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Independence Day Quotes

6/28/2015

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The 4th of July, also known as Independence Day, is the day we celebrate the signing of the Declaration of Independence. 

The courageous men who signed the Declaration knew a long war was ahead, and they would be caught and killed if the inexperienced and poorly equipped troops of the colonies could not conquer the powerful fighting forces of the mighty British Empire. 

Still, laying aside their fears and desires for comfort, they risked all to establish a nation of liberty -- for themselves and for us. 

Here are some thoughts they expressed at that momentous time...


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"We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness."  ~The Declaration of Independence


"This was the object of the Declaration of Independence. Not to find out new principles, or new arguments, never before thought of, not merely to say things which had never been said before; but to place before mankind the common sense of the subject, in terms so plain and firm as to command their assent, and to justify ourselves in the independent stand we are compelled to take. Neither aiming at originality of principle or sentiment, nor yet copied from any particular and previous writing, it was intended to be an expression of the American mind, and to give to that expression the proper tone and spirit called for by the occasion."  ~Thomas Jefferson


"I am well aware of the toil and blood and treasure, that it will cost us to maintain this Declaration, and support and defend these States. Yet through all the Gloom I can see the Rays of ravishing Light and Glory. I can see that the End is more than worth all the Means."  ~John Adams


"While General Howe with a Large Armament is advancing towards New York, our Congress resolved to Declare the United Colonies free and Independent States. A Declaration for this Purpose, I expect, will this day pass Congress...It is gone so far that we must now be a free independent State, or a Conquered Country."  ~Abraham Clark


"We have proclaimed to the world our determination to die freemen, rather than to live slaves."   ~Samuel Adams


"Where liberty dwells, there is my country."  ~Benjamin Franklin


"God grants liberty only to those who love it, and are always ready to guard and defend it."  ~Daniel Webster


"What do we mean by the American Revolution? The revolution was in the minds and hearts of the people....This radical change in the principles, opinions, sentiments, and affections of the people, was the real American Revolution."  ~John Adams


"These are the times that try men's souls. The summer soldier and the sunshine patriot will, in this crisis, shrink from the service of their country; but he that stands it now, deserves the love and thanks of man and woman."  ~Thomas Paine


"Our country is in danger, but not to be despaired of. Our enemies are numerous and powerful; but we have many friends, determining to be free, and heaven and earth will aid the resolution. On you depend the fortunes of America. You are to decide the important question, on which rest the happiness and liberty of millions yet unborn. Act worthy of yourselves.”  ~Joseph Warren 


“Gentlemen may cry, Peace, Peace--but there is no peace. The war is actually begun!  The next gale that sweeps from the north will bring to our ears the clash of resounding arms! Our brethren are already in the field! Why stand we here idle? What is it that gentlemen wish? What would they have? Is life so dear, or peace so sweet, as to be purchased at the price of chains and slavery? Forbid it, Almighty God! I know not what course others may take; but as for me, give me liberty or give me death!"   ~Patrick Henry


"The hour is fast approaching, on which the Honor and Success of this army, and the safety of our bleeding Country depend. Remember officers and Soldiers, that you are Freemen, fighting for the blessings of Liberty - that slavery will be your portion, and that of your posterity, if you do not acquit yourselves like men."   ~George Washington 


"Posterity who are to reap the blessings will scarcely be able to conceive the hardships and sufferings of their ancestors.”  ~Abigail Adams


“I am apt to believe that [Independence Day] 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





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Stories of the Events Leading up to the Declaration of Independence

6/21/2015

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Independence Day celebrates the adoption of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776.  

It was a solemn occasion for the early patriots.  They knew their choice meant years of sacrifice and suffering.  

Studying the events leading up to their courageous decision can help us as we face political turmoil in our day.  And it can help our children learn and appreciate their legacy of liberty.


