Time for vacation

Like many of you, I had the opportunity recently to take some time off for vacation. Dianne and I got married on June 23, 1973 at Lone Hill Baptist Church, and just returned from a memorable trip to celebrate our 46th anniversary. During the tour we visited the eastern Mediterranean to see some of the places that influenced the development of Christianity and western civilization.

Billington

We first Arrived at Kusadasi, Turkey where Paul began the Ephesus church. We saw Mars hill where Paul addressed the citizens of Greece, and visited the Greek islands of Santorini and Crete. Santorini is one of the most beautiful places on Earth, but so many people! We had the opportunity to visit the island of Rhodes and see Acropolis of Lindos and Citadel of the Knights. We also visited the cave where John wrote Revelation on the Island of Patmos.

Although it was an inspiring tour, it was fantastic to return the United States in time to celebrate our great nation’s 243rd birthday. I truly believe we live in the greatest country in the world. Whether you are born rich or poor, every citizen has the same opportunity to become whatever they want to be in life. I consider it an honor every time I have the opportunity to show respect for our country and its veterans, which is why I always say the pledge of allegiance and stand for our flag.

Missouri Governor Mike Parson has signed legislation into law that will provide Missourians a new way to express their support for law enforcement. The Missouri General Assembly approved the bill during the 2019 session to establish a “Back the Blue” specialty license plate, which Missourians can obtain to show their appreciation for Missouri’s law enforcement officers.

The “Back the Blue” license plate will be entirely voluntary with a $10 contribution collected from the license plate applicant for the Missouri Law Enforcement Memorial Foundation, which honors those officers who have made the ultimate sacrifice in the service of the citizens of Missouri. The memorial rests on the riverside of the Missouri Capitol and a ceremony is held annually to honor the memory of Missouri’s fallen law enforcement officers. Those who want the plate will also have to pay a $15 fee in addition to normal registration costs.

Until the signing of HB 898, Missouri had several specialty plates for various law enforcement association members, but lacked a single plate Missourians could obtain to show support for law enforcement.

The sponsor of the bill thanked Gov. Parson and her colleagues for moving the legislation into law and for “showing the men and women in law enforcement that we value the service and sacrifices they make in protecting and serving our citizens each and every day.” She added, “We owe them our gratitude and appreciation for the incredible service they provide and the dangers they face to protect our communities. We also must never forget the men and women in law enforcement who have given their lives to serve and protect us.”

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Hardy Billington represents the 152nd District. Contact him at hardy.billington@house.mo.gov or by calling 573-751-4039.