Happy 4th to you all!

[usmc0353]

Just wanted to say thank you to all our young men and women serving today all over the world. Also, thanks to all you old F**ts like me who srved in the past and continue to keep our traditions and values going today.

Happy Independence Day!!

Semper Fi!!

[thedrifter]

Happy 4th to All

AMERICA THE BEAUTIFUL


O beautiful for spacious skies, For amber waves of grain For purple mountain majesties Above the fruited plain America! America! God shed your grace on thee, And crown thy good with brotherhood From sea to shining sea.
O beautiful for patriot dream That sees beyond the years Thine alabaster cities glean Undimmed by human tears America! America! God shed your grace on thee And crown thy good with brotherhood From sea to shining sea.

Ellie

<a href='http://www.smileycentral.com/?partner=ZSzeb008_ZSYYYYYYYYUS' target='_blank'><img src='http://smileys.smileycentral.com/cat/8/8_14_9.gif' alt='Smiley Fireworks' border=0></a>

[thedrifter]

Patriotism Isn't Just Red, White and Blue
Dana Parsons

July 1, 2005

I asked a friend what she was doing for the Fourth, and she replied, "The same thing we always do, the parade in Huntington Beach."

She and her husband don't have young children, so they're not going for the kids. They just love a parade and, presumably, their country. I should have pressed on whether they go to celebrate the country's birthday or because they like to stand in the sun and watch people passing slowly by in cars.

Had she asked me what I'd be doing on the Fourth, I would have said, "The same thing I always do — nothing."

I haven't gone to a Fourth of July parade in more than 30 years, and that last one I went to only because my newspaper assigned me to cover it.

Nor would I fly an American flag outside my door or wear one on my lapel. I'd sooner wear stripes with plaids.

Now, before you start shaking your head and pounding the words "liberal elitist jackanapes" in an e-mail, please factor in that I consider myself a patriot. I don't walk around saying, "I love my country," but would I get weepy when they play the national anthem at the Olympics if I didn't? Would I just have slogged through 650 pages of John Adams' biography if I didn't love my country's heritage?

So, here's my question: Why do some of us make a point of going to a patriotic parade and flying a flag outside our homes, and others don't?

I'd pontificate, but I don't have a good feel for the reasons. I don't know if it relates to varying psychological profiles in people or, merely, a reflection in degrees of patriotism. Are there degrees of patriotism? It seems to me that you either are patriotic or you aren't. A "Somewhat Patriotic" category sounds silly. Why, then, the disparity in patriotic behaviors?

Help me out. In this most conspicuously American period of the calendar year, why are some of you flag-wavers and some not? Why will some of you stand under a hot sun and watch a Fourth of July parade, and others consider it a pointless way to spend a couple hours?

For my poll, those of you who support the overthrow of the U.S. government need not respond; your reasons would be obvious. Only patriots need apply.

To me, the subject is interesting even in a vacuum. But it just so happens that the U.S. Senate will be considering sometime soon whether the Constitution should be amended to make desecrating the flag unconstitutional. The House, by a 286-130 vote, already has said yes to the question.

I admit to being a mass of contradictions on the subject. I wouldn't vote for the constitutional amendment, nor do I support criminal punishments for people who desecrate the flag. On the other hand, it riles me when I see people — Americans or otherwise — doing just that.

But while some of my fellow Americans would want to beat the tar out of someone who'd burn the flag, I wouldn't. I'd dislike the deed and, who knows, might even do something to stop it, but it wouldn't foment rage inside of me.

But I understand perfectly the emotion in those who would rage.

Would I be serving my country if I waded into an angry mob of flag-burners and tried to stop them from disrespecting Old Glory? That's a toughie, but perhaps out of some twisted thinking, I find myself wondering what President Bush, who does wear a flag lapel, would do in that situation.

