Happy Birthday America

[CNW 6000]

You're not perfect, but who is?  You're still around and I appreciate you!  Many returns!

[greyhounds]

You're not perfect, but who is?  You're still around and I appreciate you!  Many returns!

Yep!  She ain't perfect.  Nothing is.  But she's the best!

God Bless you, you old Republic.  May you go on forever!

 

[inch53]

Well folks, it be the 4'th, a day of celebration, feasting and fireworks. A birthday party for our nation, but I hope you remember those who have made this day possible for us all. And when the fireworks are going off, and we see the rockets glare, the bombs bursting in air and hear the reports, that we remember battles fought and those who fought them.

Hope ya'll has a gooden n stay safe.

[CNW 6000]

Well said inch53.

[cherokee woman]

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, AMERICA!!

Long may your flag wave!!!!

My wish today is for everyone to have a happy, safe Independence Day!!

[eolafan]

                                                        

 

WAVE ON, OLD GLORY, WAVE ON!

[Willy2]

Happy Birthday America!!!

God Bless America!!!

[squeeze]

Yeah, Happy Birthday America. Ever wonder why the 4th of July was selected as the birthday when it had no significance of a battle won or freedom earned? Something in memory says that it had to do with the best date in astrology for the longest time of endurance. Anyone have info? I find very little on the internet. Too bad that on this day off there is little train activity to watch. Good to see almost all get to celebrate. Enjoy and have a safe holiday to all.

Squeeze

[blhanel]

From Wikipedia:

Why the fourth?

Though the Fourth of July is iconic to Americans, some claim the date itself is somewhat arbitrary. New Englanders had been fighting Britain since April 1775. The first motion in the Continental Congress for independence was made on June 4, 1776. After hard debate, the Congress voted unanimously, but secretly, for independence from the Kingdom of Great Britain on July 2 (see Lee Resolution). The Congress reworked the text of the Declaration until a little after eleven o'clock, July 4, when the twelve colonies voted for adoption and released a copy signed only by John Hancock, President of the Congress, to the printers. (The New York delegation abstained from both votes.) Philadelphia celebrated the Declaration with public readings and bonfires on July 8. Not until August 2 would a fair printing be signed by the members of the Congress, but even that was kept secret to protect the members from British reprisals.

John Adams, credited by Thomas Jefferson as the unofficial, tireless whip of the independence-minded, wrote to his wife Abigail on July 3, 1776:

The second day of July, 1776, will be the most memorable epoch in the history of America. I am apt to believe that it will be celebrated by succeeding generations as the great anniversary festival. It ought to be commemorated as the day of deliverance, by solemn acts of devotion to God Almighty. It ought to be solemnized with pomp and parade, with shows, games, sports, guns, bells, bonfires, and illuminations, from one end of this continent to the other, from this time forward forever more.

Adams was off by two days, however. Certainly, the vote on July 2 was the decisive act. But July 4, 1776 is the date on the Declaration itself. Jefferson's stirring prose, as edited by the Congress, was first adopted by the July 4th vote. It was also the first day Philadelphians heard the official news of independence from the Continental Congress, as opposed to rumors in the street about secret votes.

 

Happy Birthday, America. 

 

[eolafan]

Why the Fourth of July?

Do any others among you find this a surprising and somewhat disappointing question for an U.S. citizen to ask?

[solzrules]

Why the Fourth of July?

Do any others among you find this a surprising and somewhat disappointing question for an U.S. citizen to ask?

No.  There are some folk in Madison that treat this as a day of mourning.  Nothing is surprising anymore.  I'm just glad God has protected this country for another year and thankful for the freedom I have as an American citizen. 

 

[eolafan]

Why the Fourth of July?

Do any others among you find this a surprising and somewhat disappointing question for an U.S. citizen to ask?

No.  There are some folk in Madison that treat this as a day of mourning.  Nothing is surprising anymore.  I'm just glad God has protected this country for another year and thankful for the freedom I have as an American citizen. 

 

 

Valid point, thanks.

[squeeze]

Why the Fourth of July?

Do any others among you find this a surprising and somewhat disappointing question for an U.S. citizen to ask?

You missed my point in the question or I did not clarify it. I'm not questioning Independence Day, merely asking why it would be July 4th. In all my history classes this time of year has very little to do with our Independence, other dates would seem more relevant. As for patriotism, I served my country proudly in S.E. Asia contrary to popular opinion at that time. I appologize for any error on my question.

Thank you,
Squeeze

[Semper Vaporo]

Way back when, when I was in school the Declaration of Independence was a document I had to read, was on the wall at the back of most of the classrooms and in several of my textbooks.  It starts with the banner headline:

"In CONGRESS, July 4, 1776"

It never dawned on me to wonder why that date was considered the anniversary of the founding of the nation.

I DO wonder why so many people are out and about shouting "God Bless America" when so few people even believe in God or make any attempt to follow His precepts.  Why in tarnation would God WANT to bless this land anymore? 

Never mind, I'm getting into religion and poly-ticks again.  I think I will go to the local memorial here for a few hours and sit and pray for forgiveness to that being whose name we can only take in vain here.  Oh!  GOD D*** There I go a mentionin' religion agi'n!

("Bog off, Onslow!")

 

[Anonymous]

inch53 wrote the following post at 07-04-2007 11:18 AM:

Well folks, it be the 4'th, a day of celebration, feasting and fireworks.

 

And just another day of movin' freight, though doing so for a higher rate.

[edblysard]

This is why...and who.

 

[locomutt]

This is why...and who.

 

 

EXACTLY! 

[cogloadreturns]

Yes, happy independance day the good ole USA. Sad that we still kicked your backsides when you tried to invade Canada!

 

A Brit.

 

Nah. Enjoy the day one and all, and I have upmost respect for the US. Hope to pass through the US early next year on a round the world tour......

[route_rock]

  She may not be perdect but it is a damn sight finer place than most. I could live back in Ireland or England but why? My family came here to live free from being told how to live and worship.Being able to control their own destiny.

   Pary for this country. Elect those that want us to remain strong or we can be just like the Romans. History repeats if not learned and heeded.

 

[miniwyo]

I don't know what it is, but every summer starting about the beginning of July, until the end of summer I just feel even more proud and patriotic. When I had my theater classes in college the professor taught us about synergy, the energy that the moment creates that provokes an uncontrollable emotion, usually tears. There are 2 occasions where I experience this, the opening Overature when seeing Phantom of the Opera on stage, and the grand entry at our local rodeo. It all starts out with the rodeo queen entering the arena with the American flag, and the announcer starts talking about all the things that makes america unique with "I Believe in Ameria" by Chris LeDoux playing in the background. Last year I tok my best friend with me to the rodeo, and she said as soon as that stetson came off my head and was placed on my chest, I never looked any prouder. I love this land. And may she stand strong forever!

[miniwyo]

Hey guys,I just wanted to bring this back as I have found an online clip of the Rodeo Grand Entry if oyu would like ot listen to it.

http://www.chadnicholson.com/audio/flag_open.mp3