A Few of FR's Finest....Every Day July 4th -08.Independence Day - Military Tribute

Billie, The Mayor

[The Mayor]

A Few of FR's Finest November 11, 2001

So many people have written me since my original Veteran's Day Tribute, asking how they, or a loved one, could be included in that tribute. Since I could no longer add the photos to the body of the thread, I have been including them here as I receive enough to make another collage.

I think there's never been a better nor more appropriate time to keep the faces of our own Veterans and Active Military in front of FReepers--every day! That's why I wanted to do yet another Daily Thread .....ABOUT FReepers .....and FOR FReepers. But not only about our Military FReepers; for all FReepers! Wouldn't it be nice to get to know a few of the other FReepers as well? That's why we've created a place for just that. This is a friendly room in JimRob's house where FReeper FRiends can gather every day and just say hello if that's all they want to do.

We have featured different FReepers, with a little background information on who they are and what makes them who they are, along with a few photos you might not have seen on other threads; sometimes others write an essay for us to post as the feature for the day; sometimes our presentation is a human interest story found elsewhere that you might not have read; sometimes special holiday threads; but whatever the topic of the day, it is always with FR's Finest in mind and that is YOU!

Every Monday we post the photos of FR's Military Personnel that I have collected and put into groups; these will be available to view through a link the remainder of the week - every day just a click away. :)   If you would like to add a photo of yourself or a loved one in the military, past or present, please let me know; I will hold it until I have enough for a new group.

Thank you, and please have fun with us...every day!

~ Billie ~
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Thank You For Serving Our Country!

TOP: Logos, SwedeGirl's hubby, Neil E Wright, FallGuy, 1John, Sneakypete
MIDDLE:  T'wit, COB1, LadyX, Dick Bachert, 68-69TonkinGulfYatchClub
BOTTOM:  YankeeinSC, Delta21, JoeSixPack1

TOP:  Bosniajmc, AFVetGal, Archy, A Navy Vet
MIDDLE:  4TheFlag, Aeronaut, 68Grunt, Xinga
BOTTOM:  Codger, AAABest, Clinton's A Liar, Duke809, dcwusmc

TOP:  mc5cents, Norb2569, LBGA's son, VanJenerette
MIDDLE:  Jim Robinson, KJenerette, davidosborne, KG9Kid
BOTTOM:  gwmoore, Equality7-2521, SAMWolf

TOP:  porgygirl, Phil V., MudPuppy, NorCoGOP
MIDDLE:  RaceBannon, Neets, rdb3, jwTexian
BOTTOM:  USMC Vet, TheMayor, Vineyard, rhododogma

TOP:  g'nad, AgThorn's son Justin, SLB, AgThorn's son Brett.
MIDDLE:  fish70, razorback-bert, CheneyChick,Leroy S Mort, Mark17.
BOTTOM:  Terry's Take, Taxman, DinkyDau.

TOP:  ValerieUSA's son Grant, SK1Thurman, kd5cts, RangerVetNam,
dansangel and .45man's son-in-law Tony
BOTTOM:  rangerX, Old China Hand, Trish, Howlin's dad, Mustang

TOP: ohioWfan's son, MamaBear's father-in-law, MamaBear's dad, ladtx
MIDDLE:  The Mayor's niece, M.Kehoe, Beach_Babe's son-in-law
BOTTOM:  deadhead's dad, HiJinx, Severa's hubby, viligantcitizen's granddad.

TOP:  spectr17, RightOnline, SERE_Doc, Tet68.
MIDDLE:  FutureSnakeEater, RightOnline's wife, CIApilot, Clamper1797
BOTTOM:  usmcobra, onedoug, DiverDave, Joe6-pack

TOP:  Q6-God, Scan59, Mama Bear and JKPhoto's son, ofMagog.
MIDDLE:  Big'ol_freeper, JustAmy's great uncle, Prodigal Son.
BOTTOM:  JustAmy's husband, JustAmy's brother-in-law, JustAmy's brother.

TOP:  dakine's wife, MeeknMing's dad, Auntbee's nephew, MilitiaMan7, AlasBabylon.
BOTTOM:  Joe Brower, Temple Owl, Temple Owl's wife, dutchess' dad, Aomagrat.