I'm unclear from the Adams biography what he would have done, either. Nor can I be sure whether he or Thomas Paine or Thomas Jefferson would have worn an American flag lapel. Or, whether they would have supported the amendment. Obviously, they didn't think to argue for it at the time.

This is perhaps much ado about nothing, but if a guy can't opine about the flag and Fourth of July parades on this weekend, when can he?

Anyway, just thinking out loud.

That's still constitutional, isn't it?

Ellie

[thedrifter]

The Founders' Cornerstones -- Independence Day <br />
The Federalist Patriot <br />
<br />
In this modern age, when we commemorate the 229th birthday of these United States, we may recite the rightness of our...

[Joseph P Carey]

Happy Birthday USA!

[thedrifter]

http://www.jacquielawson.com/viewcard.asp?code=ML24637083

Happy 4th all

Ellie

[thedrifter]

Bush Salutes Military in Radio Address
July 2, 2005, 10:09 AM EDT

WASHINGTON -- President Bush paid tribute to America's military forces Saturday, saying that Independence Day is an occasion for the nation to express thanks by flying the flag, sending letters to troops and reaching out to their families.

"At posts in Afghanistan, Iraq, and around the world, our men and women in uniform are taking the fight to the terrorists overseas, so that we do not have to face the terrorists here at home," Bush said in his weekly radio address.

He said U.S. forces have freed millions of people from oppression, in keeping with the principle of the Declaration of Independence "that all are created equal and all are meant to be free.

"Those who serve today are taking their rightful place among the greatest generations that have worn our nation's uniform," the president said.

He will celebrate July Fourth with a visit to Morgantown, W.Va.

"In this time of testing, all our troops and their families can know that the American people are behind them," Bush said. "On this Fourth of July weekend, I ask every American to find a way to thank men and women defending our freedom -- by flying the flag, sending letters to our troops in the field, and helping the military family down the street."

He said other methods of tribute are outlined on a Pentagon Web site, http://www.AmericaSupportsYou.mil.
Copyright © 2005, The Associated Press

Ellie

[thedrifter]

From the Veterans Conference:
Old Soldier's Tales
July 3, 2004


I was a soldier once...

....and one of the lasting effects has been to make Independence Day a bit
more meaningful to me. 33 years ago today I was on a plane bound for the
air base in Bien Hoa, Vietnam. We took off on July 3 and about 24 hours
later, landed on July 5. That year, there was no Independence Day for me.
The international date line swallowed the 4th of July whole.

A year later, I celebrated the 4th as a civilian for the first time in
three years, and every year since, it's given me pause as I've reflected
on that trans-Pacific voyage and the events that followed. I served at a
time when the war was over for a lot of people - people who accepted
Nixon's strategy of slow withdrawal. Thousands were coming home, after
all. Still, many of us were still going over. We were the 'left overs,'
the 'clean up crew.' We were the men John Kerry was speaking for in his
famous Senate testimony, the ones who risked being among the last to die
for a war that had by then been widely recognized as a mistake.

Today, the Brilliant and Beautiful Bride of Upper Left and I journeyed
across the county to visit the traveling reproduction of the Vietnam
Veterans Memorial, commonly known as The Wall. As I walked along the
panels carrying the 58,228 names of those who died in Vietnam, the black
tablets grew larger, and at the very apex, filling three of the tallest
panels, I found the names of those who died while I was in country.
Hundreds and hundreds of names. Among them the name of one of my basic
training sergeants. A case, I prayed, of mistaken identity, hoping, but
not at all certain, that there must have been another Sgt. Luis Campos,
and the gruff bear of a man that taught me to use a rifle with confidence
and a bayonet with ferocity retired comfortably without facing another
tour in Vietnam.

Whether he was my Sgt. Campos or not isn't so important, really. I was
lucky. My battalion took losses, but my company came through unscathed. I
saw bodies, but not of those I knew best, those I called friends. Still,
each of the names on that wall, and especially on those three tall, silent
panels, was more than a stranger. They were, they are, my brothers, every
one.

