Answer for ironhead70 (Other participants welcome)

On another thread you asked me the question "What freedom???"
I hope this will help you to remember:

[url]http://www.twilightbridge.com/hobbies/festivals/independence/declaration.htm[/url]
Scroll down and read "The Complete Transcript."

[url]http://www.twilightbridge.com/hobbies/festivals/independence/poetry.htm[/url]

[url]http://www.twilightbridge.com/hobbies/festivals/independence/nationalflag.htm[/url]

May we never forget the meaning of July 4th.

(In loving memory of my brother, MSGT Richard J., KIA-Iraq, 7-19-2007)

Good show Bug. I wish that every American would read what you have posted. Unfortunately, in my opinion, most Americans are woefully ignorant of American history and even more mis-informed about how our government SHOULD WORK and what it is meant to do for us.

A personal story to illustrate how ignorant people are of your history:

On July 4th, 1967 I was in Base Camp of the 11th Armored Cavalry at Xuan Loc, Viet Nam, (we had been in the field until a few days before the holiday). A bunch of us were in the Club Tent and enjoying the day. I don't remember what started the conversation, but some of the guys started talking about why July 4th was called Independence Day and they turned to me (the older guy) for an answer.

I had a gut feeling that most of them had no idea of what July 4th was other than a day to celebrate. So I said lets have a test to see what people think it is and I gave a piece of paper to each one of the 15 or so soldiers that were there and asked them to write what part of American history started on July 4th and what proclamation was signed then. Later I asked 15 or 20 more people to write their thoughts.

Almost every one of them wrote that July 4th was Independence Day and the Birthday of America but not one of them wrote any thing about the Declararation of Independence being signed on that day nor evern mentioned the Declaration.

I know that this particular instance is based on only 30 or 40 people but when you (I) consider that these were all soldiers and in my unit were all volunteers, and in a war zone, it just amazed me at how ignorant they were about thier history. And most of those people went to school when they were still teaching American history. But don't get me started on modern education, so 'nuff said.

Bug, you have my sympathy for the loss of your brother.

Grumpy

Bassin bug like your brother so many people have given the ultimate sacrifice so we can keep the freedom that the Declaration of Independence says we are entitled to. It is amazing they could do such a great job drafting this in 1776. They would be proud of how hard we as a nation have fought to keep our freedom.

We celebrate the fourth and most do not take the time to remember the price paid for our independence. We owe a lot to our forefathers.

My condolences for your loss.