TOP:  ladtx #2 son; DiverDave's twin Don; petuniasevan and husband
poorman; Mustard; ladtx #1 son;
BOTTOM:  AlamoGirl's brother Floyd; AG's dad; AG's brother Jim (inset);
WVNan's husband; ladtx' Aunt Eva.

TOP: Mo1's dad; BuffyT's Uncle (right, w/ her dad & grandmother); Armymarinemom's 3 sons.
MIDDLE: ru4Liberty's dad; SheLion's husband, MaineRebel; wirestripper.
BOTTOM: fivetoes; bigghurtt; hurricane; ladtx' dad; Pippin's brother.

TOP: Repubmommy's brother, Rose in RoseBear's uncle, BoxerBlues' son Chris, BoxerBlues' son Brent.
BOTTOM: Rose in RoseBear's cousin's hubby, Deadhead's stepdad, Dansy's dad, Misty's brother.

LEFT: Little Pig; TOP: hattend, Old Sarge, Aquamarine's dad.
MIDDLE: HuntsvilleTxVeteran.
BOTTOM: Its_me_K.E.T.'s son, Veloxherc, SeeRushToldU_So.

TOP: DollyCali, Wheelbarrow, DollyCali's dad, DollyCali's brother, Jen's Mom's daughter Jen.
MIDDLE: ConorMacNessa's dad & ConorMacNessa, SoldiersPrayingMom's son jmpmstr4u2,
Indy Pendance's daughter, Agthorn's dad.
BOTTOM: Tupac, GulfWar1Vet, SandRat, JRios1968.

TOP: Jaxter, MozartLover's son, mystery-ak's son, mystery-ak's husband.
MIDDLE: skimask's son, silent_jonny's dad, dwhole2th's son, jackv's son.
BOTTOM: Jen's Mom's father, txradioguy.

FR FINEST HALL OF FAME #19 THE WEEKEND THREAD 05-16,17,18-08.... T.G.I.F. at the Finest

Opinions by our own 'King of Ping' Every Thursday at the Finest The guy's good, folks!

[The Mayor]

IN CONGRESS, JULY 4, 1776

The unanimous Declaration of the thirteen united States of America

hen in the Course of human events it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the political bands which have connected them with another and to assume among the powers of the earth, the separate and equal station to which the Laws of Nature and of Nature's God entitle them, a decent respect to the opinions of mankind requires that they should declare the causes which impel them to the separation.

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. — That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed, — That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness. Prudence, indeed, will dictate that Governments long established should not be changed for light and transient causes; and accordingly all experience hath shewn that mankind are more disposed to suffer, while evils are sufferable than to right themselves by abolishing the forms to which they are accustomed. But when a long train of abuses and usurpations, pursuing invariably the same Object evinces a design to reduce them under absolute Despotism, it is their right, it is their duty, to throw off such Government, and to provide new Guards for their future security.

[The Mayor]

Below are names of some of our FReepers' loved ones who are serving our country. If you have someone you would like to add, please address a post to Billie; Dutchess; dollycali;The Mayor; GodBlessUSA; JustAmy, and we will add their name to this list. As we pray for them, we pray also for all our nation’s leaders, and military personnel, and their families and friends. May God hold them close to His heart.