I missed a 4th of July in 1971. They've missed every one since. Tomorrow,
I'll put on a uniform and travel north to parade with a veteran's drill
team in a small town celebration, and come home to burn some meat and
drink some beer with my family. It's bound to be a good day. I have 58,228
reasons to celebrate, because they can't, and I owe them.

Happy 4th.

[thedrifter]

A Boring Fourth? Count yourself lucky.
Written by Gary Waltrip
Saturday, July 02, 2005



http://gwaltrip.com/comicstrip01.gif

[eddief]

I'm wishing all of you a happy and safe 4th of July.

I just want to say thanks to all the patriots who have kept this country free going back to those first brave men who decided to take on an empire in the name of freedom and liberty.

[Magick23]

I know its simple but I believe it's the best way to put it....



THANKS!!!

It's not just about the Fourth Of July but every day...

Thanks!!!

[thedrifter]

Text of President Bush's July 4th Speech
By The Associated Press
Fri Jul 1, 5:56 PM ET

President Bush's July Fourth proclamation:

Since July 4, 1776, Americans have experienced freedom's power to overcome tyranny, inspire hope in times of trial, and turn the creative gifts of men and women to the pursuits of peace. Across generations, our nation has defended and advanced liberty.

The words of our Founding Fathers first guided a country of 4 million souls, yet they put large events in motion. When the Liberty Bell sounded at the first public reading of the Declaration of Independence, one who witnessed the birth of freedom in our country said, "It rang as if it meant something." In our time it means something still. America continues to proclaim liberty throughout the world, and we remain a country full of hope and promise where opportunity thrives, where all stand equal before the law, and where our freedoms are celebrated.

Americans live in freedom because of the enduring power of our ideals. In the midst of World War II, President Franklin Delano Roosevelt reminded our troops that our nation believes in the "right to liberty under God — for all peoples and races and groups and nations, everywhere in the world." Today, a new generation of Americans continues to defend our nation and spread freedom. On this Fourth of July, we honor the brave men and women of our military, and their families, and we express our gratitude for their courage, dedication to duty, and love of country.

Laura and I send our best wishes to all Americans on Independence Day. May God bless you, and may God continue to bless America.

Ellie

[Butskie51]

It's been a while since I've visit or wrote and just want to say Happy Birthday U.S.A. and to all Marines and their families.
Butskie51
Coporal Dan Fischer
3rd Combat Engineers
Okinawa Japan ( Last Post Hansen )
1982-1986

[KingDonkeyPunch]

Happy Fouth of July 2005.
From the American Embassy in Canberra, Australia
MSG Det Canberra

[OLE SARG]

Happy fourth of July to all Jarheads everywhere. Stay safe out there and continue to carry on the traditions of the U. S. Marine Corps every day.

God bless you all.

SEMPER FI,
OLE SARG

[Osotogary]

Yep! Happy Independence Day to one and all.

[radio relay]

Happy Birthday, United States of America!

And to all who have served, enjoy this day that you helped to preserve.

To those on the battle line, God Bless and come home safe and sound!http://www.diegotorres.com.ar/mensajeitor/foro/caritas/120103_emA52_prv1.gif

[Gy7ras]

Happy 4th To all Jarheads and Members of Leatherneck.com! God's Speed to all our young men and women serving in harms way.

Gy7ras

[yellowwing]

July 4th 1776, the Founding Fathers put it in writing. They made the commitment to win their freedom.

The Marine Corps is very particular on signatures. We sign for everything. We make our marks to be accountable and responsible.

229 years later now, we enjoy the fruits of their commitment. And we are grateful to serve in the forces that guard these freedoms.

Semper Fidelis and happy Independence Day! :marine:

[ALLENR]

Happy 4th to all Marines and service members. Enjoy the day that
you help protect and make happen.

