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The paratroopers of C Co 2-505 Parachute Infantry Regiment (82nd Airborne) celebrate the 4th of July at Patrol Base Olson in Samarra, Iraq -- halfway around the world from their home country.

A Wax Figure of Thomas Jefferson at Tussad's Wax Museum. Very lifelike.

President Bush traveled to the home of Thomas Jefferson Friday to help swear in new U.S. citizens as part of Independence Day celebrations. "When you raise your hands and take the oath you will complete an incredible journey. This journey has taken you from many different countries and has now made you one people," Bush said at the naturalization ceremony at historic Monticello in Charlottesville, Virginia. "From this day forward, the history of the United States will be part of your heritage. The Fourth of July will be a part of your independence day and I will be honored to...

State College’s pacifist community is offering an alternative to the warlike displays of fireworks, barbecues and beer-fueled fistfights that have become synonymous with Fourth of July festivities. The group, Peaceful State, has created Non-violent Resistance and Solidarity Fest, as a peaceful way to celebrate the mid-summer holiday. Since the group does not recognize the existence of the United States, Isreal, and the Aborigine Occupation Zone in Australia, there is no mention of Independence Day or revolution, except in the context of struggle against capitalism and Prince’s former band. Garrison Kegger, who created the concept, said the event gets underway with...

IN CONGRESS, July 4, 1776. The unanimous Declaration of the thirteen united States of America, When 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...

Just thought I'd post a thread where the various fireworks laws, regulations, etc. could be posted. National Council on Fireworks Safety Nice links to each State's fireworks laws. Here's their Safety Video Fireworks Classifications Various histories of fireworks....Fireworks.comWikipedia Fireworks entryPyrouniverse.com (lol) History of Fireworks

Just thought I'd post a thread where the various fireworks laws, regulations, etc. could be posted. National Council on Fireworks Safety Nice links to each State's fireworks laws. Here's their Safety Video Fireworks Classifications Various histories of fireworks....Fireworks.comWikipedia Fireworks entryPyrouniverse.com (lol) History of Fireworks

Tammy Sue Barkhard, a third-generation Welfare recipient who lives in Tyrone, said that she gets a little misty when she hears the Star-Spangled Banner on July the 4th. It's a special day for her. "I think about George Washington crossing the Mississippi on that special day in July and creating a country that makes no distinction between the slothful and the truly needy," Barkhard said. "It's a good day to reflect on what this country owes me. Plus, a few of my babies were conceived on July 4th, too." Her live-in boyfriend, Dwayne Scott Arrington said he, too, enjoys the...

Every American needs to see "Rescue Dawn," in theaters nationwide today. If it's the only movie you see this year, you've done yourself a service at the box office. It is the best movie of the year. The silver screen story of Dieter Dengler--a Navy pilot shot down over Laos and imprisoned in a Vietcong POW camp--is not only a great movie. It is patriotic and uplifting. It is the story of survival against all odds, and the story of a man who refused to denounce his adopted country, the United States of America. And it is the story of...

Not surprisingly, the series of new laws is supported by the Flag Manufacturers’ Association of America. It has complained about a flood of US flags, valued at $5.3 million, imported mostly from China last year. The Chinese, whose high-speed response to market demands has made US industry look leaden-footed in recent years, appear to have spotted a gap in the market after the 9/11 attacks. In 2000 America imported $748,000 of US flags, mostly from Taiwan. In 2001, however, that figure rose to $51.7 million – mostly from China.

Duncan Hunter's Grandaughter sings "The Star-Spangled Banner".

This Fourth of July, President Bush spoke to the West Virginia Air National Guard 167th Airlift Wing in Martinsburg, WV (Transcript) Former President GHWB and Mrs. Bush were welcomed by Tiger Woods to the AT&T Earl Woods Memorial Pro-Am today in Bethesda, MD. Enjoy your visit to Sanity Island

Click here to visit a great web site about John Philip Sousa - American Composer, Conductor & Patriot Biography - MIDI and MP3 Music Files

Click below for audio: Click below for audio: Click below for audio: Click below for audio: Click below for more: Click below for audio: Click below for audio: Click below for audio: Click below for audio: This Thread Brought To You By The Letter "W":

By Red Skelton: I - - Me; an individual; a committee of one. Pledge - - Dedicate all of my worldly goods to give without self-pity. Allegiance - - My love and my devotion. To the Flag - - Our standard; Old Glory ; a symbol of Freedom; wherever she waves there is respect, because your loyalty has given her a dignity that shouts, Freedom is everybody's job. United - - That means that we have all come together. States - - Individual communities that have united into forty-eight great states. Forty-eight individual communities with pride and dignity and purpose....

