
MADRID ? For millions of Americans, this Fourth of July will be a time of celebration and remembrance of those passed or distanced by war. The annual commemoration of Independence Day has always been a bittersweet time for Americans who evoke the thoughts of Cordell Hull, "I am certain that, however great the hardships and the trials which loom ahead, our America will endure and the cause of human freedom will triumph."
First celebrated in 1776 and declared a legal holiday in 1941, the Fourth of July is truly the most American of all holidays. A time for families and friends to gather, the Fourth of July has become a benchmark between the blooms of spring and Indian summer.
Our national holiday is described best in the words of our most prominent leaders, past and present.
"Where liberty is, there is my country." - Benjamin Franklin
"Only our individual faith in freedom can keep us free." - Dwight D. Eisenhower
"The experience of democracy is like the experience of life itself-always changing, infinite in its variety, sometimes turbulent and all the more valuable for having been tested by adversity." - Jimmy Carter
This year as millions of Americans celebrate at backyard barbeques and on beaches across the country, we will remember the thousands who are far from home, and we will seek solace in the words of our forbearers. As Elmer Davis, the legendary American radio announcer and news commentator, stated, "This will remain the land of the free only so long as it is the home of the brave."
For more Fourth of July quotes, visit www.thinkexist.com
About The Author
Mark A. Lugris is the Public Relations Director for ThinkExist.com
AP - The U.N. Security Council approved a resolution Thursday night calling for an immediate and durable cease-fire between Hamas militants and Israeli forces in Gaza. The U.S. abstained from the 14-0 vote.
AP - A key panel unanimously recommended impeachment for Gov. Rod Blagojevich on Thursday, setting up a vote that could make him the first governor to face such fate in Illinois' sordid political history. Blagojevich should lose his job for abusing power, mismanaging government and committing possible criminal acts, including federal allegations he tried to sell off a U.S. Senate seat, the special committee concluded.
AP - President-elect Barack Obama's proposed tax cuts ran into opposition Thursday from senators in his own party who said they wouldn't do much to stimulate the economy or create jobs. Senators from both parties agreed that Congress should do something to stimulate the economy. But Democratic senators emerging from a private meeting of the Senate Finance Committee criticized business and individual tax cuts in Obama's stimulus plan.
AP - The many Bernard Madoff investors who withdrew money from their accounts over the years are now wrestling with an ethical and legal quandary. What they thought were profits was likely money stolen from other clients in what prosecutors are calling the largest Ponzi scheme in history. Now, they are confronting the possibility they may have to pay some of it back.
AP - In grainy cell-phone videos played over and over on the Internet, police officers force an unarmed black man to the ground and hold him face-down on a crowded train platform. Suddenly one of the officers draws his gun and fatally shoots the man in the back then looks up.
AP - U.S. policy to win in Afghanistan must recognize the poor nation's limitations and its neighborhood, especially its intertwined relationship with U.S. terrorism-fighting ally Pakistan, the top U.S. military commander in the region said Thursday.
AP - Heisman Trophy winners Tim Tebow and Sam Bradford traded touchdown passes to start the second quarter and No. 1 Florida and No. 2 Oklahoma were tied 7-7 at halftime of the BCS national championship game Thursday night.
Reuters - The U.N. Security Council called for an immediate ceasefire in the Gaza Strip on Thursday but Israeli warplanes kept up attacks.
Reuters - President-elect Barack Obama warned on Thursday the U.S. economy could stay mired in recession for years without bold action and he urged lawmakers to work day and night to pass a massive stimulus plan.
Reuters - Financial giant Citigroup Inc will support a proposal in Congress to rewrite U.S. bankruptcy law to help troubled mortgage borrowers avoid foreclosure, Chief Executive Vikram Pandit said on Thursday.
Reuters - A legislative committee on Thursday recommended the impeachment of Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich, citing widespread abuse of power including allegations he tried to sell the U.S. Senate seat vacated by President-elect Barack Obama.
Reuters - Al Qaeda's operations chief in Pakistan and a top aide are believed to be dead, a U.S. counterterrorism official said on Thursday, in what appeared to be the latest results of a campaign targeting the militant group's leadership.
Reuters - President-elect Barack Obama named Tim Kaine as head of the Democratic Party on Thursday, rewarding an early supporter with a high-profile political post even as he continues to serve as Virginia governor.
Reuters - Europe on Friday looked for a swift restoration of gas supplies, after striking a deal with Moscow on monitoring gas shipments via Ukraine that have been halted by a rancorous pricing dispute with Kiev.
AFP - The UN Security Council voted to call for an "immediate, durable" ceasefire in the Gaza Strip leading to the "full withdrawal" of Israeli forces, but the United States abstained.
AFP - Hopes for a quick resumption of Russian gas supplies to Europe were rising Friday after Russia agreed on the terms for the deployment of monitors in Ukraine.
It is never too soon to begin planning the perfect Halloween costume,... Read More
A free Christian ecard is comprised of inspirational quotes, musical greetings, messages... Read More
"I Just Love It!"You know the scenario. You're sitting at the family... Read More
Electric Christmas lights have been around since the 1880's. It is no... Read More
Bar Mitzvah celebrations have grown exponentially in size and scope in the... Read More
If your diet is making you a humbug this season, there's some... Read More
When Archduke Maximillian of Austria bestowed a diamond ring on Mary of... Read More
Every year we go through the same process of making our list... Read More
The carving. The leftovers. The endless stuffing. Actually, you love the stuffing,... Read More
Why is it that whenever you go to a holiday party, you... Read More
So Christmas is a few months away. Seems like a lot of... Read More
We all wish there was more time in a day. So when... Read More
While most children's birthday parties are held at home, you may want... Read More
One of my fondest childhood memories is of my mother helping me... Read More
Holiday Tips For Stepfamilies: Let Go Of The "Brady Bunch" Fantasy!When my... Read More
Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday! Family, friends, good food ? and no... Read More
Well, it's almost that time of year again ? the holiday shopping... Read More
Halloween ? so starts the Holiday Season. The average American gains 7-12... Read More
Many of us are probably squeezing out our brains to the limit... Read More
Gift giving is at its absolute finest during the Christmas season. Putting... Read More
Unique "Drop-A-Hint" Plan Sends Your Gift Wishes Via E-mailSure, they love you... Read More
Many of us believe Christmas is one of the most celebrated holidays,... Read More
When we think of Holiday shopping, we think of all the glowing... Read More
So you know someone who likes to "veg out" in front of... Read More
"The stress-free way to enjoy the holidays is to plan, take one... Read More
The Holiday Season. Does time seem to compress, or is it just... Read More
Here you are, facing the holiday season alone. Have you been thinking... Read More
Abraham Lincoln said ? "All that I am, or hope to be,... Read More
HI would like to share with you a ritual I do every... Read More
It's back. The holiday season and all the challenges that come with... Read More
Halloween is such a fun time of year for kids and adults... