Happy Independence Day! The Fourth of July
Heres a little bit of USA history to go along with all your celebrations today!
I believe these thoughts of Thomas Jefferson are worth pondering:
A government big enough to give you everything you need, is a government big
enough to take away everything that you have…
We hold these truths to be self-evident that all men are created equal; that
they are endowed by their Creator with certain inalienable rights; that among
these are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness…
Ben Franklin offers:
"Those who would give up essential Liberty, to purchase a little temporary
Safety, deserve neither Liberty nor Safety."
In 1812, two decades after winning independence from Great Britain, the United
States again had to assert itself against the challenge of the British. The
British Navy at that time was said to be the “ruler of the seas” and was far
superior in warships and experience to the new American Navy. In spite of this,
the Americans had held their own up to the climactic battle at the Baltimore
Harbor. The British had captured Dr. William Beanes, a physician famous for his
compassion and skill. His friend, Francis Scott Key, got permission from
President Madison to go along with Colonel John Skinner to negotiate for his
release in a prisoner exchange.
The British admiral refused the release, but when they produced a bundle of
letters from wounded British prisoners praising Dr. Beanes for the care they
received in captivity, he agreed to release him - AFTER the battle they
believed would destroy the American Navy at the Baltimore Harbor.
American merchants had sunk 22 of their own ships in the harbor, so the British
could not achieve the close vantage point they wanted ….. and the battle raged
through the night …. with Beanes, Colonel Skinner, and Key in hold off shore in
a British warship.
In the morning, Frances Scott Key strained his eyes through the smoke to see if
the specially made 42’X 30’American flag was still flying over the harbor.
We all have heard the words of The Star Spangled Banner many times. This is the
seldom heard 4th verse:
O, thus be it ever when freemen shall stand,
Between their loved home and the war's desolation!
Blest with victory and peace, may the heav'n-rescued land
Praise the Power that hath made and preserved us a nation!
Then conquer we must, when our cause it is just,
And this be our motto: "In God is our trust"
And the star-spangled banner in triumph shall wave
O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave
Take a moment and ponder this! Eternal vigilance is the price of liberty.
Happy Birthday USA, 243 years old today!
God’s best to you and yours!
Chuck and Robin
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