Semper Fi

[CHOPPER7199]

HAPPY BIRTHDAY ALL. AND A SPECIAL ONE FOR MR.HOBERT COBB WHO TURNS 80 ON THE BIG 4TH, MANY MORE BROTHER.

[thedrifter]

"Ragged Old Flag"

By Johnny Cash

www.countrywhispers.com/raggedoldflag/

Ellie

[yellowwing]

Perfect! Thanks Ellie.

[Ed Palmer]

Subject: Trivia about signers of Dec. of Indep.
>
>
>
>
> THE 4TH OF JULY
>
> Have you ever wondered what happened to the 56 men
> who signed the Declaration of Independence?
>
> Five signers were captured by the British as
> traitors,
> and tortured before they died.
>
> Twelve had their homes ransacked and burned.
>
> Two lost their sons serving in the Revolutionary
> Army;
> another had two sons captured.
>
> Nine of the 56 fought and died from wounds or
> hardships of the Revolutionary War.
>
> They signed and they pledged their lives, their
> fortunes,
> and their sacred honor.
>
> What kind of men were they?
>
> Twenty-four were lawyers and jurists.
>
> Eleven were merchants,
>
> nine were farmers and large plantation owners;
>
> men of means, well educated,
> but they signed the Declaration of Independence
> knowing full well that the penalty would be death if
> they were captured.
>
> Carter Braxton of Virginia, a wealthy planter and
> trader, saw his ships swept from the seas by the
> British Navy. He sold his home and properties to
> pay his debts, and died in rags.
>
> Thomas McKeam was so hounded by the British
> that he was forced to move his family almost
> constantly.
> He served in the Congress without pay, and his
> family
> was kept in hiding. His possessions were taken from
> him,
> and poverty was his reward.
>
> Vandals or soldiers looted the properties of
> Dillery, Hall, Clymer,
> Walton, Gwinnett, Heyward, Ruttledge, and Middleton.
>
>
> At the battle of Yorktown, Thomas Nelson, Jr., noted
> that
> the British General Cornwallis had taken over the
> Nelson
> home for his headquarters. He quietly urged General
> George Washington to open fire. The home was
> destroyed,
> and Nelson died bankrupt.
>
> Francis Lewis had his home and properties destroyed.
> The enemy jailed his wife, and she died within a few
> months.
>
>
> John Hart was driven from his wife's bedside as she
> was dying.
> Their 13 children fled for their lives. His fields
> and his gristmill
> were laid to waste. For more than a year he lived in
> forests
> and caves, returning home to find his wife dead and
> his
> children vanished.
>
> Some of us take these liberties so much for granted,
> but we shouldn't.
>
> So, take a few minutes while enjoying your 4th of
> July holiday and
> silently thank these patriots. It's not much to ask
> for the price they paid.
>
> Remember: freedom is never free!
>

[Ed Palmer]

Happy 4th to you all!

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v733/Ed15Palmer/4th.jpg

[Ed Palmer]

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v733/Ed15Palmer/307417.jpg

[thedrifter]

Posted on Mon, Jul. 04, 2005
Fourth facts, foibles and fun
By Leigh Weimers

Happy Fourth.

If you're like a lot of people, you'll have time off today for picnics, fun and fireworks (I recommend the pyrotechnics at the big America Festival downtown; take light rail to get there and avoid traffic and parking hassles). And, probably, sometime during this day someone will begin griping patriotically about the fractious condition of America today, compared with dedicated unanimity of 1776, and say something like, ``What's going on now never would have gone on back then.''

Granted, comparing today's politicians with the leaders who wrote the Declaration of Independence does make you wonder about the course of evolution. But Richard Shenkman, one of those nasty journalists who delight in puncturing cherished myths, has pointed out that things didn't always go smoothly in 1776, either.

You may already have heard from Shenkman and others that independence wasn't declared on July 4, but on July 2, instead. What may have muddied the historical water, among other things, is that Thomas Jefferson announced the declaration a couple of days after it had been issued -- on the 4th -- and that's the date that stuck. Congress didn't celebrate the declaration until July 8, indicating it was a bit behind the curve back then, too.

