Where does one begin to list, what dazzles the eye? I’ve decided to share, what’s personal to me, on this up and coming Independence Day…2016
The Statue of Liberty…our most famous national monument given to us by France in 1886, remains an enduring symbol of freedom, not just to me, but to the whole world. Like my mother told me as a kid, “she’s always home in the harbor to greet you if you need a friend, or to be reminded how lucky you are to live, in The United of America.”
The United States Capitol…where the steadfast 114th Congress dutifully meets. Built in 1793, its cornerstone laid by George Washington himself, half completed when the War of 1812 left it in ruins, to be rebuilt and restored to how it majestically stands today.
Abraham Lincoln, its dome incomplete at the onset of the Civil War, ordered the work to continue as a symbol, the Union would prevail.
Social Security…sired and signed by President Franklin D. Roosevelt on August 14th, 1935, to implement social insurance during the great depression of the 1930s, when poverty rates of senior citizens was more than 50 percent, still an American grace, 81 years later.
The Brooklyn Bridge…often called the 8th Wonder of the World, Liberty’s neighbor right across the harbor, built in 1883 still a showstopper whenever she comes in to view. Yes, I believe it’s a she, the way her cables, maternally, reach out, warmly welcoming with outstretched arms.
Mount Rushmore…George, Tom, Teddy and Abe carved in granite, like beacons, in South Dakota, by Gutzon and Lincoln Borglum 1925, remind us what great leadership we’ve had in the past, hoping to inspire those in the present.
Hillary, Donnie, did you hear that?
Ken Burns…(1953-) by far, our greatest historical filmmaker…an enlightened educator honoring our noble history whose greatest hits rival the Beatles.
“You can’t know where you’re going if you don’t know where you’ve been.” Ken Burns.
Arlington National Cemetery…cemeteries, like libraries, can be used to teach us about our heritage. Arlington, not always a cemetery, but the home of Confederate General Robert E. Lee and his family, was dedicated as such, on November 19, 1863, during the American Civil War by Abraham Lincoln.
To walk its paths, home to so many of our heroes swells one’s heart, blatantly proud, to be simply called an American.
Thomas Jefferson and John Adams…our second and third Presidents both died, the Fourth of July, 1826 on the 50th Anniversary of the signing of The Declaration of Independence.
Adam’s last words were…“Jefferson Lives”…but Tom, unbeknownst to his best pal John, had already taken flight moments before.
Happy 4th everyone.
GOD BLESS AMERICA 
SB
The USA is undoubtedly a great nation, with so much to be proud of.
Following rejection of the EU by the idiots here, maybe we can be your 52nd state? 🤔
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Liberty is waiting with cocktails. 🙂
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Great list, Susannah. I’m repeating the info you provided about Jefferson and Adams on my Facebook. Thanks.
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It’s amazing when you think about it, dying on the 4th on the same day. Poignant to say the least. Happy 4th Skinny.
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Sweet and appropriate for the holiday!
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My patriotism is showing, like a droopy slip.
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More like a lacy crinoline peeking.
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Did you hear that? My crinoline is rustling. 🙂
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I remember that sound!
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lol
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Beautiful! Except for the steadfast congress, what a political hack job they do. They should meet in the middle of the ocean in a leaky raft HR
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Pollyanna here remember. We try to look for the best in others, including Congress.
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Impossible! They only care about themselves period !
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Lighten up Sparky. Life’s short.
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I don’t really think about it but you instill me with wanting to comment, very motivating Happy 4th nicely written
Hr
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I wish you’d comment more.Always a treat.
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A happy 4th of July to you Susannah! ‘o)
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Thanks Paul. 🙂
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‘o) Have fun and be safe.
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You too…and your young ‘n here in New Yak.
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Looks as if we’re going to be in new York in September. For some reason, she misses us. Go figure. 😀
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Awe…that is mighty sweet.
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You’re lucky to live in New York near so many of those national treasures, including Ken Burns. I’m only 12 hours’ drive from Mt. Rushmore, although I don’t think that counts as next door. I hope you have a good holiday. Yesterday was Canada Day, but of course, I didn’t get the day off work. 🙂
-David
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You should go…12 hours is nothing when you think of the many times you’ve made longer trips on behalf of others. This time you’d be doing it for Teddy, Abe. Tom and George…sigh
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Maybe I will sometime. That’d be a good trip. I saw it when I was young, but it’d be nice to go when I was the one driving.
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It’s mighty impressive.imagine the work it took. Sigh.
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I LOVE your history lessons! Happy 4th to you!
I’m here calming Peanut’s nerves from the firework displays being put on by the drunken, wanna be, amateur pyrotechnic teams in my neighborhood. Let Freedom Ring!
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Awe…put a little wine in his water bowl. Just a drop. Poor guy.
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At this rate he asking for a little Gentleman Jack.
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Can you blame him?
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Not one bit!
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woof, said Peanut.
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Thanks for sharing. It’s September, but still fun to read through. I love the John Adams/Thomas Jefferson “frenemies” relationship. I focused a piece on their battles for the presidency. They contributed a lot to our country and gave us plenty of humorous campaign anecdotes.
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An old piece. Amazing you found it. I’m always amazed they died on the same day and on the 4th. Thanks for writing.
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