The 4th of July, Independence Day
Think about it:
"The Necessary Holiday
If our nation’s Founders could visit us on this, our 232nd Independence Day, what would they make of us? What would they declare of us?
A hint can be discerned in a letter from John Adams to his wife, Abigail, on July 3, 1776, as the Declaration of Independence had just been approved. “It ought to be commemorated,” said the man who would become our second president, “as the Day of Deliverance by solemn Acts of Devotion to God Almighty. It ought to be solemnized with Pomp and Parade, with Shews, Games, Sports, guns, Bells, Bonfires and Illuminations from one End of this Continent to the other from this Time forward forever more. You will think me transported with Enthusiasm but I am not. I am well aware of the Toil and Blood and Treasure, that it will cost Us to maintain this Declaration, and support and defend these States. Yet through all the Gloom I can see the Rays of ravishing Light and Glory. I can see that the End is more than worth all the Means. And that Posterity will tryumph in that Day’s Transaction, even altho We should rue it, which I trust in God We shall not.”
Americans have maintained the “Pomp and Parade” for more than two centuries now, and the “Bonfires and Illuminations” are commonplace, but how often do we recognize Independence Day as “the Day of Deliverance?” How often do we honor it with “solemn Acts of Devotion to God Almighty”? How often do we contemplate the cost of our freedom, “the Toil and Blood and Treasure?” "
My take on this would be : I don't think the founding fathers would be too happy with this Nation of ours, make your own conclusions as to why.
All the Patriotism that was displayed after 9/11 has moved to the back shelf. One indication of this is, if you look around your communities this July 4th see how many Amercian Flags are flying??
I challenge all of you on this forum to get the flags out and fly them proudly on the 4th of July. If you havn't got an American Flag it's about time you bought one. Show some backbone and a stiff spine, it's about time we as a Nation start going the right direction instead of the wrong direction.
Have a great 4th of July and a safe one with your family and friends but remember and think about why we are celebrating this Holiday. I will have my flag flying and if this offends anyone I am sure you can find me if you wish.
Last edited by eliminator; July 2nd, 2008 at 11:08 AM.
Rick
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