July 4: Independence Day

Independence Day
by ABE

In the year of 1776

That paper was decreed -

They were tired of oppression

And wanted to be freed

They wrote a Declaration

So the whole world would see -

This was, "the home of the brave

And the land of the free"

They signed that piece of parchment

The leaders of this land -

Knowing, divided they would fall

But, together they could stand

A new world lay before them

Untamed from shore to shore -

They swore the would protect it

If it meant going to war

Battles have been fought -

And many lives have been lost -

So sad something so basic

Has such a high, high cost

'Seems freedom is a luxury

There's some would bind us all -

Like then, together, we can stand

But divided, we will fall

More than two hundred years

Have past by since that day

That each of us celebrate

In our own different way

We should be proud and thankful

Pay our share of the cost -

Not take freedom for granted

For it easily could be lost

Happy Birthday America! I love celebrating this holiday. I am proud to be an American, I love my country. It's been several years since I've been home to celebrate with my family. I've been to the NEA conventions in Orlando, Philadelphia, and Washington, DC. All are great places to be for the 4th, last year I watched the fireworks in DC from a boat on the Potomac (very cool!), but I've missed the family barbeque and fireworks. It was nice to spend time with the fam today.