By the time people are reading today’s edition of The Sampson Independent, an entourage of some 30 volunteers will have arrived in Tampa, Fla., armed with a desire to bring back an honor for the city, the county and all its people.

For some, another quest for an All-America City title seems fruitless drivel, particularly since we already have the 2007 title. But to the committee, which has spent countless hours putting this year’s application and presentation together, and for the presenters from District 5, Dancing with the Clinton Stars and the Downtown Revitalization effort, it is so very much more.

We hope it is for you, the very people this group is working so hard for. It is their desire to allow this quest for another AAC title to build excitement, to develop community pride, to tout the grassroots efforts of so many and to show citizens here and across the country that Clinton is special and deserves recognition for being so.

Going after another All-America City title is much like seeking more than one state championship in football, golf, soccer or basketball. It’s a challenge to be tackled, a hurdle to be crossed and a prize, that if won, will only mean good things for the city and, in many ways, the county as well.

It’s why Mayor Lew Starling was so willing to give up the remainder of his mayoral salary for this trip; and it’s why so many businesses and individuals have given money to this worthwhile effort.

The things we do in Clinton are special. Though small in size, we are big in heart, and when the call goes out for assistance, no matter the race, no matter the socio-economic status, no matter the cost, we forge head-on, arm-in-arm into the storm, and we make a difference.

Just consider the money raised in these difficult economic times in a county of only 60,000 people, with a county seat boasting less than 8,500 in population. Since January, we’ve raised nearly $200,000 through the Stars event, which put interactive white boards in all the city schools; we’ve pumped another $300,000-plus into this year’s Relay for Life; there’s been thousands raised at church barbecues, fish frys and golf tournaments; and wallets continue to open when the call goes out.

And then there’s the time and effort given to a plethora of projects, like the Sampson Center, where just recently businesses have partnered to make computers and internet access available to youngsters in District 5.

There’s more, much more that could be said were there space enough to do it, but everyone likely gets the point.

Our residents have heart, they work together and they always respond when called upon to do so.

If that doesn’t deserve another All-America City, we’re not sure what does.

So our hat is off to this group as they make their bid in Tampa. We hope yours is too.

Send your support via comments on our blog, set up at www.clintonnc.com. Just click on Clinton’s Flags of Success and follow the prompts to make your comments. And follow this week’s newspapers for updates on the trip.