As for unanimity, Shenkman notes that not all the parties to the declaration signed on the first day. Most participants finally put their names on it by Aug. 2, though. One guy didn't get around to signing until 1781 (he was waiting for a poll?). And neither did all the states support independence. In the next-to-last vote in Congress, Pennsylvania and South Carolina said no, Delaware was divided and New York abstained. Pennsylvania, South Carolina and Delaware did come on board for the final vote, though. New York's delegates, saying they were waiting for instructions from back home, abstained again.

Perfect times? Hardly. Using today's microscope, it could be said that although the end result was good, the process may have been flawed (an excuse currently heard around San Jose City Hall).

But that end result back then? About as perfect a declaration and, eventually, a constitution, as humanly possible. So celebrate!

MAKING HISTORY: Continuing today's theme, historian Jack Douglas's new book, ``Historical Highlights of Santa Clara County,'' will get its public unveiling with a reception and book-signing at Histo -- a good way to learn more about Civic Auditorium and Hotel Montgomery, for starters.

Morgan Hill also has gets its day in the literary sun in a new photo-rich paperback by U.R. Sharma, simply titled ``Morgan Hill'' (Arcadia Publishing). Intriguing tidbit: Sharma notes that the Southern Pacific Railroad tried to name the nearby depot ``Huntington'' but passengers always asked to stop at Morgan Hill's ranch instead, and the name stuck.

MAKING TRACKS: And, in the spirit of independence, I'm taking off for another of my vacations. Let's all get together again here on July 13, all right? I promise I won't show slides.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Contact Leigh Weimers at lweimers@mercurynews.com or (408) 920-5547. Fax (408) 288-8060


Ellie

[hector verduzco]

Happy 4th of July to all MARINES who have served before us and who are now serving today. Independents day was not given, it was earned the hard way, through Blood, Sweat, and tears. We as MARINES know through our Blood Stripe what it means to wear the our Dress Blues. Our colors never run!. Happy 4th of July to everyone, but most of all be Safe and Sane to enjoy many more years to come.

[thedrifter]

The Declaration of Independence(Text and Audio) with pictures


http://www.historyplace.com/unitedstates/revolution/decindep2.htm

Ellie

[thedrifter]

Independence Day By The Numbers
kwtx News

http://media.graytvinc.com/images/flag3.jpg

Americans will celebrate Independence Day with food, fireworks and fun, and the U.S. Census Bureau is keeping track of the numbers.

Here’s some Holiday trivia from the bureau:

1776

296.5 MILLION
>Projected number of U.S. residents on this July 4th. Back in July 1776, there were about 2.5 million people living in the colonies. (2005 population from unpublished data; 1776 population from Historical Statistics of the United States: Colonial Times to 1970.)

THE FOURTH OF JULY COOKOUT

150 MILLION
>Number of hot dogs (all varieties) expected to be consumed by Americans on the Fourth. (That’s one frankfurter for every two people.) There’s about a 1-in-4 chance that the hot dogs made of pork originated in Iowa, as the Hawkeye State had a total inventory of 16.2 million hogs and pigs on March 1, 2005. This represents more than one-fourth of the nation’s total. (Data on hot dog consumption courtesy of the National Hot Dog and Sausage Council.)

7.3 MILLION POUNDS
>Total production of cattle and calves in Texas in 2004. Chances are that the beef hot dogs, steaks and burgers on your backyard grill came from the Lone Star State, which accounted for over one-sixth of the nation’s total production.

SIX
>Number of states in which the revenue from chicken broilers was $1 billion or greater in 2004. There is a good chance that one of these states--Georgia, Arkansas, Alabama, North Carolina, Mississippi or Texas-- is the source of your barbecued chicken.

