244 years ago, on July 2nd, 1776, the Declaration of Independence was formally ratified, with John Hancock and Charles Thompson being the first two actual signers.
Independence Day was first celebrated in 1777, as the July 18, 1777 issue of the Virginia Gazette describes the July 4 celebration in Philadelphia:
“The evening was closed with the ringing of bells, and at night there was a grand exhibition of fireworks, which began and concluded with thirteen rockets on the commons, and the city was beautifully illuminated. Every thing was conducted with the greatest order and decorum, and the face of joy and gladness was universal.”
Now, 244 years on, we face another crisis… What we do will determine the future of the United States going forward…
This was always a special sight coming back into Dulles from somewhere overseas, it was when I knew I was home…
Long may she wave! Happy Independence Day to ALL Americans! God Bless the USA!
And a pretty funny set of outtakes from the making of the video above…
SERE school will straighten your priorities out. It’s sad that it’s not a prerequisite for attending college.
Thanks for posting the Lee Greenwood videos, OldNFO. May this great country have at least another 244 years of freedom and prosperity!! If only those who are trying to tear us apart would understand that the US is a wonderful gift to the world. We are not perfect, no one is – but there is a very good reason that so many people try to get here. Heartfelt thanks to everyone who has made good on the pledge at the end of the Declaration of Independence: “…we mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes and our sacred Honor.” God bless y’all!
Ahhh, Warner Springs in the summer… As one who doesn’t care that much for oatmeal, it was nectar that last day.
Hey Old NFO;
To everyone bitching about the U.S.A. , they need to go to other places and see what it is like and then see what grinding poverty is like in Africa and south America is like then quit bitching about America. We have problems…Sure we do, but the opportunities we have are like no where else, you can make it if you are willing to work, the problem is that many don’t want to work for it. it is the envy industry. I and my friends are proud to be Americans, to the Immigrants that gone the legal ways to add to the fabric and joined us, Congratulations! Here’s to 244 more:)
LL- Wouldn’t it though! 😀
Tom- You’re welcome!
Flugel- Agreed! I went through in January. Froze my ass off!!!
Bob- Oh so true. They would see how good they really have it!
Today is the one day of the year we fly our old flag (we have, and fly, a smaller one 4 x 6, every other day)(this old one is 6 x 10). It’s out of date — 48 stars — and somewhat faded and yellowed… and it flew at our farm every day during World War II, and we treasure it.
Happy Independence Day
Thank you for your service
Mountain/desert survival school, Stead AFB, Reno, NV 1961.
Happy Independence Day!
And yes indeed, time for us to stand up, be counted and fight back against the Marxist enemy.
Yep!
Ian- Thank you for that!
Ricky- Thank you!
Skip- Oh, NOT fun!
LSP- And to you, sir!
Happy 4th!
Happy Independence Day!
And damn the communists. May they get what they have coming.
Preferably at 3000 ish FPS.