It is among the odder ironies of modern political life that the Fourth of July, a holiday set aside to celebrate American exceptionalism, has become an occasion to proclaim multicultural pieties. For a vivid demonstration of this tendency, look no further than the habit of our high-minded commentators to lecture every Independence Day that “we are a nation of immigrants.” In in its most extreme incarnation, this claim holds not only that America has been “a nation of immigrants from its very inception” – an observation equal parts true and misleading – but that any reflection on the American character...

Independence: freedom from control or influence of another or othersToday is July 4, 2007. It has been 231 years since the drafting and signing of the Declaration of Independence by America's Founders. That's why some of us – too few, really – call the holiday we commemorate today "Independence Day." That is, indeed, the actual name of the holiday. It's not just the Fourth of July. It's not just the day we shoot off Chinese-made fireworks. It's not just the day we barbecue burgers. It's not just the day we go to the beach. It's Independence Day – so named...

Just in time for the Fourth of July, John Lott, author of the groundbreaking 1998 book "More Guns, Less Crime," has released another amazing book: "Freedomnomics: Why the Free Market Works and Other Half-Baked Theories Don't." This book provides studies and analysis proving that your every right-wing instinct is based on sound economic analysis. To wit: * Women shouldn't vote: "What changed ... that explains the growth of government? The answer is women's suffrage." * Fox News Channel isn't conservative: "Even employees of Fox News, which is widely regarded as a conservative channel, donate 81 percent of their contributions to...

Amnesty is dead. Now, let's talk about the other "A" word. It's the word and the concept completely abandoned during the immigration debate: assimilation. Over the last year, hundreds of thousands of illegal alien demonstrators took to the streets lobbying for amnesty. Marchers waved "Amnestia Ahora!" placards in one hand, the flags of their native countries in the other. Open-borders strategists quickly replaced the foreign flags with Old Glory after militant activists caused a public backlash last year. National newspapers played dutiful propagandists and splashed patriotic photo-ops of the "undocumented" masses wrapped in red, white and blue to drum up...

Last week, I bemoaned New York Times columnist David Brooks's eagerness to have government impose force on others. He was promoting programs like "National Service." Why are many conservatives so eager to wield force? Conservatives used to complain when so-called liberals did that. That same week I happened to interview filmmaker Michael Moore for "20/20." Moore wants government to monopolize health care. His new film, "Sicko," argues that Canada and France approach paradise because their governments provide health care and more. This brought him standing ovations in Cannes. "But government is force," I said to him. He was incredulous. Michael...

Happy Birthday, America!

The day of celebration of the independence of our great country is once again at hand... for those of us who can remember what it's all about, that is. As former Secretary of Education under Ronald Reagan, William Bennett, has commented, this country is on the verge of a national amnesia about our own history. He warns that we are becoming a country who’s citizens are born as aliens a fact that will, in the end, make it impossible for our young Americans to sign up and fight for our country. After all, they won't understand why this country is...

July Fourth  "The Celebration of Hypocrites"  As you made your last preparations to make sure your fridge was stocked with your favorite alcohol beverages, the steaks were marinating, the fireworks were purchased, what have you done for this country this past year to be given the right to celebrate Independence Day?  Have you made some significant stride in your daily life for yourself or others to claim your individuality or your right to be free?  It's July 4th after all, the celebration of freedom from oppressive government.  Now I know a lot of you are too wet behind the...

SAN ANTONIO, July 5, 2006 – As the city celebrated July 4 with colorful parades and family barbecues, a small group of cyclists rode into Fort Sam Houston marking an independence day of their own. Steve Nardizzi (far right), executive director of Soldier Ride, introduces a few of the wounded warriors participating in the Soldier Ride National Tour 2006 at Fort Sam Houston's Fourth of July ceremony. The cyclists stopped by after a nine-day trip from Dallas to help the San Antonio community pay tribute to the nation. Photo by Elaine Wilson  (Click photo for screen-resolution image);high-resolution image available. The...

In contrast to the ideals, and feelings of today's "Hollywonk" the real actors of yesteryear loved the United States. They had both class and integrity. With the advent of World War II many of our actors went to fight rather than stand and rant against this country we all love. They gave up their wealth, position and fame to become service men & women, many as simple "enlisted men". This post list only a few of the best known.

Tomorrow is the Fourth of July, when Americans celebrate Independence Day. But a YouGov survey for The Daily Telegraph suggests that the Stars and Stripes will be flying at half mast in the eyes of most Britons. There has probably never been a time when America was held in such low esteem on this side of the Atlantic. A majority of Britons think American culture and the actions of the present American administration are making the world a worse place to live in, and almost no one believes America is now, if it ever was, a beacon to the world....

