Free Republic

by Michael Mandaville Our Heroes are everywhere. They pass by us at the market. They work for us. They walk our streets. I’m talking about the men and women of our Armed Forces who serve and have served our country ably, courageously and without acclaim. We all know one such individual. They don’t talk much about it, except with hesitation and humility. And they believe that their unbelievably difficult sacrifices have been forgotten. Letter of Appreciation [can be viewed at www.CitizenSoldierHandbook.com] And they live across from us. One such Hero is Adolph Arujo who served in the Korean war as...

GLENN: Helen Glover is with us from our affiliate in Providence, Rhode Island, 920 WHJJ. Helen, tell me about the tea party that happened this July 4th? CALLER: Good morning, Glenn. Well, you know, the tea party movement's growing across the country and certainly here in Rhode Island, one of the most liberal states in the union, there's really been a real grassroots effort to get this tea party going. One April 15th and another one in June and then we put together a float for the Bristol Fourth of July parade which by the way is the oldest parade...

THOMASVILLE, N.C. - An Archdale man was seriously injured Saturday when a cannon went off while he was preparing to fire it to celebrate the Fourth of July holiday, according to officials in the Davidson County Sheriff's Office. Kevin Scott Hankins, of 2205 Lockwood Circle, was taken to Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center shortly after 10 p.m. with serious injuries to his arms and hands as well as lacerations and burning to his torso, waist, neck, head and arms, deputies said. Investigators said Hankins was standing in front of the cannon, packing gun powder in it after a misfire...

I want to wait until after Independence Day was over before I posted this. Obama didn't do much in the way of appearances today -- but he did send an email to his 'supporters.' He "rewrites" history in the following email. "Friend -- This weekend, our family will join millions of others in celebrating America. We will enjoy the glow of fireworks, the taste of barbeque, and the company of good friends. As we all celebrate this weekend, let's also remember the remarkable story that led to this day. Two hundred and thirty-three years ago, our nation was born when...

WASHINGTON – The White House is getting ready for the big holiday barbecue and fireworks show at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue. President Barack Obama and first lady Michelle Obama returned from Camp David in time to host the Independence Day celebration. The Obamas have invited about 1,200 military families for the festivities Saturday night.

On this Independence Day, I am so very proud of all those who have chosen to serve our great nation and I honor their selflessness and the sacrifices of their families, too. If I may, I would like to take a moment to reflect on the last 24 hours and share my thoughts with you. First, I want to thank you for your support and hard work on the values we share. Those values led me to the decision my family and I made. Yesterday, my family and I announced a decision that is in Alaska’s best interest and it...

Sonia Sotomayor is a member of La Raza and has clearly made inflammatory racist statements.

PALOMINAS — It isn’t along a highway, but Glenn Spencer’s billboard along the American-Mexican border carries a special message to those responsible for the nation’s security: Finish the Job. The day before the Fourth of July, Spencer, who heads the private nonprofit American Border Patrol (which should not be confused with the federal U.S. Border Patrol), and a number of helpers placed 3,000 small American flags and messages on part of the 18-foot high border fence, changing a 60-foot stretch of rusty metal into colorful patches of red, white and blue. This is the second year during the national independence...

Reminder: download "The Tea Party Anthem" to play at your 4th of July Tea Party. http://bit.ly/zMYfG Hear "The American TEa Party Anthem" here: http://bit.ly/6mfvC

The upcoming 4th of July celebration made me start thinking about the Declaration of Independence. It seems nowadays, that people are getting more and more upset with the way others behave, especially when this behavior is considered offensive or out of the norm. I’m wondering how that first line of the 2nd para…” We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness.” , is to be interpreted? Where is the line drawn, and by...

