A Few of FR's Finest....Every Day....05-30-03...Voices of Our Presidents

A Celebration of America/Meridith Publication; various

[Billie]

A Few of FR's Finest....Every Day

Free Republic made its debut in September, 1996, and the forum was added in early 1997.   Over 100,000 people have registered for posting privileges on Free Republic, and the forum is read daily by tens of thousands of concerned citizens and patriots from all around the country and the world.

A Few of FR's Finest....Every Day was introduced on June 24, 2002. It's only a small room in JimRob's house where we can get to know one another a little better; salute and support our military and our leaders; pray for those in need; and congratulate those deserving. We strive to keep our threads entertaining, fun, and pleasing to look at, and often have guest writers contribute an essay, or a profile of another FReeper.

On Mondays please visit us to see photos of A FEW OF FR'S VETERANS AND ACTIVE MILITARY

If you have a suggestion, or an idea, or if there's a FReeper you would like to see featured, please drop one of us a note in FR mail.

We're having fun and hope you are!
~ Billie, daisyscarlett, dansangel, dutchess, Mama_Bear

In times of war and peace, our leaders
inspired us to pull together as
one nation - and to prevail

---

George Washington's
Farewell Address
September 19, 1796

Saying no to a third term, America's first President shared his hopes for the future of the young nation he helped create and which he so valiantly served.

"The constancy of your support....I shall carry it with me to my grave, as a strong incitement to unceasing vows that heaven may continue to you the choicest tokens of its beneficence; that your union and brotherly affection may be perpetual; that the free Constitution, which is the work of your hands, may be sacredly maintained; that its administration in every department may be stamped with wisdom and virtue."

---

Abraham Lincoln's
Gettsyburg Address
November 19, 1863

With a divided nation at a crossroads, President Lincoln paid tribute to the thousands who gave their lives during the most decisive battle of the Civil War.

"Four score and seven years ago our fathers brought forth on this continent, a new nation, conceived in Liberty, and dedicated to the proposition that all men are created equal...We here highly resolve that these dead shall not have died in vain - that this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom - and that government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth."

---

Franklin D. Roosevelt's
Radio Address to the Nation
December 9, 1941

Two days after the attack on Pearl Harbor, a beloved President rallied his nation for the ordeal ahead - unsparing about its dangers but confident of victory.

"We are going to win the war, and we are going to win the peace that follows. And in the dark hours of this day and through the dark days that may be yet to come - we will know that the vast majority of the members of the human race are on our side. Many of them are fighting with us. All of them are praying for us. For, in representing our cause, we represent theirs as well - our hope and their hope for liberty under God."

---

John F. Kennedy's
Inaugural Address
January 20, 1961

Bearing the hopes of a new generation, a young President set out his bold agenda for a strong, compassionate America.

"Let the word go forth from this time and place, to friend and foe alike, that the torch has been passed to a new generation of Americans - born in this century, tempered by war, disciplined by a hard and bitter peace, proud of our ancient heritage - and unwilling to...permit the slow undoing of those human rights to which this nation has always been committed, and to which we are committed today at home and around the world...And so, my fellow Americans: ask not your country can do for you - ask what you can do for your country. My fellow citizens of the world: ask not what America will do for you, but what we can do for the freedom of man."

---

Ronald Reagan's
Address to the Nation
The Day of the Challenger Disaster
January 28, 1986

The President eloquently consoled a grieving nation, reminding us that fallen heros can be honored by keeping their mission alive.

"We've grown used to the idea of space, and perhaps we forget that...we're still pioneers. They, the members of the Challenger crew were pioneers. And I want to say something to the schoolchildren of America who were watching the live coverage of the shuttle's takeoff...Sometimes painful things like this happen. It's all part of the process of exploration...The Challenger crew was pulling us into the future, and we'll continue to follow them...[They] honored us by the manner in which they lived their lives. We will never forget them, nor the last time we saw them, this morning, as they prepared for the journey and waved good-bye and 'slipped the surly bonds of earth' to 'touch the face of God.'"