Days of Revolution
A podcast series created by Ned Ryun, President of American Majority

1.  The Die is Cast  (18:14)
2.   First Ventures  (13:28)
3.   The Last of the 13 Colonies  (14:11)
4.   Legacy of Legislatures/ Self Government (15:41)
5.   The Great Awakening  (11:57)
6.   The Albany Plan of Union  (14:54)
7.   The French and Indian War  (13:32)
8.   The Proclamation Act of 1763  (9:20)
9.   The Sugar Act of 1764  (14:22)
10. The Currency Act of 1764  (12:05)
11. The Rights of the Colonies  (12:10)
12. The Life of James Otis  (11:38)
13. The Stamp Act and Popular Resistance  (13:57)
14. An Army Amongst Us  (12:11)
15. Patrick Henry and the Virginia Resolves  (12:46)
16. The Sons of Liberty  (16:57)
17. A Violent Backlash  (13:45)
18. The Colonies Unite  (13:43)
19. King George III  (15:20)
20. Parliament's Power Grabs  (14:12)
21. Resistance Against the Townshend Acts  (13:53)
22. John Dickinson and Letters from a Pennsylvania Farmer  (12:09)
23. The British Send 4,000 Troops to Occupy Boston  (10:59)
24. The Virginia Resolves and the Colonial Boycotts  (10:40)



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Celebrating Flag Day

6/14/2015

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Americans celebrate Flag Day on June 14th to commemorate the adoption of the United States flag on June 14, 1777.  

Here are some good ways to teach our children the history and meaning of the flag and to help them appreciate our precious heritage.  

Choose a few ideas below for your family to enjoy. Invite friends to join you if you'd like, and create happy, meaningful memories together.


*  Display the flag.  Talk about what it represents, and what it means to you.

*  Say the Pledge of Allegiance.  (You could even learn to say it in sign language.)  

*  Talk about what the Pledge of Allegiance represents, and what it means to you.

*  Learn about the history of the flag.

*  Learn the history of Flag Day.

*  Learn flag etiquette, how to fold the flag, and why it's significant. 

* Memorize a quote about the American flag.

* Read the 2015 Presidential Flag Day Proclamation

*  Learn about and sing our national anthem, "The Star Spangled Banner."

*  Learn about and sing “You’re a Grand Old Flag."  Sing or play other patriotic songs.  
   "There are Many Flags" is another great song to sing on Flag Day.

*  Make patriotic crafts.  Here are more ideas.  You could use them as part of a family parade with 
   young children, or to decorate for the 4th of July.

*  Serve patriotic treats (or keep it simple with watermelon or root beer floats) and have fun.


Learn More
*  Recent Presidential Flag Day Proclamations 
*  What So Proudly We Hail
*  USFlag.org
*  USA Flag Site.





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A Speech that Changed the Course of History

6/7/2015

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Twenty-eight years ago, on June 12, 1987, President Ronald Reagan gave one of the most important speeches of this century.

As he stood by the Berlin Wall, that ugly reminder that a once free and prosperous city was now divided and conquered,  President Reagan sought to give hope to those suffering under Communist oppression.

Several of Reagan's trusted advisors counseled him to change his intended remarks.  

They told him the words were inflammatory and provocative.  

Still, Reagan persisted. He gave his speech as it was written because it was, “the right thing to do.”

Against the historic backdrop of the Brandenburg Gate, President Reagan issued a challenge to Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev:  "If you seek peace, if you seek prosperity for the Soviet Union and Eastern Europe, if you seek liberalization, come here to this gate. Mr. Gorbachev, open this gate. Mr. Gorbachev, tear down this wall!"

President Reagan was criticized at the time, but to the astonishment of most of the experts, less than three years later the wall did come down.  

Today may be a good time to tell our children the story of this speech and to teach them that sometimes it takes courage to stand alone.  Sometimes it's hard to do the right thing.  But nothing is more important than doing the right thing.  Nothing.   

The first two videos tell some of the story behind President Reagan's historic Berlin Wall speech. The third video is a five minute excerpt from the speech.  And some great resources are listed below.












Learn More about President Reagan's Speech and the Fall of the Berlin Wall
  • How Top Advisers Opposed Reagan's Challenge to Gorbachev--But Lost, by Peter Robinson
  • The Culmination of Reagan's Foreign Policy
  • Four Words that Moved the World
  • President Reagan's complete "Tear Down this Wall" speech  (28:42)


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