Today’s the FOURTH! 

a cake designed and created by Ellie Crutchley

Happy Fourth of July! A Bit Late

The United States of America is two hundred and forty-seven years young! 

It was no picnic for those who secured our freedom—after the Declaration’s signing:

Throughout the course of the war, an estimated 6,800 Americans were killed in action, 6,100 wounded, and upwards of 20,000 were taken prisoner. Historians believe that at least an additional 17,000 deaths were the result of disease, including about 8,000–12,000 who died while prisoners of war. (American Revolution Facts | American Battlefield Trust )

When I watch  1776 — a tradition — one scene casts light on the cost so many new American citizens payed— Hey Mama, Look Sharp —still pay.

Dismal Programming for the Fourth

If the TV Specials for the Fourth were an indicator— the reverence for the day is dissipating —not much joining together in familiar patriotic songs. (What does the Russian defeat of Napoleon in 1812 have to do with us?!) 

We watched performers and fireworks — and Muppets.

Even a  renowned vocalist’s rendition of  My Country ’Tis of Thee was sung  in such a way, nobody could sing along.   

Har-r-r-rumph!

Are there any occasions other than sports events when Americans sing together? 

It May Take More than a few Songs to bring us together again.

I shudder to think what that might be. (Lincoln’s Wartime Call to Thanksgiving )

It wasn’t easy mid-18th century — but how I wish we might . . .

Then join hand in hand, brave Americans all,—
By uniting we stand, by dividing we fall.
~John Dickinson, 1768

So more than once today I’ve sung along with Lee Greenfield’s  Proud to be an American, albeit with tears in my eyes.

I also have listened to Kate Smith singing God Bless America—(I know she was canceled.)  and hummed along with Yankee Doodle Dandy  — and The Music Man.

Today I have been grateful and mindful—rejoicing to have been preserved and protected; sobered by those who were not.    

Advice to Expand Our American Celebrations

I am still thankful, grateful, and hopeful for our country —warts and all—  because 

• so many Americans just show up and do their jobs well — and 
• people risk their very lives to come here.

Since I have a pulse, God willing, tomorrow I will have a purpose—beginning with gratitude and then figuring out how be keep being useful. 

Patriotism is easy to understand in America. It means looking out for yourself by looking out for your country. ~Calvin Coolidge, 1923 

Worth Celebrating, eh?

 You might enjoy Other Posts on the Fourth  and these two links 

a recent sermon on being better soldiers and sailors.  

a Primer on Civics Knowing your power

Quotes on PATRIOTISM from the quotegarden.com