241 Years ago, today....

[fatbaldguy]

The former colonies that were to become the United States, declared their independence from England.  After seven years of bitter warfare against what was considered the best Army in the world, and local populations loyal to George III, that Independence was realized.

I am grateful to have been born in this country.  I am grateful to have the liberties and freedoms that only citizens of the USA can claim.

I once served my country in N. Africa and the Middle East.  That was long before the 'real' war was declared.  That doesn't mean there weren't bullets flying in each direction.

I am proud to say that my family has served in every conflict this country has been involved in.  Even before this country was a country.  They fought the French and Indians, they fought the British, on Long Island, at Cowpens and Kings Mountain.  The British again at Detroit, and New Orleans.  The Mexicans were next. Fought each other during the Civil War.  Then the Spanish.  The Germans during the war to end all wars, The Germans and the Japanese during WW II, the Chinese and Koreans, then the Viet Cong.  Of late, we have been fighting various versions of Muzrats.

I am proud of my family and it's service to this country.  Most of you that read this will have served in one branch or another.  Thank you.

May this Independence Day find you enjoying your Liberty.  Take pause and recall those that have served to make that Liberty possible.

[alfsauve]

Only 7% of the population have served.  A great-great uncle was a fighter pilot in WWI.  Dad at utility guy in WWII and I served during Vietnam.   I was never "in" country, but was in many of the other countries of the western Pacific and several in SE Asia.  Never in a war zone, but there were some bullets and bricks involved none-the-less.

Happy 4th to all.


Just a thought while on the subject:

Lexington/Concord, which  jump started the whole thing, wasn't a large, carefully planned military action.   It just sort of happened, all within the confines of 24 hours for the most part.  A small, minor skirmish, but it had a lasting impact.     So something similar could just as easily happen again, pitting government against citizen.    Something when it is least expected.  Something that might seem minor at the time. 

Stay alert and stay safe.

[crusader rabbit]

As far as I can determine, I am the first of my family to take up arms in defense of my country.  I am a Vietnam Combat Vet and proud to claim the title.

I am proud to have done so and remain proud of my country. 

My hope is that my grandkids will have the  opportunity to know that same pride.

I'm not optimistic.

Crusader Rabbit

[Solus]

Some think this is a fault some how.  I'd be very surprised if anyone here does.

American Exceptionalism

"The history of the United States is inherently different from that of other nations. American exceptionalism stems from the American Revolution, becoming what political scientist Seymour Martin Lipset called "the first new nation" and developing the uniquely American ideology of "Americanism", based on liberty, egalitarianism, individualism, republicanism, democracy, and laissez-faire economics. This ideology itself is often referred to as "American exceptionalism."

[Timothy]

Don't know much past my direct family..

Pop, Chief Boiler Maker '38-48!

Bro - Lt Commander '71-92!

Bro - FTB1, 74-80!

Me - OT3, 75-81...

All my Pops brothers served as well during WWII.

God Bless!

[Sponsor]

[tt11758]

Dad:  Ssgt. U.S. 3rd Army, WWII, Battle of the Bulge and liberation of Buchenwald

Dad's brother Charlie:  U.S. Army - KIA WWII when the hospital in which he was recuperating after a battlefield injury was bombed by Nazi Luftwaffe.

Dad's brother Forrest:  U.S. Army - KIA WWII when enemy artillery fire toppled a tree onto the jeep he was driving.

Dad's brother Alvin:  U.S. Army - Purple Heart recipient, WWII Italy.

Dad's brother Bob:  Served in U.S Navy during WWII

[tombogan03884]

2 uncles, Navy WWII, 1 naval gun crew on transports in the Pacific , he stayed for 20 years,
 The other was a radio operator in TBM's but the war ended before he finished training.
1 uncle Air force Radar operator early 50's
Dad USMC Korea, Silver Star, Purple Heart,
1cousin Army late 70's
Me, USMC 77-80 National Guard 89-92
That's my Dad's side of the family, all I know about my Mom's side is
1(only) uncle Air Force radar late 50's and 1 Great uncle killed flying Corsairs during WWII

[nosimij]

Thanks to all who served.  You who saw the things we do not want to think about make me feel small as my service was stateside (USCG 86 to 90) and in the safety of Wisconsin.  I had 2 uncles serve in Vietnam and a grand father in China in WWII.  There are also unconfirmed reports that Stonewall Jackson is in my Blood line.

[Big Frank]

Thanks to men who were willing to fight for what they believed in we are one of of the greatest nations the world has ever seen. My dad was in the coast guard training to operate landing barges during WWII. If he hadn't gotten a medical discharge for having a kidney removed he would most likely have died on D-Day and I wouldn't be here. At least one of his brothers served and I believe at least one of my mom's brothers did too. I was in the army from 1979-1985 and luckily was never in combat. Respect to those who were. All I had to deal with was the Cold War. Neither of my brothers chose to join the military.

[Majer]

I was in the Air Force,My Dad was a Gunny Sgt. in Marines,Died in viet nam, My Uncle was in the Navy,Sea Bees,There are others in my family that have served as well,but I don't know what service.