Patriotism in Perspective: 1776 vs. 2008

How does today’s patriotism compare with the first patriots?

Tuesday, July 01, 2008

Independence Day celebrations are among the most tangible expressions of American pride. They take an invisible quality —patriotism— and make it visible and audible through fireworks, parades and concerts. But how does today’s patriotism compare with the first patriots?

Our founders also showed their patriotism through public displays. At times, they couldn’t contain their enthusiasm.

"People I am told, recognize the Resolution [of independence] as though it were a decree promulgated from Heaven," Samuel Adams wrote, adding, "Monarchy seems to be generally exploded."

Indeed, it was — literally. Before the ink dried on his gigantic signature, John Hancock sent a copy of the Declaration of Independence to George Washington, who ordered a public reading for his army camped in Manhattan. Inspired, many pulled down a statue of King George III, ignited a fire, melted his likeness and molded 42,000 musket balls. Their zeal thundered up the Hudson River and lit high heaven. (READ MORE)

Livermore, CA

After we went to the CTMH Open House on Saturday we decided to take a drive thru downtown Livermore as we had heard about the tree that was smack dab in the middle of it & we wanted to see. Well I was so touched......this tree is covered with Yellow Ribbons as you can see. As you walk around all the light poles have banners hanging from them with the name of different service members along with the branch of service below their names. Our Local Paper doesn't put anything in about the accomplishments of Our Local Service Men & Women. This is Hayward, CA which calls itself the "Heart of the Bay".......... Does you town do something like this to honor our Service Members? If so can you please send me photo's & name of town/city with em by email so I can forward on to the Hayward City Council. I would greatly appreciate it.

As we roamed around we found a nice shop, "Country Morning", which had this fabulous print hanging on the wall. It's called "Liberty Awake" by Timothy Wistrom. The original painting is waiting to go into a Memorial Museum for 9/11. May have to save up for this one.

FLY YOUR FLAGS!!!

Please join us in this FLY THE FLAG campaign and PLEASE forward this Email immediately to everyone in your address book asking them to also forward it. We have a little less than one week and counting to get the word out all across this great land and into every community in the United States of America .

If you forward this email to least 11 people and each of those people do the same ... you get the idea.

THE PROGRAM:

On Tuesday , September 11th, 2007, an American flag should be displayed outside every home, apartment, office, and store in the United States . Every individual should make it their duty to display an American flag on this sixth anniversary of our country's worst tragedy. We do this honor of those who lost their lives on 9/11, their families, friends and loved ones who continue to endure the pain, and those who today are fighting at home and abroad to preserve our cherished freedoms.

In the days, weeks and months following 9/11, our country was bathed in American flags as citizens mourned the incredible losses and stood shoulder-to-shoulder against terrorism. Sadly, those flags have all but disappeared. Our patriotism pulled us through some tough times and it shouldn't take another attack to galvanize us in solidarity. Our American flag is the fabric of our country and together we can prevail over terrorism of all kinds

Action Plan:

So, here's what we need you to do .

(1) Forward this in an email to everyone you know (at least 11 people). Please don't be the one to break this chain. Take a moment to think back to how you felt on 9/11 and let those sentiments guide you.

(2) Fly an American flag of any size on 9/11. Honestly, Americans should fly the flag year-round, but if you don't, then at least make it a priority on this day.

Thank you for your participation. God Bless You and God Bless America !