Click here to visit a great web site about John Philip Sousa - American Composer, Conductor & Patriot Biography - MIDI and MP3 Music Files

Okay, I'll admit it. I'm a sadist. Sometimes I like to wander over to Daily Kos and Democratic Underground and see what the wacky liberals are saying. As you know, America, the greatest country on God's green earth, will celebrate its 230th birthday tomorrow. And here's what liberals have to say about it today. I believe it's against FR policy to direct links to DU and Kos, but I've cut and paste these quotes without any editing. DEMOCRATIC UNDERGROUND "America, America, God shed His grace on thee...what a ridiculous song" - Philosoraptor "the rocket's red glare, the bombs bursting in...

This just gets my goat!!! I was doing a search today to find out where some local fireworks will be displayed tomorrow, and came across this note on the Los Angeles " calendar". I am appauled that the City Council has now declared July 4th, " Salute Los Angeles" day!! Just another small indication that we are in serious trouble here in Los Angeles!!!!!!!! Please tell me if I am posting this in the wrong place, and even misinterpreting what the City Council has done, but I am livid , if in fact they will be diluting down our precious...

Please,...I beg all Freepers,.... Please,...... when referring to the date of Freedom's Birth always call it Independence Day not just July 4th. Let's take back the real holiday and return it to what it should be.

During the week of the Fourth of July, TAE looks back to its April/May 2002 issue when Indian-born scholar Dinesh D’Souza shared his thoughts on his adopted country of America. -------------------------- The newcomer who sees America for the first time typically experiences emotions that alternate between wonder and delight. Here is a country where everything works: The roads are paper-smooth, the highway signs are clear and accurate, the public toilets function properly, when you pick up the telephone you get a dial tone. You can even buy things from the store and then take them back if you change your...

If you know a Vet, please print this out and give it to them for July 4th, with a hand-shake and a "Thank You!" I Was A Soldier By Colonel Daniel K. Cedusky, USA, Retired I was a Soldier: That's the way it is, that's what we were...are. We put it, simply, without any swagger, without any brag, in those four plain words. We speak them softly, just to ourselves. Others may have forgotten. They are a manifesto to mankind; speak those four words anywhere in the world -- yes, anywhere -- and many who hear will recognize their meaning....

Catholic League Denounces Cal State Dept. Head's Holiday Décor Ban(AgapePress) - The Catholic League is criticizing an administrator at California State University - Sacramento who informed her department that decorations for holidays such as Christmas and the Fourth of July are now banned from the office because they "represent discrimination" and "ethnic insensitivity."The Catholic League recently obtained the memo sent out by the school's Director of the Office of Services to Students With Disabilities, Patricia Sonntag. Sacramento State verified that the holiday decorating ban exists in Sonntag's department; however, the university called her memo "well intentioned, but misguided."But Kiera McCaffrey,...

John Adams wrote to his wife, Abigail, "...1776, will be the most memorable Epocha, in the History of America. I am apt to believe that it will be celebrated, by succeeding Generations, as the great anniversary Festival.' He suggested that it be commemorated, as the "Day of Deliverance by solemn Acts of Devotion to God Almighty.' Furthermore, he said it ought to be celebrated 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 for evermore.' Though indefatigable in his efforts to secure loans...

Russian Radicals Mark 4th July by Burning U.S. Flag MosNews Activists of the Russian National Bolshevik and Communist Youth parties burnt the U.S. flag in front of the U.S. consulate in the city of Ekaterinburg on July 4, Interfax reported Monday. About 30 people picketed the building, holding up banners calling for Americans to leave Russia. At the end of the rally they pierced an American flag made of paper with a sword and burnt it. The demonstration was in protest at U.S. policy, a senior member of the local Communist Youth organization Ludmila Zhuravleva told Interfax, without elaborating. “The...

President Celebrates Independence Day in West Virginia West Virginia University Morgantown, West Virginia 9:57 A.M. EDT THE PRESIDENT: Thank you all. (Applause.) Happy Fourth of July. (Applause.) Thanks for coming. I am honored to celebrate Independence Day in Morgantown, West Virginia. (Applause.) I appreciate you all being here. The history of this land dates back to the earliest days of our republic. Turns out George Washington used to drop by this part of the state. And I appreciate a warm welcome for another George W. (Applause.) Coming to West Virginia is becoming a Fourth of July tradition for me. (Applause.)...

Who'd have thought that just before we celebrated America's birthday, and just after President Bush asked for support, we'd hear that the founders were terrorists and Bush ought to be impeached? Iranian President-elect Mahmood Ahmadinejad might be a terrorist. Five former hostages are convinced he's one of the Iranian students who took U.S. citizens hostage in 1979. For now, though, the media are not calling him a terrorist. Which is OK, because the allegation has not been proved. Too bad George Washington and Thomas Jefferson can't get the same deference. At least "several" in the mainstream press believe those two...

