Thread: Happy 4th of July

To those who serve and those that have served and to those that have given all, I give you my thanks and appreciation on this 4th of July. A day when we as Americans celebrate our Independence from a government not OF the people. Let Freedom Ring.

Our 4th Of July:

It isn't all fun and beer.

Have you ever wondered what happened to the 56 men who signed the Declaration of Independence?

Five signers were captured by the British as traitors, and tortured before they died.

Twelve had their homes ransacked and burned.

Two lost their sons serving in the Revolutionary Army; another had two sons captured.

Nine of the 56 fought and died from wounds or hardships of the Revolutionary War.

They signed and they pledged their lives, their fortunes, and their sacred honor.

What kind of men were they?

Twenty-four were lawyers and jurists.

Eleven were merchants, nine were farmers and large plantation owners; men of means, well-educated,

but they signed the Declaration of Independence knowing full well that the penalty would be death if
they were captured.

Carter Braxton of Virginia, a wealthy planter and trader, saw his ships swept from the seas by the British Navy. He sold his home and properties to pay his debts, and died in rags.

Thomas McKeam was so hounded by the British that he was forced to move his family almost constantly. He served in the Congress without pay, and his family was kept in hiding. His possessions were taken from him, and poverty was his reward.

Vandals or soldiers looted the properties of Dillery, Hall, Clymer, Walton, Gwinnett, Heyward, Ruttledge, and
Middleton.

At the battle of Yorktown, Thomas Nelson,Jr., noted that the British General Cornwallis had taken over the Nelson home for his headquarters. He quietly urged General George Washington to open fire. The home was
destroyed, and Nelson died bankrupt.

Francis Lewis had his home and properties destroyed. The enemy jailed his wife, and she died within a few months.


John Hart was driven from his wife's bedside as she was dying. Their 13 children fled for their lives. His fields and his gristmill were laid to waste. For more than a year he lived in forests and caves, returning home to find his wife dead and his children vanished.

So, take a few minutes while enjoying your 4th of July holiday and silently thank these patriots. It's not much to ask for the price they paid.

Remember: freedom is never free! We thank these early patriots, as well as those patriots now fighting to KEEP our freedom!

Patriotism is NOT a sin, and the Fourth of July has more MEANING to it than beer, fireworks and HOT DOGS.

Well Done. That was very well done. Happy Independence Day to you.

We tend to forget the price that was paid by the founders for the feedoms we take for granted today. Thank you for the reminder mrsell63.

Wishing my neighbors to the south a safe and happy Independence Day. In a world full of war and threats to our freedoms it's good to know that our closest neighbor is also a close friend and ally.

Happy Birthday to our southern neighbours and have a safe one.

Bob

Have a good day you blokes. It was 10 years ago, on the 4th of July, I was in Jackson, Wyoming...It poured rain!


Mick

Originally Posted by MickR

Have a good day you blokes. It was 10 years ago, on the 4th of July, I was in Jackson, Wyoming...It poured rain!

Mick

So I take it you didn't get to see any fireworks. I have been through Jackson WY numerous times and have always enjoyed it, especially in the early morning when the sun is just cresting over the mountains.

"I have seen the face of terror, felt the stinging
cold of fear, And enjoyed the sweet taste of a
moments love.

I have cried pain and hope.
But most of all I have lived times others would
say were best forgotten."


In remembrance to all of my Brothers who paid for this beer that I drink today...

Happy Independence Day to The United States of America!

A tribute to America from a Canadian in 1973, it speaks for itself.