Judge celebrates holiday at community event

Oakland County Circuit Court Judge Michael Warren recited the Declaration of Independence and spoke of the importance of reinvigorating the American spirit during American House’s “Independence Day Celebration” on July 1 at its senior living community The Village in Rochester Hills.

By Christine L. Mobley
Legal News

Celebrating the greatness that makes America what it is today is near and dear to Judge Michael Warren’s heart.
So when the Oakland County Circuit Court judge was asked to speak during an “Independence Day Celebration” Thursday, July 1, at American House, he gladly accepted the opportunity to help reinvigorate the spirit of America.
“Those words of the Declaration of Independence were revolutionary in 1776,” Warren told attendees after reciting the Declaration of Independence. “They remain revolutionary today.
“Despite all the controversy about America’s role on the world stage, we remain a beacon of hope — a torch of liberty for billions across the world.”
The festivities at American House Senior Living Community in Rochester Hills commemorated the nation’s founding.
In addition to the keynote speech by Warren and a visit from Rochester Hills Mayor Bryan Barnett, the event included a performance by the Plymouth Fife and Drum Corps, boasted an inspiring amount of  veterans, and featured people dressed in colonial attire.
The celebration also marked the beginning of free informational, interactive classes on basic American history at 12 of American House’s communities throughout southeast Michigan.
“We believe we all need a refresher course on our nation’s history so we can truly understand the founding principles of American and put the true meaning back into national holidays such as Independence Day,” said Bob Gillette, founder of American House Senior Living Communities. Classes will run now through September and are open to residents, their families and the public.
Warren couldn’t agree more.
The author of “America’s Survival Guide” and co-founder of “Patriot Week” with his daughter Leah, Warren firmly believes that knowing America’s past and its founding “First Principles” are vital to the nation’s survival.
“It is important Americans are reminded about our country’s founding and the significance Independence Day holds,” noted Warren.
“I want to thank Bob Gillette and American House today for trying  to renew the spirit of America and reminding us in the hustle and bustle of our days that first things need to come first,” Warren said to residents and guests.
“In this time of uncertainty and crisis,” Warren said, “there’s no question that we need to remind ourselves of the importance of the American dream and our founding First Principles of the rule of law, equality, the social compact, limited government, unalienable rights, and the right to alter and abolish an oppressive government.
“That’s what blesses us as true patriots – the great characteristics of our freedom and liberty, but every generation has to fight to keep our liberty and as that torch is passed down to younger generations, I’m afraid that light of liberty is starting to dim.”
It’s through events such as this and Patriot Week that Warren and others hope to revive patriotism.
Although Patriot Week officially runs Sept. 11-17 – Sept. 11 being the anniversary of the terrorist attacks and Sept. 17 being the anniversary of the signing of the U.S. Constitution – Warren feels this Independence Day Celebration was a great kick-off for the fledgling holiday.
“We’re turning it into ‘Patriot Year,’” Warren smiles. “We have folks like American House who are interested in doing things all year round, and so we’re considering this to be the official kick-off for Patriot Week, albeit a couple of months early, during Independence weekend.”

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