AMAZON

Sunday, July 03, 2011

Independence Day: Then and Now

THEN


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 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...



Is life so dear, or peace so sweet, as to be purchased at the price of chains and slavery? Forbid it, Almighty God! I know not what course others may take; but as for me, give me liberty or give me death! ~ Patrick Henry’s “Treason Speech” before the Virginia House of Burgesses, March 23, 1775



…that these United Colonies are, and of right ought to be, free and independent States. ~ Richard Henry Lee, June 7, 1776, proposal to the Continental Congress



I am well aware of the toil, and blood, and treasure, that it will cost us to maintain this declaration, and support and defend these states. Yet, through all the gloom, I can see the rays of light and glory; I can see that the end is more than worth all the means, and that posterity will triumph. ~ John Adams, July 3, 1776, in a letter to his wife, Abigail



There! His Majesty can now read my name without glasses. And he can double the reward on my head! John Hancock, upon signing the Declaration of Independence, July 4, 1776



We must all hang together, or assuredly we shall all hang separately. ~ Benjamin Franklin, at the signing of the Declaration of Independence, July 4, 1776



Our cause is noble; it is the cause of mankind! ~ George Washington



Permit me then to recommend from the sincerity of my heart, ready at all times to bleed in my country's cause, a Declaration of Independence, and call upon the world and the Great God who governs it to witness the necessity, propriety and rectitude thereof ~ Nathanael Greene, General, Continental Army



These are the times that try men's souls. The summer soldier and the sunshine patriot will, in this crisis, shrink from the service of their country; but he that stands it now, deserves the love and thanks of man and woman. ~ Thomas Paine, The Crisis, December 23, 1776


NOW













21 comments:

  1. nick, all of these were really good!! some made me 'teary-eyed', but that's ok...in this case, it's well-deserved!

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  2. Nick, I thank you for this great posting.
    I really like the one where the guy was griping about the cost of fireworks and the wheelchair vet saying you have no idea.
    The cost of freedom is never cheap. many people have given their lives for our freedom.and that should never be cheapened. That's my story and I'm sticking to it. Big Time Hugs and GOD's blessings.
    GOD BLESS YOU AMERICA ON YOUR BIRTHDAY!! As well as those who were born on the fourth as well.( Happy Birthday Sis)

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  3. Wonderful post Nick - so very sad, but true.

    Have a safe & happy 4th my friend!

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  4. Great quotes from men who risked their lives for what they believed. On a lighter note I did like the writing under the grill in one of the cartoons - "We hold these truths to be self-evident that all men are created guilty." ec

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  5. A most moving post, Sir.

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  6. Excellent, Rev Saint.

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  7. I live 2 minutes away from John Adams final resting place.

    Have a happy 4th!

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  8. (sniff sniff)

    Happy 4th to you and Alex!!!

    HUGS!!

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  9. I no longer feel pride or shame for the things this country does. Whatever this country does, for good or ill, it does without me.

    I feel completely disconnected from "America."

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  10. Oh my. Too close to the truth. Sad and moving.

    Hope your holiday is safe and happy.

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  11. Thanks for the history lesson Nick.

    Happy 4th of July to you m'dear.

    I did a 'history' 55 today.

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  12. Happy 4th of July, Nick

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  13. Happy fourth to you and Alex!!!

    Lots of hugs!!

    --snow

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  14. I see your grandchildren have a whole blog hiotory lesson today

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  15. This is notable, Nick. I Hope you are having a fun Independence Day.

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  16. Thank you for helping us to remember all this. Loved all the images. I digested all the quotes. The cartoons were fabulous. As always, you both teach and entertain.

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  17. How so very sad that so many people have forgotten the true meaning of this holiday. May those who are serving and have fought for their country be appreciated everyday and not just when people feel the need to show their patriotism.

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  18. Happy Independence Day, Nick and Alex. I hope the firecrackers don't bug kitty's ears too badly.

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