Happy 4th of July to all

Just wanted to say Hi and have a great day

 

Happy 4th right back at ya!

 

Happy 4th of July and God Bless America!

"It's Not Too Late" by Pat Odiorne, Brandon, Florida

He was a gentle man who stood with pride,
His body was ebbing like the outgoing tide.
His walk was slow, for age took its toll,
To live but one season was his goal.
Passing two lads in the park,
He noticed something, though almost dark.
There was a cloth on the ground,
A cloth that the boys had recently found.
With cold gray eyes he looked their way,
Then tears fell as be bowed to pray.
God, give me strength, show me what to do,
To teach them respect for the red, white and blue.
Mister, why are you crying, what did we do?
It's just an old rag that's red, white and blue.
That cloth you call just an old rag,
Is Old Glory, our nation's flag.
There's 13 stripes and 50 stars,
Blood was shed for those bars.
Each star represents one great state,
Pick up the flag, it's not too late.
But mister, why are you angry, oh what did we do?
It's still just a rag that's red, white and blue.
He bent is head and closed his eyes,
Then looked at the boys and said with a sigh,
This is your flag, a sight to behold,
A symbol of freedom worth more than gold.
Our freedom to speak and think as we choose,
For this our ancestors paid their dues.
They fought in wars, and gave their lives,
Fever took their children and their wives.
These were your families as well as mine,
We put their honor on the line.
So our flag can fly for all to see,
Symbolizing freedom for you and me.
Mister, we're so sorry, what can we do?
We'll brush off the dirt from the red, white and blue.
And put up a pole here in the park,
Fly her with pride from morn' til dark.
The three stood still and silence was strong,
The boys knew now why they were wrong.
As they gazed upon that tattered flag,
Their hearts told them this was no rag.
Though dirty and torn, she flew that day,
"That's our flag," he heard them say.

 

Good poem Bladesofhalo.

Hope everybody in the U.S. had a great Independence Day celebration.

 

Only my second July 4 celebration, and I found it hard to enjoy the fireworks this year. Every time they went "bang" I kinda thought about some soldier who had not only heard the "bang" but received the impact of a shell or bullett expelled with the sound and died so that freedom could be given to all here. Maybe I am just learning the history and culture of my new country, but it was mixed with joy and sadness for me this year.

I'm posting a photo of a happier moment from the evening. Maybe others would like to share some of their photos of this year's smiles of freedom

 

That's ok...it only shows that you are getting a real good grasp of what the 4th is REALLY about, and it's shame that some don't...kind of like Christmas, I guess!!!!

However...keep in mind that there was, without a doubt, some folks that put the lighter before their brain and did feel a wallop before the explosion!!!!

I know I'm late, but hope everyone HAD a safe and fun July 4th!!!!

Roger