There is some great patriotic programming on TBN over the next several days. Yes, it's primarily Christian in nature, but it's all incredibly patriotic, Independence Day related, and some incredible history lessons as well. Hey, what's on ABC, NBC, CBS, CNN, etc? Enjoy! TBN.org TBN TV schedule July 2nd (East coast): Note: Primary schedule is west coast, but you can change time zones. Some great programs (Eastern Time). Check schedule for additional broadcasts. 11:30 AM - A Nation Adrift * http://tbn.org/index.php/2/4/p/324.html 1:30 PM - Medal of Honor * http://tbn.org/index.php/2/4/p/535.html 5:00 PM - America's Godly Heritage * http://tbn.org/index.php/2/4/p/307.html 6:00 PM -...

CLICK ON ANY ONE OF THESE TO FIND WHERE YOU CAN GET A FULL-SIZE PDF: And there are many more WHERE THOSE CAME FROM

July 01, 2005, George W's Quagmire Different war, same old complaints. By Michael Graham PHILADELPHIA, THE AMERICAN COLONIES, JULY 4, 1776 — Leaders of the self-described "American patriots" movement gathered in this Pennsylvania city today to sign an official declaration of their political intentions, despite widespread criticism of a failing war policy and complaints that their military action was launched under false pretenses. "Here it is, July of 1776, and George W. and his lackeys are just now getting around to declaring what this war is supposedly all about?" complained Loyalist playwright Michael LeMoore. "Washington and his neo-congressionalists rushed us...

Happy Independence Day America!! Thank you, Lady Jag

DAD, WHAT's UNABHANGIKEITSTAG? "Is that when the thirteen colonies broke away from England?" My ten year inquired out of nowhere at 6 AM German time this morning. "Yeah, why do you want to know, eat your breakfast," I mumbled, too sleepy to be very curious. "Because I am afraid my teacher will ask me, since I am wearing this T-shirt and I'm the only American in the class." With an effort, I adjusted my gaze upward to his white T-shirt. It was brand new. Prominent on his breast was an image of the flag and below that: OLD NAVY...

Would today's Democrats ever agree to the language in this document written by our Founding Fathers?

In order that we might all raise the level of discourse and expand our language abilities, here is the daily post of "Word for the Day". InalienableAdjective incapable of being alienated, surrendered, or transferred "Alien," "alienable," "inalienable" -- it's easy enough to see the Latin word "alius," meaning "other," at the root of these three words. "Alien" joined our language in the 14th century, and one of its earliest meanings was "belonging to another." By the early 1600s that sense of "alien" had led to the development of "alienable," an adjective describing something you could give away or transfer...

We invite ALL Americans to join us for the Celebration Event of the Year!!! When: JULY 4th, 2008!!! Where: CAMP VIGILANCE, Boulevard, CA Event Time: 9:00 AM - 10:00 PM Border Watch: For Patriots Who Wish To Stay, There Will Be A Weekend Border Watch -July 5th & 6th!! The Unity of Groups: The event is sponsored by California Coalition for Immigration Reform, Save Our State, The Minuteman Corps of CA Inc, The Minuteman Civil Defense Corps of CA, The San Diego Minutemen, The Escondido Minuteman Brigade, The Antelope Valley Minutemen and others!!!!! July 4th festivities will include guest speakers,...

What does the 4th of July mean to you? Over the time I have been aware of who we are as a nation I have been asked from time to time just what it means to celebrate the 4th of July. It’s not just the mantra of the birth of a new nation. It’s not the just another weekend to get drunk, party, BBQ, and take advantage of the time off. It has to have a deeper meaning, one that resonates from the past and looks to the future.For me, there was an awareness at the age of 8 about...

Duncan Hunter's Grandaughter sings "The Star-Spangled Banner".

FReepers Weldgophardline and Fire engine red entered a float dedicated to our brave troops serving in the armed services. Fire engine red worked tirelessly for two months to prepare a float that was a proud tribute to our troops for the annual parade in Greeley, Colorado. Besides displaying pictures of current service personnel, there is also a special heart on each side of the float with pictures honoring our brave troops who lost their lives fighting for our Country. Pictures will be posted shortly, and FReepers Weldgophardline and Fire engine red will add their report later.

Please post your pictures from Independence Day parades, picnics, etc.!

