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US Representative Ralph Hall, Texas- District 4, gave the keynote speech which began with a special salute to the military men and women in the audience as well as all military members serving their country at home and abroad.

He said he made the decision during his primary election with four GOP opponents. Instead of campaigning in Texas, he stayed on the job in Washington, DC to oppose legislation that the people in his district opposed.( He won the primary with 51% of the vote.)

Addressing the crowd of tea party activists, Hall said, “Keep working, day and night… You’re right!”  

Lana Rideout, chair of the Grayson County Tea Party, welcomed approximately 90 area residents to the 2nd Annual July 4th Tea Party celebration.

The Rev. Jonathan Faggart, Pastor, Harvest Time Assembly of God Church in Sherman opened the meeting with a brief homily as he recited the fourth stanza of the National Anthem before offering a prayer for God to bless our nation..

Grayson County Sheriff Keith Gary led the Pledge of Allegiance to the US Flag.

 Rev. Janet Faggart of Harvest Time Assembly of God Church gave a stirring rendition of the Star Spangled Banner with her voice echoing off the walls of the surrounding buildings.

Johnny Waldrip, County Commissioner, Pct. 1, led the Pledge of Allegiance to the Texas Flag.

Rev. Janet Faggart offered a musical medley which included God Bless America and You Lift Me Up (to more than I can be).

Stopping by the event on his way to a fishing trip with his family, Sherman Mayor Bill Magers welcomed the Tea Party group. “This is a day of thanksgiving … a day to remember our blessings.”

 Magers also quoted the following words from the Declaration of Independence: “governments are instituted among men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed. That whenever any form of government becomes destructive to these ends, it is the right of the people to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new government…”

State Representative, District 62, Larry Phillips used words from a 2007 July 4th speech he had written but did not give because of bad weather. He changed some words to update the speech, but he believed it still relevant.

At left, Rev. Janet Faggart sings the Star Spangled Banner. Above, right, US Rep. Ralph Hall speaks to the crow of about 90 at the July 4th Grayson County Tea Party at the Courthouse lawn. Not singing on this page.

Enterprise photos

GRAYUSON COUNTY TEA PARTY

Old Fashioned 4th of July Picnic

Held on county courthouse lawn