Independence Day

[timotheus4 39]

Today, July 4th, is the American Independence Day. Two hundred and thirty years ago, the thirteen American colonies ratified the Declaration of Independence* from Great Britain, for the perceived wrongs they were done. This marked the beginning of the American state, and while they had to fight a war for six years to maintain that independence, this document was what they rallied around. The Fourth of July has become a distinctly American holiday, but it can be remembered across the globe. The American state was the first since ancient times where the will of the people, not the arbitrary direction of a monarch, directed how a country went. It has lead the world with the torch of Freedom since then, and though it has stumbled and fallen in certain areas, in some very egregiously, it still leads. The Declaration is a codification of the fundamental principles of liberty from tyranny, and a free nation. To this, the entirety of mankind can pay tribute.

*I know the pedantry about the 2nd. The 4th was when it was ratified, the 2nd when it was actually declared.

[Mikeaut1 261]

Happy Independence Day!

[DuskTrooper 316]

Happy Independence day!

*launches mad fireworks display*

On this July 4th, I am proud to be a LEGAL immigrant to these United States! W00T!

[blahdy 21]

And I'm proud to be an american.  happy independence day!

[sloppet 3]

Happy Independence Day people! And where would you be now if not our polish people fighting for your freedom, and helping you?

[Ryan B 35]

Lee Greenwood's 'Proud To Be An American':

If tomorrow all the things were gone
I'd worked for all my life
And I just had to start again
With my children and my wife

I'd thank my lucky stars
To be livin' here today
'Cause the flag still stands for freedom
And they can't take that away

And I'm proud to be an American
Where at least I know I'm free
And I won't forget the people who died
Who gave these rights to me
And I gladly stand up
Next to you, and defend her still today
'Cause there ain't no doubt, I love this land,
God bless the U.S.A.!

From the lakes of Minnesota
To the hills of Tennessee,
Across the plains of Texas,
From sea to shining sea

From Detroit down to Houston,
And New York to L.A.,
Well, there's pride in every American heart,
And it's time we stand and say:

That we're proud to be Americans
Where at least we know we're free
And we won't forget the people who died
Who gave these rights to us
And we gladly stand up
Next to you, and defend her still today
'Cause there ain't no doubt, we love this land,
God bless the U.S.A.!

And I'm proud to be an American
Where at least I know I'm free
And I won't forget the people who died
Who gave these rights to me
And I gladly stand up
Next to you, and defend her still today
'Cause there ain't no doubt, I love this land,
God bless the U.S.A.!


EDIT:  It's a bit ironic that, on Independence Day, my member label is 'Patriot', eh? 

[Micah 16]

Happy Independence Day!!!

*Goes to eat a T-Bone*

[blahdy 21]

Originally posted by: sloppet Happy Independence Day people! And where would you be now if not our polish people fighting for your freedom, and helping you?quote>

Absolutely; we greatly appreciate your assistance + cooperation in war on terror

[KT3 5]

Originally posted by: sloppet Happy Independence Day people! And where would you be now if not our polish people fighting for your freedom, and helping you?quote>

Europe and the United Kingdom Honour and thank the Polish Freedom fighters for what they did to help liberate Europe. Many young Polish Pilots joined the British Air Force and even took part in the Battle of Britain, let us never forget that !

[rhino120 2]

Happy Independence Day!

[defcon pilot 0]

I'm a happy American and proud Bush-detractor! Happy Independence Day, and LOL Ryan!

[+Guest]

Good movie too!

[Mrkeacher88 0]

Happy Independence Day! But instead of waiting for a fire works show tonight. Why not have your own virtual show! Heres a few sites. (Remember to turn the volume up!)

http://www.cyberfireworks.com/

http://www.maylin.net/Fireworks.html

http://www.fireworks.com/interactive/fireworks_show/default.asp

ENJOY!

[Firebird 40]

Happy Independence Day!

[Meg 368]

Originally posted by: ryanb_sc4

Lee Greenwood's 'Proud To Be An American':

quote>

Actually, the name of that fine song is "God Bless the USA".  There is an audio version available here:  http://users.1st.net/teddi/index30.htm

EDIT:  It's a bit ironic that, on Independence Day, my member label is 'Patriot', eh? 

quote>

Nice timing!

Happy Independence Day    

[Joesocwork 4]

The Lee Greenwood song continues to touch me and choke me up to this day.  

 Happy Independence Day -U.S.!!!

[Eastwinn 6]

Happy 4th! The only time of the year when people of all ages play with fire! The fire fighters better be ready....

[Ryan B 35]

Originally posted by: SkiGeek

Actually, the name of that fine song is "God Bless the USA".  There is an audio version available here:  http://users.1st.net/teddi/index30.htm

quote>

 

That's not what the website I got the lyrics off said.  Oh, well.  You can't trust the Internet sometimes.  People have the unalienable right to be wrong about things sometimes. 

[Skyfire2275 23]

I hope all of you Americans enjoy yourselves today as I did 3 days ago up here in Canada on the 1st (our holiday). Happy July 4th.

[CDI_spy 6]

You guys were nice enough to celebrate Canada Day with us, now I celebrate Independance day with you!

Happy Independance Day, everyone!  Celebrate it with every ounce of your energy!

[timotheus4 39]

Originally posted by: sloppet Happy Independence Day people! And where would you be now if not our polish people fighting for your freedom, and helping you?quote>

We would be absolutely nowhere without the likes of Koskiusko. He won Saratoga for us, and for me at least he is the greatest hero of our revolution. I'm very grateful to you Poles!

God bless the USA! Amen!

[sloppet 3]

That's Kosciuszko

[sim1234 62]

Happy Independence Day!

[callagrafx 3]

As a Brit and proud of it, I can only say.....Happy Independence Day to all Americans everywhere!!!!

[Constantina 5]

<Edited for rudeness>

No, hang on, I haven't finished yet. (See latest post).

[KT3 5]

Oh dear Constantina was edited ........................

[Duke87 1,070]

and to celebrate, I have homework to do.... stupid summer courses...

We set off plenty of fireworks on saturday, though.

[callagrafx 3]

Originally posted by: KT3 Oh dear Constantina was edited ........................quote>

I am shocked and traumatised.

[zzsim 3]

As a proud and loyal American...

 Happy Independece Day

Hope everyone has a fun time tonight with all of the fireworks! *gets out fire crackers* 

Edit:  Constantina edited for rudeness .  Is it opposite day too ?

[timotheus4 39]

Originally posted by: sloppet That's Kosciuszkoquote>

Eh, sorry bout that