American Independence Day is usually celebrated with the familiar mixture of backyard burgers, bottle rockets and beer. But practical party favors aside, the Southern Avenger tends to believe that the holiday still gives most Americans a jolt of patriotism on some level. That many of us still feel a sense of gratitude and realize that we are truly blessed to live here. And that the 4th of July is the one day we can all remember who we are and where we came from. But these days, not only is "where we came from," more often a point of contention...

These great images (just click on the link above or in my next post) are featured by Svenska Dagbladet, Sweden's (and Scandinavia's?) leading Conservative newspaper, based in Stockholm. Even though this paper is more US friendly than many other Swedish papers, it's not the only Swedish media that pays attention to this special day in a respectful manner. In several areas (industry, military cooperation, science and research for instance) the US is a close ally and partner to Sweden. Let's hope things will remain this way. Long live The United States of America!!

The Northern Colorado support our troops group is getting ready for the 4th of July event in Greeley, Colorado again.

States Move to Require U.S. Flags are Made in U.S.A. Tuesday, July 03, 2007 ROSEMOUNT, Minn. — At American Legion Post 65, visitors can drop off worn U.S. flags knowing they'll be disposed of with the proper respect. On their way out, they can buy a new 3-by-5 flag for $20 or a 4-by-6-footer for $30. Made in America, of course. "That's our flag. It belongs here in the United States; it should be made in the United States," Air Force veteran Bob Racette said while fingering a flag in a corner of the legion hall bar. By year's end,...

LONDON -- You might think London a curious locale from which to celebrate July 4th, or Independence Day as we say. But the city abounds with British citizens who admire our country. I spent the evening of July 4th in the vast and glorious edifice that is the English-Speaking Union, observing the 90th anniversary of one of the bloodiest battles of all time and certainly of World War I, the Battle of the Somme. "July 4th," one of the assembled Brits remarked, "it is the 230th anniversary of one of your happiest moments. Tonight we are observing one of our...

(English-language translation) The 4th of July celebration by [Puerto Rico] government officials belonging to the [pro-statehood] New Progressive Party (PNP) turned again into a plea to the United States government to make the island that nation's 51st state. Senator and PNP Chairman Pedro Rosselló said that the United States "ceased to be a republic" in 1898, when it acquired Puerto Rico and other territories as colonial possessions. "It became a colonial power that imposes second-class citizenships and denies full rights and privileges that its own federal Constitution recognizes. My point of contention is that, as long as the indignity of...

WASHINGTON - Here’s what I want to know, and here’s why I want to know it. At what point in history, exactly, did the Pew Center decide that it knew how to measure world opinion? I ask this because almost every week I seem to read a study of how the rest of the globe thinks (or at any rate feels) about the United States. The polls in this country are unreliable enough and are often used to measure intangibles, such as “approval ratings,” which is why there is so much fluctuation within and between them. But who’s doing the...

Tomorrow is the Fourth of July, when Americans celebrate Independence Day. But a YouGov survey for The Daily Telegraph suggests that the Stars and Stripes will be flying at half mast in the eyes of most Britons. There has probably never been a time when America was held in such low esteem on this side of the Atlantic. A majority of Britons think American culture and the actions of the present American administration are making the world a worse place to live in, and almost no one believes America is now, if it ever was, a beacon to the world....

Party's fiberglass pachyderm prohibited from Brookfield parade By LISA SINK lsink@journalsentinel.com Brookfield - Democrats can rejoice: This city's Independence Day parade will feature donkeys but no elephants. "Sparky," a 5-foot-tall, 100-pound fiberglass elephant purchased as the mascot for the Republican Party of Waukesha County will not be allowed in Brookfield's Fourth of July parade today, ending its four-year parade run. But the Wisconsin Donkey and Mule Society will return as a parade unit. That's because the donkey and mule society is not affiliated with the Democratic Party. The elephant mascot, however, violates Brookfield's ban on political parties as parade entries....