---

George W. Bush's
Address to Congress and the Nation
In the Aftermath of 9/11
September 20, 2001

Unbowed by a new and deadly enemy, the President readied us for the war on terror ahead and reminded us of our values.

"We are a Country awakened to danger and called to defend freedom. Our grief has turned to anger and anger to resolution. Whether we bring our enemies to justice or bring justice to our enemies, justice will be done....I ask you to uphold the values of America, and remember why so many have come here. We're in a fight for our principles, and our first responsibility is to live by them.

No one should be singled out for unfair treatment or unkind words because of their ethnic background or religious faith...I know there are struggles ahead and changes to face. But this country will define our times, not be defined by them. As long as the United States of America is determined and strong, this will not be an age of terror; this will be an age of liberty, here and across the world....

It is my hope that in the months and years ahead, life will return almost to normal. We'll go back to our lives and routines, and that is good. Even grief recedes with time and grace. But our resolve must not pass. Each of us will remember what happened that day, and to whom it happened. We'll remember the moment the news came, where we were and what we were doing....I will not forget the wound to our country and those who inflicted it. I will not yield, I will not rest, I will not relent in waging this struggle for freedom and security for the American people.

The course of this conflict is not known, yet its outcome is certain. Freedom and fear, justice and cruelty, have always been at war, and we know that God is not neutal between them. Fellow citizens, we'll meet violence with patient justice, assured of the rightness of our cause and confident of the victories to come. In all that lies before us, may God grant us wisdom, and may He watch over the United States of America."

~~~~~~~~~~       ~~~~~~~~~~

THIS WEEK'S THREADS 05-26-03 Memorial Day - Remembering SSGT. Richard A. Fitts 05-27-03 Military Tuesday 05-28-03 FreeTheHostages' FReeper Pets Bobbi & Kitty 05-29-03 JohnHuang2 Essay

Opinions by our own 'King of Ping' The guy's good, folks!

Thanks, Mixer!

1) Click on the graphic to open the Calendar.
2) Once there you can click on any month and even click to the right to go into next year. Once you are in the month that you joined FR you will need to click on the number in the calendar and then an add item screen will come up.
3) In the next box enter your name in the "Calendar Text" field and then click on submit.
4) If any of the screens fail to load simply click on refresh in your browser and that will usually fix it.
5) If all else fails or simply if you want me to do this for you send me a FReepmail and I will gladly do it for you. ~Mixer

[Pippin]

Thanks, Aqua!

he looks soooooooooo good!

[Freedom'sWorthIt]

Sounds relaxing. Glad to be here a TINY bit more.

[Aquamarine]

Here are some links to President George W Bush's speeches at the time of 911...

President Bush's 1st statement in Sarasota, Florida on 9-11

President Bush's Speech from Barksdale AFB

President Bush Addresses the Nation from the Whitehouse

I apologize if someone else has already put these links up...have been busy today and not able to stay current with the thread.

[Pippin]

There is a thread that is disturbing me on FR. Not it contents but it's title "Who will succeed Bush"

I mean this was not a good time to talk about successors when President Bush is going to some of the most dangerous places IMHO.

[ArneFufkin]

Enjoy your sister-in-law!

And how!

Billie, I thought about you last night. I ambled about a local art fair and there was a pencil sketch artist whose talent reminded me of your flair. I really like your sketch renderings.

It was a typical local presentation ... 25% is moving and worth owning, 25% is intriguing but not my style, 25% is incomprehensible and a problem best left unsolved and 25% is pretentious crap.

