July 4

I pledge allegiance to the flag
Of the United States of America
And to the republic for which it stands,
One nation under God, indivisible,
With liberty and justice for all.

http://www.conval.edu/Schools/tes/images/specialpledge.jpg

http://www.archives.gov/education/lessons/lincoln-memorial/images/iwo-jima-flag.gif

http://www.americanfamilytraditions.com/World_Trade_Center_Flag_Raising.jpg

http://www.cnn.com/interactive/space/9907/apollo11.picture.gallery/content/06.with.flag.jpg

http://www.orlandogopconnection.com/Troop%20Salute%20Flag%20Waving.gif

While the storm clouds gather far across the sea,
Let us swear allegiance to a land that's free,
Let us all be grateful for a land so fair,
As we raise our voices in a solemn prayer.

God Bless America,
Land that I love.

Stand beside her, and guide her
Thru the night with a light from above.

From the mountains, to the prairies,
To the oceans, white with foam
God bless America, My home sweet home,
God bless America, My home sweet home.

I thought Red Skelton's explanation of the Pledge seems appropriate today...

I Me; an individual; a committee of one.

Pledge Dedicate all of my worldly goods to give without self-pity.

Allegiance My love and my devotion.

To the Flag Our standard; Old Glory ; a symbol of Freedom; wherever she waves there is respect, because your loyalty has given her a dignity that shouts, Freedom is everybody's job.

Of the United That means that we have all come together.

States Individual communities that have united into forty-eight great states. Forty-eight individual communities with pride and dignity and purpose. All divided with imaginary boundaries, yet united to a common purpose, and that is love for country.

Of America

And to the Republic Republic--a state in which sovereign power is invested in representatives chosen by the people to govern.

For which it stands And government is the people; and it's from the people to the leaders, not from the leaders to the people.

One Nation Under God meaning, so blessed by God.

Indivisible Incapable of being divided.

With Liberty Which is Freedom; the right of power to live one's own life, without threats, fear, or some sort of retaliation.

And Justice The principle, or qualities, of dealing fairly with others.

For All For All--which means, boys and girls, it's as much your country as it is mine.

A very happy 4th of July to all my American DJ Buddies. Have a good 'un.

This country has made it through many things. A war many didn't think we could win (the Revolution), a family squable (the Civil War), many differences of opinions (Civil Rights Movement, Women's Lib, Abortion, Gay Rights, and so on), and yet, now some 231 years we still stand strong.

There are very few countries in the world where you have the rights that you have here. As a matter of fact, this is the only one that gives you all the rights that you have here. So my message to you on this 231st birthday of the United States of America is to go out and have a great time and when you are done, exercise your rights.

When the time comes, get out and vote. And don't run with the majority; investigate the candidates and vote your will. Also, please remember, if nobody you like is on that ballot, go vote anyway; just stand for a few moments in that booth or before that ballot entry and give a silent prayer for this country of ours but register your "non-support" vote by being counted.

Happy 4th to all...

Have a safe holiday, be careful with the gun powder :D:D:D