BETTER THAN 50-50
>The odds that the beans in your side dish of baked beans came from North Dakota, Michigan or Nebraska, which produced 58 percent of the nation’s dry, edible beans in 2004. Another popular July 4th side dish is corn on the cob. California and Florida together accounted for about 45 percent of the value of sweet corn produced nationally in 2004.

ONE-HALF
>Amount of the nation’s spuds produced in Idaho or Washington in 2004. Potato salad and potato chips are also popular food items at July 4th barbecues.

NEARLY 69 MILLION
>Number of Americans who said they have taken part in a barbecue during the previous year. It’s probably safe to assume a lot of these events took place on Independence Day.

FIREWORKS

$164.2 MILLION
>The value of fireworks imported from China in 2004, representing the bulk of all U.S. fireworks imports ($172.5 million). U.S. exports of fireworks, by comparison, came to just $14.3 million in 2004, with Japan purchasing more than any other country ($4.7 million).

$17.3 MILLION
>The value of U.S. manufacturers’ shipments of fireworks in 2002.

FLAGS

$5.2 MILLION
>The dollar value of U.S. imports of American flags in 2004; the vast majority of this amount ($4.8 million) was for U.S. flags made in China.

$851,000
>Dollar value of U.S. flag exports in 2004. Mexico was the leading customer, purchasing $312,000 worth.

$349 MILLION
>Annual dollar value of shipments of fabricated flags, banners and similar emblems by the nation’s manufacturers, according to the latest published Economic Census (2002) data.

PATRIOTIC PLACES

30
>Number of places nationwide with “liberty” in their name. The most populous one is Liberty, Mo. (27,982). Iowa, with four, has more of these places than any other state: Libertyville, New Liberty, North Liberty and West Liberty.

ELEVEN
>Number of places that have “independence” in their name. The most populous of
>these is Independence, Mo., with 112,079 residents.

FIVE
>The number of places that have adopted dopted the name “freedom.” Freedom, Calif., with 6,000 residents, has the largest population among these.

FIVE
>And what could be more fitting than spending the Fourth of July in a place called “America”? There are five such places in the country, with the most populous being American Fork, Utah, population 22,876.

ONE
>There is one place named “patriot” ? Patriot, Ind., with a population of 196.

COMING TO AMERICA

34 MILLION
>The number of foreign-born residents in the United States in 2004; they accounted for 12 percent of the nation’s total population. Another 30 million Americans were “second-generation,” meaning that at least one of their parents was born abroad.

53%
>Percentage of the nation’s foreign-born population born in Latin America, as of 2004.

706,000
>Number of immigrants granted legal permanent residence in the United States during fiscal year 2003. One in four settled in California, and 1-in-10 in the New York metro area.

463,000
>Number of people who became naturalized U.S. citizens during fiscal 2003. Mexico contributed the highest number of naturalized citizens in 2003 (56,100), followed by India (29,800), the Philippines (29,100), Vietnam (26,000) and China (24,000).

Ellie

[thedrifter]

Triumph of the rabble
Suzanne Fields
townhall
July 4, 2005

Fantasy time: If I had lived in the colonies 229 years ago today, would I have stayed here in harm's way, or returned to London to sip tea and nibble crumpets with Fortnum and Mason (or one of their forbears)? The temptation would have been great on the eve of the Revolution. Losers would have been traitors, to pay at the end of a British rope.

Would I have had the confidence in a ragtag army of farmers who knew how to use a pitchfork, but not necessarily a gun? Would I have trusted that the sailors and fishermen, artisans and tradesmen of town and country, shoemakers, saddlers, carpenters, blacksmiths and tailors could defeat the mightiest empire in the world? How seductive, given the final choice, would it have been to leave behind dresses of homespun cotton to aspire to the fine fabrics of London ladies?

Strong considerations of family life would have intruded, too. It wouldn't have been easy to encourage a husband or a teenage son to go off to join a raw, undisciplined, inexperienced "rabble in arms," to follow a general who had never led any army into battle. Disease and hunger followed them. Fathers marched off with their sons; one Connecticut woman "fitted out" five sons and 11 grandsons.

