Time Experience Thoughts

The Star Spangled Banner Fourth of July (2013) This is the story about the Star Spangled Banner. And a little bit about our country, and a little bit about you. Some historians claim that the most important political act in American History was neither the daring signing or publishing of the Declaration of Independence, nor was it the brilliant design or ratification of the U.S. Constitution. But that it was when George Washington, the first president of the United States of America, purposely chose to step down from power. Evidently this was the first time in world history that the leader of a great nation voluntarily left office of his own accord. Prior to Washington, if a leader or king did not die of natural causes they were either overthrown or assassinated. By the way, this was not the first time Washington gave up power. After he won the Revolutionary War, rather than take over as the conquering hero/general, he turned back his military commission to the civilian leaders w...

About eight years prior to the start of the Civil War (and about eight years after Joseph Smith ran for President of the United States with an anti-slavery plank included in his platform), Frederick Douglass, gave an important, prescient, insightful and – in the face of the horrors of slavery – hope-filled Fourth of July speech in Rochester, NY. Please see below excerpts from the speech having to do with the meaning of the Founders and the Fourth of July, and the fact that the principles in the Founding Documents were antithetical to slavery. Enjoy your Fourth of July celebration.  [Emphasis and subheadings added my me.] HOPE AND CONSOLATION THAT AMERICA IS YOUNG [This] is the 4th of July. It is the birthday of your National Independence, and of your political freedom. . . . I am glad, fellow-citizens, that your nation is so young . Seventy-six years, though a good old age for a man, is but a mere speck in the life of a nation. . . . According to this fact, you are, even no...

More items found in a box in the garage today. We lived in Irvine in the 80s. Every Fourth of July there was a parade. This photo of Carrie (in a local weekly newspaper) was taken on a very hot 4th of July. You can sorta see her red face. Sydney would probably have been in a stroller this year.

Tonight Becky and I experienced the Fourth of July fireworks show in DC with grandsons Ryan, Sean, and Kyle (and their parents and Sydney). As usual, the show was over-the-top fabulous. All three boys were transfixed. Though, about 3/4 the way through the show, Sean (4 years old) got a little distracted, maybe even a bit bored with the constant flow of color and light and sound. However, he could not keep from being drawn back into the drama of the "Finale." Always a crowd pleaser. This year was no exception. As it got going, he re-engaged and could not help from dancing and bopping to the sight and sound of beat of the constantly exploding fireworks. I caught him on video in a freeform joyous dance. Towards the end of it all, he was so excited he let loose with a spontaneous sommersaut. Enjoy. We sure did!