Hard times 233 years ago today. By the time the Declaration of Independence was signed, the colonies that would become the United States of America had been at war with the center of the metropolitan empire for over a year, reeling from defeat to retreat in the field, and managing only the not inconsequential feat of avoiding detailed destruction. Perhaps if the Brits had ever gotten around to scribbling down their own constitution in one spot, an awful lot of confusion about the rights of Parliament to levy taxes upon the crown’s overseas possessions could have been avoided. Perhaps not.
In any case, here we are later having passed through those fires, manifest other challenges and facing new ones again. Today’s a day of celebration of what has gone before, what we still are, what we are yet to become. Here’s to parades and speeches, fireworks and family, the rocket’s red glow and the warm presence of those we care for most around us. Here’s to the remembrance of past achievements that keep us constant and optimistic in times of trial.
Here’s to those we left behind on battlefields and parapets of every sort that made all of these things possible.
Here’s to those fighting still.
And yes, here’s to things worth fighting for.
Happy Fourth of July, America!
Sweet zombie Jesus! I’m in!
Oh, wait. Have the rifle, no ammunition. Or so the Department of Wife tells me.
– Max
I have a Match Grade AR-15, and an HK 91, which one do you want to borrow, when the Hessian’s come?
Indeed, a very Happy Fourth of July to all!!!!
My thanks to all that provide this opportunity to celebrate yet another anniversary of freedom, happy birthday America!
PS, That’s one smokin’ firecracker behind the link. TY for the eye candy!
Deepest thanx to a bunch of men who committed treason and sedition to guarantee a free future for their countrymen. And deepest thanx to the men & women who continue to put themselves in harm’s way so that the actions of our founding fathers are never diminished.
Bugled colors and ran up the flag at 0800.
Who cares what the neighbors think about the crazy guy up the street?
Later today with the family will read John Adams “1837 4th of July oration” and the full text of the Star Spangled Banner.
Happy 4th to all!
…and our political leaders of that day pledged their lives, fortunes and sacred honor. Most paid a price. Five signers were captured and tortured as traitors; Nine fought in the War for Independence and died from wounds or from hardships they suffered; Two lost sons in the Continental Army; Two had sons captured; twelve had their homes pillaged and burned.
Sacred honor doesn’t have quite the same meaning today to many of our elected officials- both, sides of the isle.
+1 Wilco.
How many of us would (will?) have the same courage as older men with much to loose?
The true enemy of freedom. Fear. Absence of courage.
http://hotair.com/greenroom/archives/2009/07/02/the-true-enemy-of-freedom/
Happy Birthday, America! The last and greatest hope for all mankind. I pray that we do not foolishly lose it for the false promises of the nanny state.
Happy Birthday America and, from me, a special thanks to you for being there and showing the world how to carve out freedom from a blank page. From your shameful treatment at the hands of the British you’ve done pretty good these past couple of hundred years. Glad we’re friends. Great history. Go USA.
Happy Independence Day to you and yours, Cap’n, and to the commentariat Chez Lex.