Free Republic

The governor of Virginia, Robert Dinwiddie, chose 21 year-old George Washington to trek 400 miles into the frontier to deliver to the French a demand to leave the disputed area or face the prospect of war with colonial America and England.  Washington also went to gather intelligence on the way, as there was little doubt that England and America hoped to pick a fight as much as the French did. We know quite a lot about what happened on this expedition because Washington kept a diary that was later published. According to the diary, Washington took with him Jacob Braum,...

July 4, 1940 — Churchill’s finest hour? DANIEL F. HARRINGTON On July 4, 1940, Winston Churchill stood before Parliament and delivered stunning news about the horrible events that had occurred the night before; events he himself put in motion. The new prime minister received his first standing ovation since assuming Britain’s highest post just two months before. The recognition brought tears to his eyes, though the news itself was sufficiently tragic to produce tears without the ovation. So what exactly did Churchill announce that fateful day? To understand what our English cousin did (Churchill was half-American by birth; his mother...

The name of the holiday celebrated each year on July 4th will in the future be "Dependence Day". As time has passed, we have become wiser, and apologize for our previous hubris and dedication to such foolish ideals as freedom, liberty, and the idea of a republic. We're very sorry. [/lib mode]

The last thing I would wish to do, as a Canadian and also as a British citizen, is dispute the worthiness of celebrating the Declaration of Independence on the Fourth of July. It is not in that spirit, but in the pursuit of historical accuracy, that I gently remind some readers of what that Declaration actually tells us. Poor old King George III — Farmer George, a stubborn, not overly intelligent person who was intermittently mad as a result of porphyria — was certainly a limited man, but was not a bad man. Yet he is denounced in the most...

This week we celebrate the Fourth of July, the day that our founders declared their independence from Great Britain. This declaration action came after a long history of imposition by King George III. While it might seem as though this is ancient history, there are applicable lessons to remember today. "We hold these truths to be self-evident," the document begins, "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. -- That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving...

For your consideration this July 4th, Papa Possum's latest "The Basement Shelf"

Exclusive: Jerry Newcombe stresses founders' reverence for Creator-endowed rights Here’s a trivia question for you. The Statue of Liberty holds a torch in one hand. What is she holding in the other? It looks like a book, in tablet form. The answer is the Declaration of Independence, since the tablet is engraved with July 4, 1776, in Roman numerals. The great British writer G.K. Chesterton once said, “America is the only nation in the world that is founded on a creed. That creed is set forth with dogmatic and even theological lucidity in the Declaration of Independence.” Two hundred thirty...

Other than the obvious American patriotic songs like "The Star-Spangled Banner" or "America the Beautiful" what are some other great American patriotic songs that could go on a 4th of July playlist?

July 4 reminds us of all we have to be thankful for. By Mona Charen I feel a very unusual sensation — if it is not indigestion, I think it must be gratitude. — Benjamin Disraeli
 The very wise Yuval Levin, editor of National Affairs, describes the differing dispositions of liberals and conservatives this way: Liberals are moved by outrage at what is wrong with their society; conservatives feel gratitude for what is right.

Independence Day celebrations have been canceled at the Camp Lejeune Marine Corps Base and at the Army's Fort Bragg, both in North Carolina. The annual July Fourth celebration also has been scrapped at the Marine Corps Logistics Base in Albany, Ga. The reason is money — namely the lack of it.

Because of Obamacare, the Fourth of July has taken on a whole new significance: not only do Americans celebrate the adoption of the Declaration of Independence, they also celebrate “health independence” delivered by the law. “Next week, when we celebrate Independence Day we’ll also be observing health independence,” Pelosi told reporters today, explaining that “this week marks one year since the Supreme Court upheld the Affordable Care Act. It captures the spirit of our founders,” she added, citing the Preamble to the Declaration of Independence.”So, we’ve had Social Security, Medicare, and now health independence, so that’s something our members will...

Fortnight for Freedom 2013 is around the corner!The Fortnight, which begins June 21 and ends July 4 is a call for both prayer and activity on behalf of our first American Freedom — Freedom of Religion.From the USCCB website: The Fortnight for Freedom, which we celebrated for the first time last year, takes place from June 21—the vigil of the Feasts of St. John Fisher and St. Thomas More—to July 4, Independence Day. Last year, we saw a great diversity of events promoting religious freedom across the country. In 2013, we face many challenges to religious liberty, including the August...

The opening scene-setter for the 1996 film "Independence Day" might serve as a metaphor for what Egyptians could face if a draft constitution written by a panel dominated by Islamists and based on Sharia law wins approval in a referendum: "A loud rumble is heard. Suddenly, we are covered in darkness as the shadow engulfs us. Only the image of our Earth hangs in the air, until a huge silhouetted object suddenly blocks our view." Egypt could well embrace the dark side (to mix movie metaphors) and become the region's biggest force for extremism, just ahead of the Wahaabists in...

How many of you out there today are asking the same question? Will today be America’s last Independence Day? After three and a half years of Barack Obama the economy is in ruins. The regulations more oppressive. The government is more intrusive. And the future looks bleak. Think of this – Just three and a half years ago– ** In President Bush’s last year in office, 2008, the deficit reached $459 billion. Today, for the third year in a row, the US deficit is over a trillion dollars (and Obama still says it’s Bush’s fault). This is after he promised...

Dangerous and chaotic scenes rock cities on big holiday While most Americans were commemorating the nation’s birthday, racial violence, lawlessness and animosity marred Independence Day celebrations in Georgia, Florida, Ohio, California and Illinois. Chris Rock started the day off with a bang: “Happy white peoples Independence Day,” he tweeted. “The slaves weren’t free but I’m sure they enjoyed fireworks.” In Chicago, Ill., some were enjoying the celebration until they were set upon by a mob of dozens of black people intent on violence. One man was taken to the hospital, where he remains in good condition. Eleven black people were...

PURCELLVILLE, Va. — As is our custom, millions of Americans celebrated Independence Day this year with family, friends and neighbors. Here in Purcellville, there was an old-fashioned parade down Main Street, followed by a barbecue, a church service to pray for our nation — and fireworks. For many here in Virginia, Maryland and the District of Columbia, it was also day five without electricity — and very hot. The hardships caused by last week's powerful storms and power outages are real. More than a dozen of our countrymen have died. The oppressive temperatures remind me that nearly halfway around...

Take a trip down memory lane and see what Freepers were posting back on this day in 1999. You might be surprised by the headlines from 13 years ago. Bush was locking up the Republican nomination, and we had high hopes that he would defeat Al Gore in a landslide. I was not yet a Grandfather of 6, and my now 16 1/2 year old dog, Hershee, was a spry 3 year old inn her prime. What were you doing on July 4th 1999 at 9:30 PM? The links are broken due to the lawsuit Jim settled with the...

On July 4, Americans gather to celebrate our nation’s Independence at family gatherings, backyard barbecues, and firework displays. Often we do this without thinking of the meaning of this uniquely American holiday. For too long – from our classrooms to the halls of Congress - our Founders, the Declaration, and our Constitution have been forgotten or even willfully ignored. But 2012 must be different. This year, join with Hillsdale College in a simple – yet powerful – symbol of support for the principles of liberty. This 4th of July, Hillsdale College wants you to join with your friends, family, and...