Happy Independence Day

Thanks for the best wishes.

We'll try to keep the fireworks off your side of the border.

Fred

Same here, I hope you all have an great and enjoyable 4th with lots of fun.
Before firing up the grill tonight, I am going to ride my bike today and enjoy the nice scenery here in Southwest Virginia.

It's shaping up to be an excellent weekend, doesn't seem to be any rain forecasted through next week here in the northeast! Have a happy and safe long weekend!

All the very best to our neighbours to the south. You have proved over the years that you are more than good neighbours, you are at the very least good friends and we wish you well.

Happy 4th from Chicago

From the Big Apple!

Be safe and enjoy your barbecue

From the music city to all our fellow citizens, Happy 4th of July

Be sure not to forget the reason for this holiday! Enjoy and be Safe!

Have a safe and wonderful 4th of July with family and friends. Most important - take a moment to remember those that have sacrificed for this freedom.

Amen. Freedom isn't free.

Enjoy today... I'm afraid things aren't ever going to be like they are now ever again. Welcome to change.

Happy 4th of July everyone;)

Miss POI

Enjoy the day and everyone stay safe.

May everyone have a great day and remember those who have fallen to give us the great, independent nation that we are so lucky to have.

Thought I would also duplicate this into this thread:

Have you ever wondered what happened to the 56 men

who signed the Declaration of Independence? Well here it is:

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.

These men along with the farmers, shopkeepers,school teachers, blacksmiths etc, set aside their daily lives to fight for Independence and for the Freedom of OUR Nation

THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA!!!

So, take a few minutes while enjoying your 4th (or 1st)of July holiday and reflect on those who have passed before us.

Perhaps,silently thank these patriots, It's not much to ask for the price they paid.

And Remember:

Your Freedom Has never been free!

To add to BobDee's post, if you haven't had the opportunity to watch the HBO series "John Adams", get the DVD set and be prepared for several hours of enjoyable and informative viewing about this part of our American history.

Please remember the reason for this holiday is to celebrate the freedom we enjoy because of the sacrifice of our nations founders to insure our way of life

Please remember the reason for this holiday is to celebrate the freedom we enjoy because of the sacrifice of our nations founders to insure our way of life

Happy 4th to all!!!!!!!

belated but best wishes anyway

happy 4th and be safe

Happy 4th of July...drive safely and don't drink and drive.