I like that last quadrant. Those guys ... it's always guys .... smell me for a mile and get snippy, surly or mute. "You look like a window shopper" ... "You should present windows for a living".

I love it when some artiste gives me a Soho sneer and says ... "It's surreal." I go "Yeah, I see the price tag. That's more of a comedy actually."

I like asking pompous auters featuring oil paintings "Did you draw this picture?" LOL

That is the best time to wander around with a sweetie woman, she's drawn by the exact inverse art stimuli as I am. "Look at this!" I'm peering in the bar window to check on the Devils-Ducks score. But, as always, the more skilled the artist, the nicer they are. There are some really talented jewlers and sculpters up here. Many native American. Beautiful necklaces and bracelets.

I like the etchings and ink sketches myself. Billie riffic!

[Aquamarine]

I mean this was not a good time to talk about successors when President Bush is going to some of the most dangerous places IMHO.

We just need to continue to pray that God will protect him. Keep the faith.

[ST.LOUIE1]

Awwww....I loved how you did that, think I'll put it on my profile. : )

Awwww....would you?

Yep. : )

Actually, is there anything any cuter than a baby animal - ANY baby animal!

Any??? A baby RAT? LOL

[ST.LOUIE1]

You wanna sip ??

LOL Always prepared, huh?

[ST.LOUIE1]

LOL! For a wolf, you are kinda squirrely!

Only *you* would know. LOL

Well, okay, then, if I'm squirrelly, then you're nuts. :)

LOL

I think you have that backwards. LOL

[ArneFufkin]

Billie IS cute, smart, kind and talented. She's a LADY ... whoa whoa whoa ... she's a lady. Texas belle I do believe.

Her hubby is a Chippendales Dancer if I recall, but I may be erroneous on that. Porn star, underwear model, Mexican Soap actor ... I forget.

Billie has been the womanly power of grace, beauty and fun on this forum from my Day One. When stupid guys are butting heads over the meaning of "Conservative", Billie is creating a positive, meaningful and fun community.

If 1/10 of the men on this forum were as solid, secure and positive as the women on this forum ... it would be like a daily "Up Up With People" celebration. Minus their sex, drug and alcohol binges of course.

[ST.LOUIE1]

I am so crazy about that picture, and that letter is certainly one we'll never forget.

Makes me sad every time I read it, and I read it often, so poignant.

President Reagan was one of our most beloved Presidents -
I'm not sure President Bush hasn't moved ahead of him now though. It's very close.

I wonder if any President ever will.

[ST.LOUIE1]

[[[[[{{{{{(((((Louie_Wolfie_Man)))))}}}}}]]]]]

Dansy! You dropped by to give Wolfie a hug....thank yooou !!! : )

((((((((((dansangel))))))))))

[ST.LOUIE1]

"woofie toofums"....gets me every time. : )"

It just kinda slips out when you're so charming and devilish and sweet and lovable and huggable...
that reminds me this is overdue: {{{{{ Hugs for da woofie toofums ..:}}}}}

WOWEEEEEE!!!! Made my day!!!! : )

You're very good at that. : )

[tame]

[ST.LOUIE1]

Good afternoon! Sorry for the delay -- stuff to do, y'know.

You're always busy, no time for the Finest anymore. We miss you. : (

Yes, that's our Billie! Isn't she cute!!!?!

For sure!!! : )

[ST.LOUIE1]

Here are some links to President George W Bush's speeches at the time of 911...

Thanks, Aqua....I'll read them later.

[ST.LOUIE1]

LOL! I'm with you!

Hi, tame, nice of you to drop in at the Finest, come back more often. : )

[tame]

Thanks! I'll try to drop in more often:-)

[MeekOneGOP]

"LOL Always prepared, huh? "

Uh-huh. I wuz a good Boy Scout:

http://gurleyalabama.contactez.net/images/BePrepared.jpg

[LadyX]

Thanks, Aqua, for the Replay of the great picture!!

Don't forget that GWB touched LadyX's body..:))
Eat yer heart out, Pippin!

Not only did he whip up his pen to sign the name label on me, but he shook my hand then, and later when he was going to go across the street to have a chocolate milkshake at the soda fountain in Byerly's Drug Store.

There is that certain "something" in his bearing that is delightful to see, unlike...another kinda "Arkansas hoggish" one.