7/3/2006 - SAN ANTONIO (AFPN) -- Last year Airman 1st Class Samantha Riddle spent Independence Day floating down a river and watching fireworks. The day meant nothing more than a chance to hang out with friends and to enjoy a day off from the daily grind of working in the medical field. Now, as a graduate of Air Force basic training at Lackland Air Force Base, Texas, one of the Air Force's newest members has a new respect for the holiday. "As a member of the military I have a greater appreciation of what this holiday means. In the future,...

INDEPENDENCE DAY GREETINGS !!! from Canadian FReepers to our American FRiends Then Opposition LeaderNow Prime Minister Stephen Harperaddresses "Friends of America" Rally,in Toronto, April 4, 2003.(one of many held across Canada) Canadian Patriot Gordon Sinclair salutes"THE AMERICANS" ~ original 1973 version

On the morning of July 4, 1826, the leading residents of Quincy, Mass., and Charlottesville, Va., began their last celebration of the nation’s birth – and their last day on Earth. They faced eternity as friends. High on his small mountain in the foothills of the Blue Ridge, the master of Monticello lay asleep. Throughout the spring, Thomas Jefferson had become increasingly feeble. By mid-June, the daily horseback rides were over. In Quincy, John Adams’ health had also declined during the late winter and spring. On sunny days, he was able to take short carriage rides, but even they had...

Some thoughts as we approach Independence Day. You do remember, don't you, that's why we declare July 4 a holiday and take the day off? To celebrate, and to thank God for, our precious independence – our liberty? Oh, most of us do a lot of fun things like backyard barbecues, races and games and parties and family get-togethers. Others just ''kick back,'' rest, putter around in the yard or garage or patio, watch sports or something on TV. You know, just relax. And that's fine. That's what liberty provides. In some ways, that's the very definition of liberty. The...

Stillwater thieves are stealing property especially valuable at this time of year – American flags. Police say they know of at least five flag thefts from front lawns and porches. “It was late at night, it was about midnight or one in the morning ... I heard somebody outside the house and then run off,” says Bill Barr. Barr says the following morning he found his flagpole, stripped of the Stars and Stripes. “I was just very disappointed and sad that that's what they took,” he says. As a Vietnam Veteran, Barr says he feels victimized. Police suspect the thieves...

Government authorized ways to celebrate your freedoms, this 4th of July as we go out to celebrate our freedom, let's go over a few things to make your celebration a success. Before leaving home make sure you check the color-coded Homeland Security alert status. Be especially careful if it is orange or red. Don't worry about yellow. It's always yellow. Don't use any illegal fireworks in your 4th Celebration. It is for your own safety. And the founding father's implemented a government to protect you from yourselves. Didn't they? Besides, fireworks are explosive devices and you might be considered a...

(English-language translation) The 4th of July commemoration in the Municipality of San Juan will cost some $50,000 and will feature Mayor Jorge Santini, former Governor Carlos Romero Barceló, Senator Pedro Rosselló, and retired Navy Admiral Kevin Green as invited speakers. Santini reported yesterday that the observance will be dedicated to Romero for his defense of the democractic system, and an official representative of the White House is expected. "We celebrate the sixth edition of the traditional 4th of July activities under my administration, a day that commemorates the independence of the nation we are citizens of, an activity that had...

It has become customary to refer to the period from Thanksgiving week through New Year’s Day as the "holiday season," and with good reason. Many major holidays, including Christmas and Hanukkah, are clustered in that six-week span. With the passage of time, the holiday season has expanded, with the first Christmas decorations sometimes appearing before Halloween, and the holiday shopping season becoming the lynchpin supporting much of the entire retail sector. I enjoy Christmas and Thanksgiving as much now as I ever did as a boy, and am certain our culture would be immeasurably impoverished without them. There is, however,...

THE ILLEGALS ARE COMING…. THE ILLEGALS ARE HERE...Or What we can do to STOP the Invasion! Are you upset about the millions attending the illegal aliens rallies? Do you wonder if there are 11 million or 20 million here illegally? If there is an amnesty will it be 100 million in 8 years? Why is it that we don't see millions of American citizens and those who work to come here LEGALLY gather to show their numbers? Well, they have jobs. But what are YOU doing on the 4th of July? Most businesses will be closed and Americans will be...

