!464thofJuly2

The Fourth of July Holiday was always a treat. School had ended and the whole Summer was before us. I remember watching, with great pride, the marching Veterans of the Spanish-American War and World Wars I and II. The Parades, the Band Music, the Flags and the traditional family picnics at Jones Beach were particularly special. Have you ever noticed, while watching a fireworks display, that the entire crowd “oohs and ahs” in unison and always at the appropriate time? It wasn’t until I went into Military Service myself, that I realized that the United States is and always has been responsible for most of the freedom in the world. A little old fashioned patriotism never hurt anybody!

I have also always been intrigued with the line from Janis Joplin's rendition of "Me and Bobby McGee": "Freedom's just another word for nothing else to lose." “Washington Crossing the Delaware” was painted by Emanuel Leutze in 1851.

Freedom

                   Brave Patriots, their Heads held high,
                   Wear Uniforms, e’er dignify,
                   March Fife and Drum, wave Flags, go by;
                   July the Fourth, do sanctify,
                   And Yankee Doodle dandify!

                   Ring Bells out loud, claim Victory,
                   Sing Voices proud; shout Liberty;
                   Proclaim the End of Tyranny,
                   Rejoice our Place in History;
                   Bright Star-bursts light Skies Heavenly,
                   Pure pyrotechnic Panoply,
                   Concomitant Cacophony,
                   Then let us choose Democracy;
                   Yet ‘Oohs and Ahs’ show Men live free,
                   Give Manifest to Destiny!

Click on Liberty To See The Fireworks

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