I'm not trying to one up anyone here at all, but I think somethings need to be addressed concerning Independence Day. We should all truly remember. What this day represents for this Great Nation and it's just not about a document. Because this country's Freedom wasn't secured just by the signing of a document. Our independence wasn't freely given to us. Our forefathers sacrificed a great deal, some of them gave the ultimate sacrifice their life to secure the independence of this Great Nation and the Freedoms we enjoy. They didn't fight to keep these rights. They had to fight to obtain these rights. They battled for something that was no more than a dream or a ideal for away of life that they could only dream about and for away of life for their children's children. We are our children's benefactors, and should take great care to not let these liberties slip away from us. We should all take a moment at some point today to remember our benefactors and be thankful for our way of life

Now, Happy 4th of July to all of you

This part is a repost, but well worth it

THIS IS A VERY EMOTIONAL SUBJECT FOR ME AND IT SHOULD BE FOR ANYONE WHOSE ANCESTORS MIGRATED HERE BEFORE THE BIRTH OF THE 20TH CENTURY. YOU HAVE ALREADY PAID A HEAVY PRICE FOR THESE RIGHTS AND FREEDOM. ALSO FOR THOSE WHO HAVE SERVED THIS COUNTRY IN IT'S ARMED FORCES, ESPECIALLY YOU, BECAUSE YOU HAVE DONE MORE TO EXPORT THESE IDEAS AND BELIEFS TO FOREIGN LANDS. I ASK YOU TO KEEP VIGIL HIGH ON THE HOME FRONT. YOU HAVE MORE THAN EARNED THESE FUNDAMENTAL RIGHTS. THERE ARE THOSE WHO UNWITTINGLY OR KNOWINGLY WILL EN FRINGE UPON THESE RIGHTS. ALL WILL HAVE BEEN FOR NOTHING IF THEY ARE LOST.
HERE IS A COPY OF THE BILL OF RIGHTS. KNOW THE IDEA FOR WHICH YOU TRULY BATTLE

First Amendment – Freedom of speech, press, religion, peaceable assembly, and to petition the government.
Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.
Second Amendment – Right to keep and bear arms.
A well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms shall not be infringed.
Third Amendment – Protection from quartering of troops.
No Soldier shall, in time of peace be quartered in any house, without the consent of the Owner, nor in time of war, but in a manner to be prescribed by law.
Fourth Amendment – Protection from unreasonable search and seizure.
The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated, and no Warrants shall issue, but upon probable cause, supported by Oath or affirmation, and particularly describing the place to be searched, and the persons or things to be seized.
Fifth Amendment – Due process, double jeopardy, self-incrimination, private property.
No person shall be held to answer for a capital, or otherwise infamous crime, unless on a presentment or indictment of a Grand Jury, except in cases arising in the land or naval forces, or in the Militia, when in actual service in time of War or public danger; nor shall any person be subject for the same offence to be twice put in jeopardy of life or limb; nor shall be compelled in any criminal case to be a witness against himself, nor be deprived of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law; nor shall private property be taken for public use, without just compensation.
Sixth Amendment – Trial by jury and other rights of the accused.
In all criminal prosecutions, the accused shall enjoy the right to a speedy and public trial, by an impartial jury of the State and district wherein the crime shall have been committed, which district shall have been previously ascertained by law, and to be informed of the nature and cause of the accusation; to be confronted with the witnesses against him; to have compulsory process for obtaining witnesses in his favor, and to have the Assistance of Counsel for his defense.
Seventh Amendment – Civil trial by jury.
In suits at common law, where the value in controversy shall exceed twenty dollars, the right of trial by jury shall be preserved, and no fact tried by a jury, shall be otherwise reexamined in any Court of the United States, than according to the rules of the common law.
Eighth Amendment – Prohibition of excessive bail, as well as cruel or unusual punishment.
Excessive bail shall not be required, nor excessive fines imposed, nor cruel and unusual punishments inflicted.
Ninth Amendment – Protection of rights not specifically enumerated in the Bill of Rights.
The enumeration in the Constitution, of certain rights, shall not be construed to deny or disparage others retained by the people.
Tenth Amendment – Powers of states and people
The powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the states, are reserved to the states respectively, or to the people.

 

I agree and say it all the time but thanks to all in the military protecting my freedom. You can question our presidents morals but please support our troops.

 

My 9-year-old nephew asked me what we celebrate on 4th of July...my natural response was "what the hell do they teach you in school?!?" I recall knowing what Independence Day was from a very young age, but whatever...

One question I always wondered though was how current day Brits felt about American 4th of July...what do they teach in their history books over there regarding that and the Revolutionary War?

 

I guess I should have had swt poet post this or just posted a picture of a half sunk boat in muddy water. I could've gotten a hell of a lot more response. You're one patriotic bunch of people, I must say.... God bless our forefathers for having the courage to stand up and do the right thing. And God bless America and to all of you have a goodnight

 

[sm=americanasmiley.gif]

 

God bless them all and all who hold freedom and independence dear.....

May we all reap what we sow and nothing more.....

 

God Bless America, and thank you to all past and present who have served for our country.

 

thats a good question...

 

That's why I enlisted...because of those who came before. Not out of duty to the useless lumps parked on the couch of my generation.

Anyway, to those who gave their life and time, thanks for the privilege of peace.

 

+1 HC

Now days people look at the fourth of July as a day off and to party. I could safely bet that 85% of all kids under 18 have no real clue what Independance day really is.