A History Lesson for the Fourth of July

[LincolnMan]

(07-03-2017 06:04 PM)L Verge Wrote:  In the late 1700s and 1800s, patriotic toasts were an important part of Fourth of July celebrations. Toasts were carefully prepared, written down, and submitted to celebration committees for approval. Once approved, they were given to local newspapers for public dissemination. Often, thirteen toasts, one for each of the original colonies, were offered. Here is an example:

1. To the American jubilee. We hail its anniversary with joy.

2. To the Union of the States. May it never be broken by despotic power or aspiring demagogues.

3. To the Constitution of the United States. The American people will never suffer it to be rent for the sake of being patched by political tailors.

4. To the signers of the Declaration of our Independence. The last is gone, but the memory of all live in the hearts of their countrymen.

5. To the Father of his country. The memory of Washington will be cherished by the last son of liberty wherever found.

6. To the Death of Lafayette. The friends of liberty feel, but no tongue can express their grief.

7. To the President of the United States.

8. To the Governor of this Commonwealth.

9. To the Surviving Soldiers of the Revolution. May they die as they have lived, true friends to their country.

10. To agriculture, commerce, and manufacturing. May the fostering hand of government equally extend to three great pillars of national prosperity.

11. To the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. May her sons never degenerate from the patriotism of their fathers.

12. To public schools. May these nurseries of virtue and intelligence be extensively planted and judiciously cultivated.

13. To the fair daughters of creation. The nation is free where they wield their charms for liberty and the rights of men.

I wish each of you a happy and patriotic Fourth of July - and hope that the sentiments shown here by our ancestors can shine once again in our country.

I know the 4th has just gone by. I just saw this post and thought the sentiments wonderful. Saddened that in some circles the sentiments would not be welcomed.

[RJNorton]

Happy Independence Day to all!

[David Lockmiller]

(07-04-2020 06:04 AM)RJNorton Wrote:  Happy Independence Day to all!

I second the motion! And, I add a salute to President Abraham Lincoln for his part in maintaining the Union.

[LincolnMan]

It is great to read Laurie’s post again. Happy 4th. More important than ever to think about than ever. I believe we are witnessing the attempted fall from within that Lincoln spoke of as a possibility as opposed to it occurring from without. Let’s pray it doesn't’ come to fruition.

[Anita]

Something worth posting for this day! Happy Fourth of July! From President Lincoln's Cottage:

July 4, 2020

Dear Friends,

On July 4th, 156 years ago, Abraham Lincoln and his family relocated to the Cottage for the last time. It was a summer of profound uncertainty, for the country and for him personally. It was the summer of his reelection campaign.

Years earlier, during a different campaign, against Senator Douglas, Lincoln spoke specifically of the "truths" contained in the Declaration of Independence. It is a reminder of what we aspire to in this country and what is at stake in every election. I would like to leave his words for you here:

"Now, my countrymen, if you have been taught doctrines conflicting with the great landmarks of the Declaration of Independence; if you have listened to suggestions which would take away from its grandeur, and mutilate the fair symmetry of its proportions; if you have been inclined to believe that all men are not created equal in those inalienable rights enumerated by our chart of liberty, let me entreat you to come back. Return to the fountain whose waters spring close by the blood of the Revolution. Think nothing of me - take no thought for the political fate of any man whomsoever - but come back to the truths that are in the Declaration of Independence."

Wishing each of you a safe and inspiring Independence Day,

Erin Carlson Mast
CEO and Executive Director

[LincolnMan]

Thanks Roger. Words fitly spoken for our time so badly needed.

[Gene C]

A nice song to help you appreciate what this country stands for, and what we need to continue as individuals to stand for.

Dear America by Ray Stevens
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wDvhbRJdLnw

[Steve Whitlock]

(06-30-2021 06:36 AM)Gene C Wrote:  A nice song to help you appreciate what this country stands for, and what we need to continue as individuals to stand for.

Dear America by Ray Stevens
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wDvhbRJdLnw

I began this morning with an unexpected need to hear the Mormon Tabernacle Choir's rendition of "The Battle Hymn of the Republic". As my chest swelled and eyes welled it reminded me of my most patriotic feeling.

The year was 1965 and I was stationed at Clark Air Base in the P.I. At a nite club in Angeles City the hour was late and suddenly the band played "God Bless America". Without conscious thought suddenly I was on my feet, along with all the other American G.I's, tears in my eyes, hand over heart, or in a crisp salute, not mumbling the words, but belting out at full voice, "God Bless America, Land that I love".

Later I wondered where that came from, when so seldom manifested back in the USA.

[Gene C]

Mormon Tabernacle Choir's rendition of "The Battle Hymn of the Republic"

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yAqNe-m0a8s

[AussieMick]

"Russia’s Putin Challenges U.S. Leadership, Asserts Military Might" ...

Not so fast, ex-KGB Bogan Billionaire ...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vmc-pEyUHTs

[Steve Whitlock]

With all these profound songs I feel obligated to issue a warning for any chicken farmers out there (I have a few hens left). Vegetarians, or those who absolutely hate country music might want to skip this one. Pretty serious stuff.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pkdci55adqk