Hot dogs on the grill, watermelon, parades, and, if there's no drought in your area, fireworks! Time to celebrate! And, time for a bit of a musical interlude. Just in time for the holiday, we've found a couple of great music videos that are definitely worth sharing.
Our typical Independence Day celebration of fun, parades and picnics is a wonderful American tradition that commemorates a very serious time in our history. The war that won our victory over the British government and the imposition of unfair taxation. That victory, over 200 years ago, enabled the United States to become an independent nation, and we continue to celebrate the unique American freedoms that have inspired so many of us, and generations of our ancestors, to leave the land of their birth and make America their home. The American Bill of Rights lists those freedoms, in case you've forgotten what they are. They're pretty important, and clearly came at a price.
The Revolutionary War, which eventually won us our independence from Great Britain, lasted eight years. It cost 8,000 lives, with 25,000 wounded. (1) It required a coalition of France, Spain, and the Dutch Republic. France's support for our efforts eventually drove their own economy into massive debt. (2) It was not only an expensive indevor, but had uncertain outcomes. Our founders believed their freedoms were worth fighting for however, and we reap the benifits to this day.
The outcome of the Revolutionary War changed the course of history for much of the world. Is it any wonder our national anthem pays tribute in to the military effort that won our independence?
Apparently some currently popular comedians think The Star Spangled Banner is "full of military jargon" and "stupid." A bit offended by that attitude a young rock group has released a new version of the anthem, and we like it! It even includes a new verse. Take a listen to Madison Rising performing the number.. . . . . then get the music on their site One Million Star Spangled Banner Challenge.
Their goal is to get a million hits by election day. Help 'em out!
Despots being what they are, maintaining our freedom and independence is an ongoing struggle, and there are costs, not only dollars, but lives, mental health, and injury. We must remember to honor and pay tribute to the men and women who serve our country both at home and abroad in maintaining our freedoms, and aiding others in their struggles to throw of tyrannical governments.
Over time there have been hundred of songs written to honor our fallen soldiers, sailors, marines and airmen. Some hit closer to home than others. Angel Flight was written in honor of the crew of Red River 44.
'Red River 44'was the call sign for the Texas Army National Guard (2-149th Aviation Task Force 34) CH-47D Chinook that went down over Iraq in September, 2008, with seven men and 4,000 gallons of fuel on board. The fiery crash was the single worst loss of life for the Texas National Guard since the War on Terror began. Angel Flight is a regular on the radio around here, and a constant reminder that "Freedom isn't free."
This song is available on Radney Foster's album "Revival", on his website.
AMERICA - THE HOME OF THE FREE BECAUSE OF THE BRAVE!
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