gator girl........................husband severa.......................... brother Maigrey.........................cousin mystery-ak...........son, husband Inspectorette.......................son Blessed American..........nephew Slip18..........................nephew Diver Dave........niece, nephew ConspiracyGuy........2 nephews Pippin............niece's husband sneakers..........................son weldgophardline...............2 son weldgophardline.....brotherinlaw jamaly.................brotherinlaw Future Snake Eater.......cousin WaterDragon............grandson WaterDragon...........son-in-law kimmie7......................brother LadyX (RIP)..............grandson fawn796......................nephew ValerieUSA..................2 sons Lakeside......................2 sons LakeLady....................nephew Spruce......................daughter Leofl.................................son chena...............................son Hope and Glory..................son TheMayor...............friends'son Doug from Upland.......soninlaw homeschoolmama........nephew ariamne...................2 cousins mhking.........................cousin Consort.................2 daughters Consort...................son-in-law visualops.................Son, cousin auboy..........................cousin painter........................nephew jrushing.............................son LoneRedRanger...brother-in-law Ladysmith.nephew, friend's son tina07......soninlaw & his friend MontanaCowgirlCop......brother nelibeli........................nephew Misty4jc.....................husband Colorado Slim..............nephew Tapatio....................2 nephews ProudAFDad......................son Alouette.............................son Katydidnt...........................son Zechariah_8_13....brother-in-law Zechariah_8_13.............cousin PreviouslyA-Lurker........brother sheeza.......................husband kemathen7..................husband Q6-God..................twin brother Q6-God....................active duty Warrior Nurse...........active duty SK1 Thurman...........active duty David Osborne..........active duty fc2tomschermuly......active duty bkwells....................active duty LongCut...................active duty cjk...........................active duty Trish........................active duty ODC-GIRL................active duty AF_Blue...................active duty thumperusn..............active duty Veloxherc.................active duty Don Simmons...........active duty wingnutx...................active duty CGblue.....................active duty bigghurtt...................active duty frankiep....................active duty veeceeque................active duty JRios1968................active duty NoLongerFreeState...active duty CMS........................active duty JemiansTerror...........active duty Hoosiersailor...........active duty txradioguy..................active duty tongue-tied. .............active duty vigilante2.....son,& adopted soldier NavySEAL F-16................son Jaxter.....................son-in-law 2ndDivisionVet..........brotherinlaw 2ndDivVet.....former stepdaughter GrandEagle ............... friend-Tim DebWisconsin....................nephew JarhedAirmanPatriot.........brother athelass.......two sons and two nephews DCBryan1................Active Duty oneolcop.....................son ItsForTheChildren........2 nephews SoldierDad....son, nephew, neice, cousin OhioWfan................................son marsh2............nephew lilycicero.......husband DCBryan1........Active Duty

ladtx..................................2 sons ak_daddoo........................nephew Dubya............................nephew LBGA (RIP)..........................son katykelly..............................son Armymarinemom................3 sons american_ranger.....................son cookcounty.............................son Himyar....................................son SpookBrat........................nephew SpookBrat........................cousin boxerblues........................2 sons the piper..............................son Tiffee4Bob......................boyfriend TexKat.......................son, step-son StarCMC.............................brother Darheel...............................niece Donaeus...........................nephew BeAllYouCanBe........................son Repubmommy........................brother AgThorn................................2 sons kneezles.................................son RoseinRoseBear.....cousin's hubby Atomic Conspiracy......half-brother Atomic Conspiracy...........nephew Atomic Conspiracy..............niece Sunflowergal....................grandson spotbust1............................husband campfollower............................fiance LUV W........................................son SilentServiceCPOWife........husband DirtyHarryY2K......................daughter DirtyHarryY2K................son-in-law Skimask.....................................son Palladin...............................grandson MississippyMuddy...................sister MississippyMuddy........2 nephews Kramster...............................stepson Socratic.............................nephew freema.......................nephew, son Azbushgal..............................son kimmykay.................................son NavySEAL F-16........................son Ike..........................................son repubmom...............................son wolfcreek..........................daughter JesseJane ...........................cousin Roses0508..............................son pmmd81..................................son SoldiersPrayingMom.................son WakeUpandVote..................brother Skyraider.................................son CyberAnt...........................nephew mrs tiggywinkle...................cousin Jen's Mom........................daughter Meg33.............................grandson 911angelady........................2 sons Nadine...............................nephew U S Army EOD.................daughter thehumanlynx...........brother-in-law JFC..................................nephew Earthdweller......................nephew Scubachick.......................husband ChairmanDec19thSociety ..brotherinlaw Anthem............................2 cousins meanie monster .........family friend PragmaticWarrior..........2 nephews Sageb1...........................3 cousins JulieRNR21.........friend's grandson SuzyQue...mom,2 sons,3 brothers weeder1...........................nephew IndyPendance..daughter,soninlaw fatima.....................granddaughter Lori from Long Island....soninlaw monkeyface..........two grandsons redhead...................grandnephew varina davis................ ...Grandson Rivendell.......................daughter W.W.Smith...........................son USMCWife6869...........Husband AgThorn & Lily4Jesus......son jackv...............................Son Anne of DC.......niece's husband GulfWar1Vet...........two cousins TINA KIRBY...................Son dwhole2th ......................Son TADSLOS......................Son Katydidnt...................son Trooprally .................. son Edgewood Pilot...son, 2 nephews Diver Dave............cousin 007girl...................nephew arbee4bush .............daughter PERKY2004..........husband NotJustAnotherPrettyFace---nephew o_zarkman44..son,stepson,nephew USAFSecurityForces.....ActiveDuty Bushman2...........Son GodBlessUSA......son DeLaine....daughter in law Kalee....brother,son-in-law Enough_Deceit........son xJones..............son Freedom Dignity n Honor .....son

