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Happy Independence Day!

Posted 04 Jul 2008 in patriotism

Ok, I totally suck.

Yeah, I can hear a lot of you agreeing with me. But I’m not referring to my views or writing style, I’m talking about the fact that I’ve been so busy this week and didn’t make time to write about what is, to me, one of our most important holidays. Independence Day means a great deal to me. I can’t listen to the Star Spangled Banner without tearing up. I’m tremendously grateful for this nation, founded by men of great courage, integrity, and wisdom. I hope you can spend today with friends or family and reflect on the great gift of freedom given to us by our forebears. The blessings of liberty, indeed.

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UPDATE: Unfortunately, not everyone feels the same way about July 4th. A few imbeciles took it upon themselves to harass President Bush during an Independence Day ceremony welcoming new citizens at Thomas Jefferson’s home in Montecello.

As is the tradition each Fourth of July, a naturalization ceremony was held at Monticello in Charlottesville, Va. This year, 76 immigrants from 30 different countries came to take the oath of citizenship.

But Bush repeatedly was interrupted as he welcomed the guests.

“That man is a fascist!” one protester yelled. Another swore at him.

The protesters later were removed from the ceremony by law enforcement officials.

“To my fellow citizens to be — we believe in free speech in the United States of America,” Bush said when the protesters started shouting.

To the din of more yelling, Bush discussed Jefferson’s legacy as he introduced the citizens.

“We honor Jefferson’s legacy by aiding the rise of liberty in lands that do not know the blessings of freedom, and on this Fourth of July we pay tribute to the brave men and women who wear the uniform of the United States of America,” he said.

“We also honor Jefferson’s legacy by welcoming newcomers to our land, and that is what we’re here to celebrate today.”

But I’m also happy to see that many more Americans professed their love of country in an incredibly selfless way today.

More than 1,200 US troops serving in Iraq signed up for extended service in the military to mark America’s national day on Friday.

At least 1,215 troops re-enlisted for periods ranging from two to six years at the ceremony held at the spacious Al-Faw palace of executed dictator Saddam Hussein near Baghdad airport.

General David Petraeus, the head of US-led coalition forces in Iraq, said he was “proud of their decision to re-enlist and help the people of Iraq win their most important battle … freedom.”

The US military has regularly re-enlisted service members in Iraq but Friday’s swearing-in was one of the largest, the military said.

Posted by FullMetalPatriot
12th gen. American, Constitutionalist, Harley-riding Texan, gun owner & NRA member, blogger, illustrator, Florida Gator alumnus. #TCOT

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