Celebrating Independence

"I am apt to believe that it will be celebrated, by succeeding Generations, as the great anniversary Festival. It ought to be commemorated, as the Day of Deliverance by solemn Acts of Devotion to God Almighty. It ought to be solemnized with Pomp and Parade, with Shews, Games, Sports, Guns, Bells, Bonfires and Illuminations from one End of this Continent to the other from this Time forward forever more."

...John Adams, American Founder and second President of the United States

Patriotic Series, The American Dream

As America celebrates her birthday this week, I think this picture reflects the American 

Dream. Our nation was founded on God-given rights and freedom from tyranny

 so that its citizens might have the opportunity to pursue their dreams.  

 

 

"Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction. 

We didn't pass it to our children in the bloodstream.

 It must be fought for, protected, and handed on for them to do the same,

 or one day we will spend our sunset years telling our children

 and our children's children what it was once like in the United States

 where men were free."

Ronald Reagan
40th president of US

Posted at Weekend Reflections

Patriotic Series, Getting in the Spirit

The American flag and red, white and blue decor are going up

 all over town ahead of Independence Day on July 4. The deco mesh wreaths 

 such as the one on the gate are very popular for the USA's 236th birthday.

 

Founders' Quote: 
"The only foundation of a free Constitution, is pure virtue, and if this cannot be inspired
 into our people, in a greater measure than they have it now, they may change their
 rulers, and the forms of government, but they will not obtain a lasting liberty."
...John Adams (1776)

Patriotism in the Park

Hundreds gathered at Valley Grande's city park Sunday evening to celebrate America's 234 years of independence. Red, white and blue bows and banners decorated the walking trail's entrance. There were parades, games, food and a lot of meeting and greeting before fireworks began at 9 p.m.

Lighting the Sky

Here's another photo of fireworks lighting the sky in Valley Grande on the Fourth of July. (Click the picture to see a larger view.)

The holiday celebrates the colonies' declaration of independence from Great Britain in 1776 and states America's case for the right to be a free nation. You can read all about it HERE.

Fireworks on the Fourth

There were two fireworks displays in the Selma area on the Fourth, this one at the Valley Grande municipal park.

I went two years ago, and while grand, this one seemed even longer and more spectacular. Hundreds of people gathered at the walking trail and pavilion to enjoy food, games and country music aired by a local radio station before the show. Then, we sat in folding chairs or on the backs of trucks to watch the dark sky light up.

(Click the photo for a larger view.)

Celebrate! (Skywatch Friday)

Fireworks light up the night sky at last year's Independence Day celebration in Valley Grande. Americans declared themselves independent of Great Britain on this day in 1776.

This year's festivities will be Saturday, July 5 at the city park. Come on up at 5 p.m. for a barbecue pork ribs cookoff, tug of war and fireworks spectacular. Admission is FREE.

Selma's celebration is tonight at Memorial Stadium and will feature speeches, choirs, soloists, sing-a-longs and fireworks.

Head on over to Wiggers World and see more fantastic Skywatch photos.

Independence Illuminations

Fireworks illuminated the skies July 4 as part of the local Independence Day celebration.
Tomorrow: Summer Feast of the South

Remembering Lafayette

American liberty is what the Fourth of July is all about, and Selmians will never forget the help from the Marquis de Lafayette. The Frenchman joined America's fight for independence and did much to strengthen its friendship with France. He spent more than $200,000 of his fortune to help the colonies. This plaque on Water Avenue commemorates Lafayette's American tour in 1825 when he was welcomed with a "frenzy" that today is reserved for rock and movie stars. His steamboat stopped briefly in Selma where one history books notes he was treated to lunch at Woodall's Hotel, then continued to the state capital of Cahaba where he was feted with a grand banquet.