[jaycee]

I have been waiting for this. I just got through asking Dita in Freepmail about this thread....just a few minutes ago! Hallelujah, Mr. Mayor!


HAPPY BIRTHDAY AMERICA! WE LOVE YOU!

[P8riot]

I have two nephews (both in the Army) serving in Iraq. Please keep them in your prayers.

[La Enchiladita]

Yippee!! Thank you, Rus. I’ll be back in a bit....

[The Mayor]

My Pleasure Jaycee, I got home later than expected.

Enjoy Independence Day. God Bless America!

[Diver Dave]

Happy Birthday USA!!!

Mrsdd and I will be attending the Modesto Jaycees 134th Fourth of July Parade tomorrow morning. This parade is the longest running parade in California. By longest running, I mean annually, not number of entries.

The theme is “Land of the Brave: America’s Defenders.” There are 70-plus units to this year’s parade. The parade route covers about 10 blocks winding through the downtown area. We’ll set up our lawn chairs somewhere along the route for a curbside view.

Now I know a guy (his initials are Diver Dave) :) who will rise and salute the Colors each time they pass by in accordance with a new law signed by President Bush which authorizes Veterans to salute the Colors. Heck, I’ll even rise and salute any members of the military who may pass by.

Enjoy the Fourth Weekend. Continue to pray for our nation.

[The Mayor]

I’ll be watchin for ya Dita!

[The Mayor]

Sounds excellent DD.... It will be nice to be able to Salute again, I know I will from this point fwd.

[The Mayor]

Thank you and Please pass on Huge THANKS from all of here at the Finest.

[Dubya]

[Dubya]

[DollyCali]

Observance

• In 1777, thirteen guns were fired, once at morning and again as evening fell, on July 4 in Bristol, Rhode Island. Philadelphia celebrated the first anniversary in a manner a modern American would find quite familiar: an official dinner for the Continental Congress, toasts, 13-gun salutes, speeches, prayers, music, parades, troop reviews, and fireworks. Ships were decked with red, white, and blue bunting.

• In 1778, General George Washington marked Independence Day with a double ration of rum for his soldiers and an artillery salute. Across the Atlantic Ocean, ambassadors John Adams and Benjamin Franklin held a dinner for their fellow Americans in Paris, France.

• In 1779, July 4 fell on a Sunday. The holiday was celebrated on Monday, July 5.

• In 1781, the Massachusetts General Court became the first state legislature to recognize Independence Day as a state celebration.

• In 1783, Moravians in Salem, North Carolina, held the first celebration of Independence Day in the country with a challenging music program assembled by Johann Friedrich Peter. This work was titled "The Psalm of Joy".

• In 1791 was the first recorded use of the name "Independence Day".

• In 1870, the U.S. Congress made Independence Day an unpaid holiday for federal employees.

• In 1941, Congress changed Independence Day to a paid federal holiday. The residents of Vicksburg, Mississippi, celebrated Independence Day for the first time since July 4, 1863, when the Siege of Vicksburg ended with a Union victory during the American Civil War.

[MEG33]

Happy Birthday America
~God Bless The USA~

[Gabz]

Thank you my friend. Far too many people have truly no clue what tomorrow actually means.

My husband is picky about his history and the original Continental Congress declared independence on July 2nd. It’s a “thing” in our household because our daughter turned 10 yesterday (July 2nd)

God Bless you and God Bless America.

