A week ago, I never dreamed I would see my tiny town caught up in a legal battle that has caught the attention of people around the globe. Until now, we were just a tiny little town whose only claim to fame is the Hoosier Gym that was featured in the Gene Hackman movie Hoosiers back in the 80’s.
Let me share this visual with you – this video was created by our son Justin. I think he did a wonderful job of capturing some of the warmth we feel living here. It’s such a beautiful town, in so may ways. I am very proud to share it with anyone who will let me. Or go here
A couple of times a week, I have to make my way in town to run errands of some kind. From the time you drive into town limits, you can feel the commitment to tradition that is very important to the people of this town. A drive through the heart of town is likened to traveling back in time. The town has fought hard to maintain the look and feel of our small town. The only fast food joint we have is a Subway that’s inside the local BP. Other restaurants are locally owned and operated, some for generations. You have to drive a few mile out of town to find our McDonald’s and Burger King – and if you want something different, you’re going to have to make a 12+ mile haul in either direction on I-70.
We like it that way! Personally, I think if someone wants to force change our town, they should think about living somewhere else. Forcing change in a town that has tradition and family values so deeply ingrained in every brick and sidewalk is not likely to be met by the best of our welcome wagon.
Just because you CAN do something, doesn’t always mean you should. Such is the case with our Christmas Cross. That cross was handmade by a local man and gifted to the town, then that cross became a part of our annual holiday tradition. It wasn’t JUST about religion! It was about family, friends, giving, community, love, tradition and making treasured memories.
It’s such a shame that one person stepped in and stole that part of our tradition away from us – just because he could. This was about money and power, nothing more, nothing less – but this sleepy little town woke up and stood tall defending our cherished cross. One may have been taken away from us, but hundreds have sprung up to show Mr. Tompkins that actions with such a hateful purpose can not win.
Over the last few days, I have watched so many crosses being crafted and place on properties all over town. Here’s the cross my husband and I put together in support of our home town and all the people who have been hurt by the attack on our cross.
If you’d like to support Knightstown: The City of Crosses, please like this Facebook page. Put up your own Christmas Cross and share it with us. We love having so many people from all over the U.S. helping us churn something so inspiring out of this very sad situation.
