[July 4, 2019] I like cake. I like it so much that my wife decided to get me a special 4th of July cake decorated to look like a U.S. flag. This is just one of those eternal symbols of my life here on Earth. Another is I’m a patriot. Like so many hundreds of men and women I know, we are the ones who are willing to stand up and put our lives on the line for the freedoms many peoples around the world enjoy. Happy July 4th.
As I post this article, I’ll quickly head to the door and walk to the starting point of our local, small-town parade. Our veterans club will be at the head of the parade; good for us, the parade lasts about an hour. I’m proud to say that we have ten WWII veterans who are current members. This is why my wife and I retired to a small town. If you know the police chief, mayor, and chamber of commerce by their first names; you likely live in a small town.
I recently had the pleasure to read the book, Our Towns: A 100,000-Mile Journey into the Heart of America (2018) by James and Deborah Fallows. Good book! It’s a positive portrait of the reinvention taking place in small towns across the U.S. and generally out of view of the national media. Like so many towns throughout the world, you will find the best parts of life represented here. Towns like Mer Rouge, Louisiana (where I grew up in the 1950s), Siegelsbach, Germany (where I was first stationed in 1975), and Smithville, New Jersey (close to where I now live) represent the best in all of us.
July 4th is a time of celebration. It matters not where you live; this country or another or your beliefs. This is the time of year that anyone who loves freedom should celebrate the freedom they have. Contrary to the beliefs of some, freedom is not an easy road to travel. It requires strong men and women to oversee the federal system of government. Our Constitution and our values are what guide us. I’m happy we have them.
I’m giving a special shout out to the flag of the United States and especially to one of our first flags; the Betsy Ross flag. Don’t let the naysayers get you down. We stand for the best in all people. Nothing will change that. Happy Fourth of July. Come over and celebrate our Independence Day.
Trump touts 4th of July event, says it will be ‘one of the biggest gatherings in the history of Washington, D.C.’ I look forward to seeing it on tv. I can’t be there, or I would. A big salute to America! https://www.cnn.com/2019/02/24/politics/trump-july-4th-celebration/index.html
Go President Trump. Help make America great again.
The Continental Congress approved the final wording of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776. They’d been working on it for a couple of days after the draft was submitted on July 2nd and finally agreed on all of the edits and changes. July 4, 1776, became the date that was included on the Declaration of Independence, and the fancy handwritten copy that was signed in August (the copy now displayed at the National Archives in Washington, D.C.).
Good info here Max. It wasn’t the signing because that took place on July 2nd.
Thanks Max.
Who made the First American Flag? Not Betsy Ross. http://mikethehistoryguy.blogspot.com/2013/05/who-made-first-american-flag-not-betsy.html
You are spoiling things for me. Oh, history!!
Betsy Ross flag as it is known today. That is just what we call it. Common language. Common usage. http://www.catholiclane.com/wp-content/uploads/Betsy-Ross-flag-best1.jpg
Another great day Is upon us.
Congratulations to the United States of America. I thank you.
Independence Day (colloquial: the Fourth of July) is a federal holiday in the United States commemorating the Declaration of Independence of the United States on July 4, 1776.
Good to see this article today. It made me happy to know that there are still patriots out there who are willing to do what it takes to keep us safe and free.
Oh, never sacrifice freedom for safety.
Great point.
Long ago I adopted the 4th of July as my personal favorite day of the year. As a kid, I loved it. Parades, food, no school, freedom to run around with my friends (parents were too busy to watch us), and a chance to see some of the veterans of WWI, WW2, and Korea. I talked to many of them and glad I did.
“Freedom is one of the deepest and noblest aspirations of the human spirit.” Ronald Reagan
One of the greatest US presidents. Obama and Carter were the worst of the 20th century. I hope we never have one like those two idiots.
I agree with that sentiment. Keep up the great comments.
Here’s another great quote. “Then join hand in hand, brave Americans all! By uniting we stand, by dividing we fall.” — John Dickinson
You need to watch this video:
“Star Spangled Banner As You’ve Never Heard It”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YaxGNQE5ZLA
Has over 10 million views.
The Fourth of July symbolizes ‘freedom’ throughout the world. It is no longer just an American holiday but a world holiday. I agree with Gen. Satterfield that there will be naysayers like some of the new Congresswomen we have in Washington DC. They, like other socialist, will fail. That makes me that much more happy.
Hey, thanks. This afternoon, I’ll be BBQing out with friends and family. The weather will be hot and humid but that only makes is nostalgic (it’s always been that way).
Same here. I’ll be celebrating with fireworks and hamburgers. My friends will be stopping by after the parade.
I enjoyed the 4th of July celebrations too.
Great article to symbolize freedom on this date, July 4th.