4th of July

[David Ragan]

Howabout an apolitical 4th of July thread? Like, what is one thing that you mostly think about when considering the 4th? Something besides the obvious.

Here's mine.

With all the beating up on the French the last few decades, they deserve a huge amount of credit for helping us out with blockading the Chesapeake Bay. IIRC, it took pressure off our troops so we could soundly rout the English @ Yorktown. Of course, the French were too eager to frustrate the Brits all throughout history, especially with the Colonies.

And, we all know that beating Cornwallis(?) @ Yorktown was huge.

[Scott Donley]

A good time to read about why.

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.

[Kent A Bathurst]

I don't know about the rest of youse guys, but I have been an avid listener of NPR for many decades.

One thing I have always looked forward to is their reading of the Declaration of Independence on July 4th. The voices I know and love, reading that sacred document.

10 years ago, or so, they changed the line up in the reading. To my dismay. I will still wait anxiously for the broadcast on the 4th, but... Here is the original,which includes the inestimable Red Barber, whom I dearly miss............

"........these United Colonies are, and of Right ought to be Free and Independent States..............we mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes and our sacred Honor"

http://www.npr.org/player/v2/mediaPl...6473&m=5530828

[Moses Yoder]

I really enjoy the bratwurst. I like a good quality bun preferably white, and then I grill them to perfection. I use precooked ones and put them over a medium heat until the grease starts dripping out of them. Some people heat them too long and they dry out which is no good. I sautee onions prior to grilling the brats and then use just mustard and some of the onions. A side dish of potato salad is good. I would like to blow up a couple anvils but have been unsuccessful at arranging that. I don't want to try it with my grandfather's anvil so eventually I will have to buy two more anvils.

[Brian W Smith]

My twins B-day is the 6th.....so along with the "obvious",there's usually a pretty decent sized party here.It's fun because we never really get a head count 'till maybe a few hrs before the party.Might be 10 guests....could be 40?So it's a,......"you grab this,we'll snag that" affair.Happy 4th.

[Keith Outten]

The accomplishments of America's first Veterans are second to none in the history of our country. I live just across the York River from the Yorktown Battlefields and I fly the American Flag with 13 stars on the 4th of July. Visit the Battlefields if you can and Cornwallis Cave if you are ever in the area.

Its good that the British have become our friends since our humble beginnings and America has repaid our debt to the French people in full.

Enjoy your holiday this weekend and be safe everyone.
.

[Lee Schierer]

As an Air Force Brat and Naval Officer, I've traveled to a number of countries and have seen some pretty amazing things. Despite where I've gone and what I've seen, the thing I like the most is returning to the good old USA. It was always great to see the stars & stripes flying. No matter what your beliefs or leanings are this country is sure a nice place to be a part of and a great place to live.

[Rod Sheridan]

Hi Keith, America, like Canada had two founding cultures, English and French.

It's left both of us better for the wide range of culture and experiences.

Happy July 4.................Regards, Rod.

[Malcolm Schweizer]

We just buried my father, WWII vet and retired Lieutenant Colonel, USAF on July 3. I was amazed that the military provides a free headstone (a very nice one) to vets, and dad got an honor guard to close the ceremony and present the flag to my mom. It was the highlight of the ceremony. Dad was a recipient of the Air Medal and Distinguished Flying Cross.

[Scott Shepherd]

Very sorry for your loss Malcolm. I thank your entire family for their service to our country as a military family.

[Dave Anderson NH]

Malcolm, the stone is actually provided by the Veteran's Administration. To my mind it is a small thing when we consider what those who served have sacrificed or at the very least had the potential to sacrifice.

With only 1% of our living population serving or having served in the armed forces and now having a completely volunteer military, there is a major disconnect and lack of understanding about our forces. Military people voluntarily give up many of the freedoms guaranteed to us by the bill or rights and accept a lot of restrictions. A friend of mine who recently retired from active USMC duty once sent me a photo from his small firebase in Helmud Province Afghanistan which succinctly sums up the situation. "America is not at war, the Marine Corps is at war...... America is at the Mall."

A veteran is someone who at some time or other in their life wrote out a blank check payable to the United States of America for any amount up to and including their life.

[David Ragan]

A friend of mine who recently retired from active USMC duty once sent me a photo from his small firebase in Helmud Province Afghanistan which succinctly sums up the situation. "America is not at war, the Marine Corps is at war...... America is at the Mall."

Hey Dave, How do you thing that we, as a population can do better?

I generally agree with you, but what is the problem? the media/censorship? the Military making it look too easy? Our population being a bunch of spoiled brats? (can I say that?)

When I was a kid, we had the Cold War, Vietnam, air raid drills @ school, Cuban Missile Crisis, lot of action down in Central and South America, etc.

I have read that nearly everyone is ready to thank service women and men when they see them in uniform, and that Wounded Warrior, et al foundations are doing well from private donations.

But, as a private citizen, I have to ask this.

[Frederick Skelly]

We just buried my father, WWII vet and retired Lieutenant Colonel, USAF on July 3. I was amazed that the military provides a free headstone (a very nice one) to vets, and dad got an honor guard to close the ceremony and present the flag to my mom. It was the highlight of the ceremony. Dad was a recipient of the Air Medal and Distinguished Flying Cross.

I'm sorry to hear about your Dad, Malcolm. Please accept my thanks on behalf of him, for protecting all of the rest of us over the years. I wish you and your family comfort and peace.
Fred

[Paul McGaha]

Sorry to hear of your dad's passing Malcolm. It sounds like he had a solid military career.

Like others have mentioned I really think they were America's best generation so far. Just my thoughts but to me, the only generation that is competitive with them would be the generation of our founding fathers.

PHM

[Malcolm Schweizer]

Thanks everyone. He lived almost 97 years and did not suffer. Born 15 years after the Wright Brothers made their first flight, then flew in one of the most famous flying machines ever- the B26 Marauder, and lived to see a man on the moon, a space probe on Mars, and one that exited our solar system. To infinity and beyond!

Anyway, I just wanted to mention how cool it was that he got the honor guard and a bronze headstone. I was very appreciative of that and felt like his service was very appreciated to the very end. The honor guard really took it seriously and I will never forget when she presented the flag to my mom and thanked her for his service. It was clearly very heartfelt.