[AZamericonnie]

[Gabz]

I have two nephews (both in the Army) serving in Iraq. Please keep them in your prayers.

They're in ours.

[LUV W]

God Bless America!

Happy 4th of July



It is the American Military
who keep us free

God bless and keep them!

~US Air Force Band~
Battle Hymn of the Republic

[P8riot]

Thanks folks

[yorkie]

Happy Independence Day, Everyone!

[Gabz]

Your tag line is one of my most favorites around here -— and I’ve used the line more than a few times when I have encountered gun control freaks on other forums and in person. And I come from 3 generations of NYPD :)

[LUV W]

Awwwwwwwwww....that is just too cute, Yorkie!

Happy 4th to you, too!

[Lady Jag]

I love America!

[jaycee]

[yorkie]

Regarding gun control freaks, I have made it very public - that I will welcome Joe Horn to come park at my home any day! LOL

[yorkie]

Thanks, JC!!! Hope you (and yours) have a wonderful day tomorrow!

I’m going to BBQ baby back ribs, make a potato salad and baked beans, and watch the fireworks after the sun sets! Happy 4th to you!

[yorkie]

Thanks, Luv! I didn’t want to post the same one I posted at Amy’s Place, (which is my favorite):

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/chat/2039006/posts?page=231#231

Happy 4th to you and yours!!

[LUV W]

Precious!

...and speaking of precious...how are your “babies”?

[JustAmy]

I have added them to The Military Prayer List at Amy’s Place. Thank them for their service.

May God Bless and Protect them.

[yorkie]

Furry kids are doing fine - they are anxious for their “Auntie” to get back on her feet!

[LUV W]

How is she doing?

Give her my best (and a hug!) :D

[yorkie]

She has her good and bad days.....but is healing well. She got a hematoma last week, that was kinda scary - but the doc removed it, and put her on a high dose of Cipro.

She can’t move too well, yet - but with two rods and ten screws in her spine - I am amazed she is moving at all!

It is amazing how much the medical proceedures have advanced in the last couple years.

[La Enchiladita]

Happy 4th of July to you and yours, Rus!!!

[DollyCali]

lovely post luv.. as usual! I am meeting Mama_bear & hubby Jeff in a few weeks in Columbus, OH.

.. are you all still planning a get together in NE this summer? Will you stop at Grand Island? You know I will be there if at all possible with some notice

[DollyCali]

Hi sweetie.. I LOVE those old postcards ... OR , they may be recent but just retro.. super retro?

how are the wild fires doing? as I recall you are not super close.. but does the smoke affect you?

[DollyCali]

This is physically painful for her & mentally & emotionally VERY painful for you..

prayers continue yorkie

Time for bed (like 3 hours ago)

[La Enchiladita]

No, we are being spared from the fires this far south this time. However, I just read that gorgeous Big Sur is in trouble... the fire up there is still out of control.

I think those are authentic old postcards, featuring the red “liberty cap.”

Happy Independence Day!!

[jaycee]

Sounds good...baby backs, nothing better. I am going to my son's for cookout and he puts on a huge fireworks show about 9:00. We always have a good time. Hope you and all "our FRiends" have a great Fourth of July. And give thanks for the great country we live in!

[jaycee]

Just love those cards...

[jaycee]

[pookie18]

Happy Independence Day!!

[MEG33]

We Are Still Free ..Thank You To Our Military

Ready To Celebrate
*Happy Independence Day To The Finest*

[jaycee]

Hi Pookie....Wishing you a great Fourth of July..a day we can celebrate our wonderful country!

[pookie18]

Happy Independence Day, jaycee!

[jaycee]

It is the American Military who keep us free. God bless and keep them!

Thank you, Luv!

[DollyCali]

'
'VISIT POOKIE'S 4TH JULY SPECIAL TOON THREAD- Click

[jaycee]

Good Morning, I checked the collection and Pookie, it is great. Will try to go back and click on some later. Getting busy now...thanks a lot, Pookie!

[MEG33]

America..Land Of The Free Because Of The Brave.

Great July Fourth Presentation, pookie!

[pookie18]

You're welcome, as always, DollyCali!

[pookie18]

Thanks, MEG33!