For The 4th of July this one needs a repost...Hit the link for large, loud explosion.

Displaying the Flag Previous to Flag Day, June 14, 1923 there were no federal or state regulations governing display of the United States Flag. It was on this date that the National Flag Code was adopted by the National Flag Conference which was attended by representatives of the Army and Navy which had evolved their own procedures, and some 66 other national groups. This purpose of providing guidance based on the Army and Navy procedures relating to display and associated questions about the U.S. Flag was adopted by all organizations in attendance. A few minor changes were made a...

Happy Birthday to us! Yes, us, the United States of America – 229 years old and still kicking! Given the state of the world, politics, jealousy, philosophies, ego and human nature, it's almost a miracle we're still here and generally intact. Not that there wasn't, and isn't, an effort – exterior and, unfortunately, interior – to change us and ultimately to destroy us. Evil hates good and whatever you think about the frailties of the United States, overall, we are a good and benevolent country. Oh, how some people hate that. It galls them to attribute goodness to us (U.S.)...

Click here to visit a great web site about John Philip Sousa - American Composer, Conductor & Patriot Biography - MIDI and MP3 Music Files

When 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,...

<p>It was one of those nights; hot, muggy, the kind that finds you trapped between sleep and reality. I lay there, on the brink of anger, knowing that tomorrow was going to be a very long day. The parade started at 11:00; the Arts and Craft show at 1:00 PM; and I had to work in the 4th of July Committee's food booth from 3:30 to 5:30. I snuck a peek at the clock and decided to just lay there and hope for the inevitable.</p>

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO THE GREATEST NATION ON THIS PLANET!! DON'T THINK SO?? Go ahead and SAY something AGAINST this Great Nation!! She is STRONG!! but not over bearing and forceful unfairly against others. She can take it!! She is PROTECTIVE!! but not un-caring and welcomes all who come legally with open arms!! She is GENEROUS!!-- as can be seen by the BILLIONS she gives--even to our enemies children and families so they do not starve - She is PROUD!! of her Great Accomplishments!! All done through the many peoples and races/creeds/religions/colors that have contributed and melted into her Grand Experiment...

President Bush's July Fourth proclamation: Since July 4, 1776, Americans have experienced freedom's power to overcome tyranny, inspire hope in times of trial, and turn the creative gifts of men and women to the pursuits of peace. Across generations, our nation has defended and advanced liberty. The words of our Founding Fathers first guided a country of 4 million souls, yet they put large events in motion. When the Liberty Bell sounded at the first public reading of the Declaration of Independence, one who witnessed the birth of freedom in our country said, "It rang as if it meant something."...

PRESIDENTIAL NEWS OF THE DAY: President Bush is spending the weekend at Camp David. He will travel to Morganstown, West Virginia, on Monday to participate in 4th of July celebrations there. The First Lady has been away from Washington recently. However, she will be traveling with the President to Europe this coming week. Our beloved Dubya will mark his 59th birthday on July 6. HAPPY BIRTHDAY, MR. PRESIDENT! And a rousing HAPPY 229TH BIRTHDAY to our great nation. Laura Bush to visit Tanzania 2005-07-01 07:09:58 By Guardian Reporter US First Lady Laura Bush will visit Tanzania later this month. She...

In his book, “The Cube and the Cathedral,” Catholic scholar George Weigel explains why the proposed constitution for the European Union, a 70,000-word document, does not contain the word Christianity – in other words, why its framers deliberately ignored 1,000 years of European history. Weigel writes: “In the minds of many Europeans, Christianity was not simply a non-factor in the development of contemporary European public life; Christianity was (and is) an obstacle to the evolution of a Europe at peace, a Europe that champions human rights, a Europe that governs itself democratically.” This also explains the Judeo-Christophobia of the U.S....

Contents: John Wayne - "Why I love America" Red Skelton - "The Pledge of Alegience" Ronald Reagan - "A Time of Choosing" Other - "From Sea To Shinning Sea" "I am the Flag of the United States of America" "A Salute to the Heroes of America" "Freedom Isn't Free" "Mike Christian and the Pledge of Alegiance" Much More Please help me keep this thread alive as long as possible.

Keep the Declaration alive Alan Keyes As we gather in our beloved America to observe the anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, let us emulate our founders in their faithfulness to the truth – a bold faithfulness that gave birth to this nation. Let us reflect on a founding generation born into a world characterized by despotism and tyranny and slavery, into an era dominated by philosophy and practice and institutions based upon inequality and the denial of human freedom – and celebrate our great founders' recognition and radical assertion of the universal rights of man. Tyranny and inequality were...