King George III rode to Parliament in a gilded chariot decorated with golden sea gods, symbols reminding the American colonies that Britannia ruled the waves, almost without challenge. Would I have imagined the king right, after all, when he announced to Parliament that "to be a subject of Great Britain, with all of its consequences, is to be the freest member of any civil society in the known world"?

These are the questions that flood the reader of David McCullough's new book, "1776," where we learn that for all of our romantic notions that the colonies were guaranteed by destiny to win independence from Great Britain, the result was actually far from certain. This is the book to read on this Fourth of July as a complement to the barbecues and speeches and fireworks. Doubt and uncertainty threw a shadow over everything, from the eloquent and contentious debates in the House of Commons and the House of Lords to the dark and bloody ground where the ragged colonists camped. The historian shows with photographic clarity that no matter how glorious the cause, the margin between victory and defeat is a thin one, with the winner often determined by combinations of circumstances requiring enormous human sacrifice.

The grandeur of English royalty reflected the "wealth and weight of the British Empire," but George Washington was no slouch either. He had an imposing style of martial dignity that served the day. On that day he took command of the troops at Cambridge, one Lt. Hodgkins, an Ipswich cobbler, describes "one and 20 drummers and as many fifers a beating and playing around the parade [ground]." A Philadelphia physician and patriot observed: "There is not a king in Europe that would not look like a valet de chambre by his side."

General Washington's favorite play was "Cato," by the English writer Joseph Addison, whom he was fond of quoting as commander in chief: "'Tis not in mortals to command success, but we'll do more, Sempronius, we'll deserve it." He inspired his men to do more and deserve it. David McCullough shows how Washington, with his famously wretched teeth, fastidious dress and indecisiveness, nevertheless had a canny ability to learn from his mistakes. There are dark moments when it seems that success arrives only because God must be on our side, providing propitious storms, a fog to hide a retreat and contrary winds to foil the British fleet. But God helps those who help themselves, as the folk wisdom goes, and Washington was the strong human leader.

David McCullough, our most popular historian, dramatizes the human experience behind scholarly fact in a narrative that is not about the Declaration of Independence, but about what it took to beat the odds. In November 1776, after Washington had lost four battles and just before he crossed the Delaware to Trenton, British commanders offered a pardon to all who would swear allegiance to the crown. It was time to put up or shut up. I can hope I would have remained steadfast then, resolute in confidence that neither I nor my family would ever again sing "God Save the King." I didn't have to make that choice. Thousands of men and women who went before us did, and thank God for every one of them.

Ellie

[Ed Palmer]

HATS OFF TO AMERICA!

· I was born free. My father was a Doctor and my Mother was a nurse.

· On the 4th of July we shoot off fire crackers while some politicians shoot off their mouths.

· Watch kids closely if you let them use fire crackers. It’s hard to wave bye with just a thumb.

· A lot of American’s aren’t patriotic anymore. They no longer ring the Liberty bell; instead they go to Taco Bell.

· Correction, the Father of our Country is Not Bill Clinton, even though he wanted to be.

· Uniforms for our Army have changed: In the beginning of our war for independence the soldiers wore velvet pants, lots of lace and powdered white wigs. I guess that gave something for the guys to whistle at around the nightly campfires.

· Most Americans celebrate the 4th because their bosses let them off work.

· I love the fire works on the 4th. It usually happens when I am around my family too long.

· But it is the duty of every red blooded American to be Patriotic on Independence Day. I always feel a huge sense of patriotism and pride when I see the Stars and Stripes flying over my local Honda dealership.

· The most fireworks I’ve seen recently have been people arguing over the Richard Scrushy Verdict.

· Finally, wear the Red, White, and Blue today. Celebrate the Freedom we have in the United States of America and give thanks to those Patriots who made it possible. May God Bless America!