Happy 4th of July

[lucky]

Happy 4th of July to all our American Ric playing brothers.

[doctorwho]

Thanks, Shawn.

Here's wishing that everyone has a fun and safe holiday!

[kiramdear]

Now, that's mighty neighborly of you, Shawn.

Happy 4th, everyone!

[wints]

Happy safe holidays to all there in the States this weekend.

[Scastles]

Have a fun and safe 4th everyone!!

[wmthor]

Happy 4th of July to all our American Ric playing brothers.

Thank you Shawn

[YukonCor55]

Happy Independence day to all! Here's a little something to think about before the hot dogs and beer today, This is not a political rant, just a rememberence:

Have you ever wondered what happened to the 56 men who signed the Declaration of Independence ?

Five signers were captured by the British as traitors, and tortured before they died.
Twelve had their homes ransacked and burned. Two lost their sons serving in the Revolutionary Army;
another had two sons captured.

Nine of the 56 fought and died from wounds or hardships of the Revolutionary War.

They signed and they pledged their lives, their fortunes, and their sacred honor.
What kind of men were they?

Twenty-four were lawyers and jurists. Eleven were merchants, nine were farmers and large plantation
owners; men of means, well educated, but they signed the Declaration of Independence knowing full well
that the penalty would be death if they were captured.

Carter Braxton of Virginia, a wealthy planter and trader, saw his ships swept from the seas by the
British Navy. He sold his home and properties to pay his debts, and died in rags.

Thomas McKeam was so hounded by the British that he was forced to move his family almost constantly.
He served in the Congress without pay, and his family was kept in hiding. His possessions were taken from
him, and poverty was his reward.

Vandals or soldiers looted the properties of Dillery, Hall, Clymer, Walton, Gwinnett, Heyward, Rutledge, and Middleton.

At the battle of Yorktown, Thomas Nelson, Jr. noted that the British General Cornwallis had taken over the Nelson
home for his headquarters. He quietly urged General George Washington to open fire. The home was destroyed,
and Nelson died bankrupt.

Francis Lewis had his home and properties destroyed. The British jailed his wife, and she died within a few
months.

John Hart was driven from his wife's bedside as she was dying. Their 13 children fled for their lives. His fields and
his gristmill were laid to waste. For more than a year he lived in forests and caves, returning home to find his wife
dead and his children vanished.

Remember: freedom is never free!

So, take a few minutes while enjoying your 4th of July holiday and silently thank these patriots. It's not much to
ask for the price they paid.

[rickenbrother]

Thanks Shane and Andy!

A happy and safe 4th of July weekend to everyone!

[rickfan60]

[ram]

good thing to keep in the back of your mind when eatin dawgs and watchin fireworks today! Thanks!

Wish all a safe and fun 4th!!!

[paologregorio]

Thank you for the reminder. Happy Independence Day!

[libratune]

Happy Fourth of July:

[wayang]

Hooray for America...

Now let's all pitch in together and get to work on that African-American Holocaust Museum down on the docks in Charleston, S.C.

We don't want to keep lagging behind Germany, do we?

[bermelaj]

So, take a few minutes while enjoying your 4th of July holiday and silently thank these patriots. It's not much to
ask for the price they paid.

+1

[teeder]

Great post Anthony!