Free Republic

Bainbridge Island has done the right thing. Finally. The mayor of the community, six miles west of Seattle, has apologized for the way a U.S. veteran of the Iraq war was treated during a holiday parade there.

ALL IS QUIET this morning, after the first night of heavy fireworks in the area. I expect there will be much more tonight. It's been years since I enjoyed the 4th of July. For me it means loud disturbance, frightened animals, and that I have to stay home to make sure all the critters get safely through it. DogMy poor dog is hung over this morning, still sleepy from her dose of doggie-downers last night. She's the worst about fireworks, of the dogs I've had. She isn't the 'hide in the back room' type dog, she's the 'bark at it'...

On Independence Day, we remember names like Washington, Adams, Jefferson, and Franklin --and we honor their courage and vision. We are grateful that our Founders pledged their lives, their fortunes, and their sacred honor to create an independent America. And we are thankful that this Nation under God is still free, independent, and the best hope of mankind. America is a place of freedom and opportunity. We are caring toward neighbors in need and generous to the sick and struggling. We are a strong, decent, and good-hearted country. All of us are blessed to be citizens of the United States...

This is long overdue for me. A tribute to our armed forces. Thank you, all. I do not consider your sacrifices in vain. The American Flame

Just wondered if any other Freepers besides myself were going to France in six weeks to commemorate the 60th anniversary of the Normandy invasion. This has been in the works for me for over a year, and as a general goal for the last twenty years. Ever since Ronald Reagan spoke at the American cemetery overlooking Omaha Beach in 1984, really. Part of the motivation is that this will undoubtedly be the last such gathering of American veterans who actually participated in the assault. As such, it will be the last occasion to honor this extraordinary group of Americans and...

CARLSBAD, Calif. - When police noticed Dina Dagy's family was spending $250 to $300 a month on electricity, they suspected a marijuana farm was flourishing under high-intensity lights inside their suburban home.What they found when they showed up with a drug-sniffing dog and a search warrant was a wife and mother who does several loads of laundry a day, keeps a dishwashing machine going, has three electricity-guzzling computers and three kids who can't remember to turn the lights out when they leave a room."It's hard to believe a high utility bill would be enough to issue a state warrant," said...

Well, I just got my packet of info concerning the 60th Anniversary of D-Day in Normandy, France by Stephen Ambrose Tours, Inc. I was suprised that the tour is a CRUISE! Not only that, I think that the $8,000+ is pretty steep, even for such noble guests and luxuries that you will be treated to no doubt. However, I was wondering if it were possible to get together a FreeRepublic.com group of history buffs/patriots/veterans and maybe go over and make things more fun and less expensive for us. I have never been to Normandy, but I heard it was alot...

The day will be the most memorable in the history of America. I am apt to believe it will be celebrated by succeeding generations as the great anniversary festival... 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 for ever more." John Adams, July 3, 1776 The Concert It's America's biggest birthday party! Join the celebration this July 4th from the grounds of the U.S. Capitol when A Capitol Fourth 2003 kicks off a brilliant evening of...

Wal-Mart Announces New Gay Policy Wednesday, 2 July 2003 SEATTLE -- Wal-Mart Stores, the nation's largest private employer, has broadened its corporate anti-bias policy to include gay and lesbian workers, the company announced Tuesday. Wal-Mart spokeswoman Mona Williams said that the company implemented the changes because "It's the right thing to do for our employees. We want all of our associates to feel they are valued and treated with respect — no exceptions." The decision was disclosed by a Seattle gay rights foundation that had invested in Wal-Mart and then lobbied the company for two years to make its discrimination...