Remember what is Freedom is all About

Happy Birthday America!!!!!

This is a good reminder of what freedom is all about.

 Thanks for sharing the email Bruce

The 4th of July!!

 

Have you ever wondered what happened to the 56 men who signed the Declaration of Independence? Their story. . .

 

• 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.

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!

 

I hope you will show your support by sending this to as many people as you can, please. It's time we get the word out that patriotism is NOT a sin, and the Fourth of July means more than beer, picnics, and baseball games. True "reflection" is a part of this country's greatness.  Be a participant.

Happy Birthday America

CELEBRATING AMERICA’S FREEDOMS

Let Freedom Ring..

By Terry Orr

Independence Day 2013 – It is the anniversary of the publication of the declaration of independence from Great Britain in 1776. How will you celebrate this day?

Giving thanks each and every day when I awake for being alive; for another day to help others; thanking the Lord for all he has provided; and asking for guidance for this new day.

Today is also another day for giving thanks to all those men and women who have protected our country and way of life – far too many have given the ultimate sacrifice so that we may enjoy our freedoms – as freedom is not free!

Please follow this link http://www.tinker.af.mil/shared/media/document/AFD-100812-059.pdf , read, save and print it!  It is an excellent and informative document that explains why we celebrate our Freedom’s in America throughout the year.

For some interesting facts regarding the Fourth of July – please follow this link http://www.census.gov/newsroom/releases/archives/facts_for_features_special_editions/cb13-ff14.html

Happy Independence Day America!!  Wishing you a happy, safe and enjoyable celebration.

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4th of July 2012

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By Terry Orr

Independence Day, commonly known as the Fourth of July, is a federal holiday in the United States commemorating the adoption of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776, declaring independence from the Kingdom of Great Britain. Independence Day is commonly associated with fireworks, parades, barbecues, carnivals, fairs, picnics, concerts, baseball games, family reunions, and political speeches and ceremonies, in addition to various other public and private events celebrating the history, government, and traditions of the United States. Independence Day is the national day of the United States. (Wikipedia)

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Today all Americans celebrate our Declaration of Independence!

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Today we also take time to remember the sacrifices that have been made for our freedom.

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Today, all Americans need to reflect upon our rights as citizens of this great country, unlike any other on this planet. 

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Today, we need to get involved and once again become part of the solution to our problems instead of hoping others will do it for us.

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Independence Day - 2011

By Diane Forrest,

Today is July 4th, a day that is recognized as a federal holiday celebrating the separation from Great Britain's rule. In 1776 the Declaration of Independence was penned by Thomas Jefferson and signed by Congress on July 4th approving this separation.  In a letter written by John Adams to his wife, Abigail, he stated that "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." 

Americans celebrate July 4th with parades, fireworks, barbeques, carnivals, fairs, picnics, concerts, baseball games, family reunions, political speeches and ceremonies, and various other public and private events celebrating the history, government, and traditions of the United States.  I hope we have done John Adams proud!

The 4th of July has always been one of my favorite holidays.  We had a cabin on the lake and would spend a week there prior to the 4th.  We would swim, fish, ski, for days building up to the main event.  When the big day finally arrived you could just feel the excitement in the air.  Decorations went up, and tables were spread with food that would rival Thanksgiving!  There were hams, turkeys, hamburgers, hot dogs, fish, every kind of vegetable, cakes, pies...enough for a small country, or the group of the starving kids who had been playing in the lake all day.  The night would end with the explosion of fireworks across the water and was a beautiful magical sight.

As I got older, I joined the church choir.  One of the best concerts we performed was the 4th of July concert after the Gulf War.  The church was decorated with red, white and blue, and the choir sang every patriotic song imaginable.  The symphony orchestra accompanied the choir to make the music even more special.  One medley that we sang included the hymns of each branch of the military.  During this song, the congregation members who served in each branch were asked to stand while their hymn was being sung.  That was such a special event, and still brings a lump to my throat and tears to my eyes.

Today, let your patriotic pride flow, raise a flag, spend time with friends and family, go to a parade or watch some fireworks.  If you are not in an area that has fireworks or parades, check out the television.  I recommend the Boston Pops Orchestra and fireworks over the nation’s capital!  Don't forget to say a prayer for thanks and safety for our service men and women who are still constantly fighting for our freedoms. 

Happy 4th of July!