Good morning. I'm Harry Reid, the Democratic Leader in the Senate. This past week, we celebrated the Fourth of July with fireworks and parades and backyard cookouts. I spent the day with my family and friends in my hometown of Searchlight in the high desert of Nevada . On the 4th, Americans remembered why we love our country so much and what makes this nation special. But this week, we were also reminded that the freedoms we hold dear are a threat to those with a very different view of the world. On Thursday, terrorist extremists -- fueled by an...

Americans were busy enjoying the Fourth of July this past weekend, but how many of them took the time to think about what they were actually celebrating? Rather than a celebration of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, many Americans see the Fourth of July as simply an opportunity to gather with friends and family to barbecue. And to cap it off, they get to watch some spectacular fireworks. Relatively speaking, the Fourth of July is one holiday that Americans tend to know something about. Most know that it involves America's independence from Britain and, if nothing else, that...

Last night, the Fourth of July, Independence Day, brought out wonderful displays of patriotism and celebration of the American Way of Life. It also brought forth two different viewpoints... A considerable number of aerial displays were shooting off into the air. Here in California, we’re limited to the so-called Safe and Sane fireworks. Basically, if it is something really fun, it is forbidden, and most especially, anything that goes more than four feet off the ground is absolutely forbidden. Yet there they were, rockets going up into the sky, exploding in brilliant displays of red, white and blue. Loud explosions,...

We often have vanity threads on Christmas/Other and Easter. Perhaps someone has already done the 4th of July. I have been so busy with extra activities as most of us have been this summer but thought I would start a pure vanity thread as a drop in. Post how you and your loved ones celebrated the 4th of Jluy and yes I want recipe ideas esp if it is wholesome food. I cooked tiger prawns in a Ale and made a homemade cocktail sauce. Broiled Halibut and served it with a Cucumber /Serrano Salsa. We went to town for the...

1. Last night I went to Mana to watch the drag races and they played the national anthem and I was one of a very few spectators who stood, hand over heart, in silence. That’s Hawaii for you. The demographic at the dragstrip was probably equivalent to that of a Nascar event, but I can’t imagine mainland Nascar-ians being so disrespectful. Having said that, I bet a lot of people in the stands are veterans- local people join the military in huge numbers- and (other things being equal) any veteran who chooses to drink his beer and fart during the...

  We have none other than John Adams, our second president, to thank for a definitive, and prophetic, quote on the proper way to celebrate Independence Day: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...

Most people call today the 4th of July, or just the 4th. That's fine. But what we're really celebrating today is Independence Day. The distinction is worth a thought. The 4th is parades, fireworks, squirt guns, bands and picnics. Independence Day is freedom and the community we call the United States of America. But as sweet as it is to celebrate our independence, we should boldly celebrate something more: our delivery of the gift of independence to millions elsewhere. Few nations have had the rare privilege of bestowing such a magnificent gift. It has happened only twice in the past...

On this, our Nation's celebration of it's 229th birthday I invite you to visit this website I maintain for my ship reunion association: http://www.ussbexar-apa237.org/ When you are there please click on the page "AMERICA".

Looking back over our history, our arrival at this July Fourth - free, secure and prosperous and celebrating Independence Day with fireworks and flags - now seems like an inevitable historical progression. But the American republic was never inevitable, and it was probably least inevitable 229 years ago on the day when the Founding Fathers signed it into existence, as historian David McCullough usefully reminds us in his marvelous new book on that perilous and pivotal year, "1776." What is justly best known from the Declaration of Independence is Thomas Jefferson's brilliant summation of the American ideal, "We hold these...

The US Independence Day parade on July 4, 2005 will for the first time witness the participation of Sikhs who are set to enthral spectators with a traditional martial art performance. A float carrying a message on the presence of Sikhs in America for the past 100 years would also be part of the parade in which 60 members of the community would participate displaying the martial art 'Gatka,' Sikh Council on Religion and Education (SCORE) said. "Sikh men and women attired in turbans and traditional dress will display their community's patriotic fervour and their attempt to preserve their own...