the mention of God and voluntary prayer in the programs. Whittington has made it clear that he will not remove God nor voluntary prayer from either program.
According to the Bossier Sheriff’s Office, there will be a live radio broadcast at the “In God We Trust” rally, and American flags will be available to show patriotism. Louisiana State Representative Jeff Thompson, Sheriff Whittington and others are expected to be in attendance to sign a large banner showing support for the Young Marines Programs. There will also be hot dogs and drinks for all.
“We are holding the “In God We Trust” rally because this issue is about as close to home as it gets,” said Whittington. “It’s a direct attempt to try to influence what we do right here at home, and we want to send a message to Washington, D.C….this is a wake-up call, and it’s our time to stand and say, ‘In God We Trust’.
Whittington has received hundreds of phone calls and letters from individuals, groups and churches showing their support for the Sheriff’s stance, and many have sent money and started fundraisers. Although the Bossier Sheriff’s Office doesn’t solicit funds from the public, Whittington expresses his gratitude and will accept public support. Those wishing to donate, should contact the Bossier Sheriff’s Office at 318-965-3411 or write to Bossier Sheriff’s Office, ATTN: Young Marines/Youth Diversion, P.O. Box 850, Benton, LA 71006.
“I am tremendously grateful to the people who have offered up their support of our young people and the shared disbelief over an objection to even the mere mention of God in our youth programs,” Whittington said. “The Young Marines program is such a positive influence on the lives of our young men and women, and about 1,000 recruits have graduated from the program over the past decade. Our newly-formed Youth Diversion is another tremendous program that will steer young men and women down a positive road so that they, too, can become productive citizens in our communities.”
Whittington will be interviewed live on the national program, Fox & Friends Weekend, on Sunday morning, 7:45 a.m., about the issue.
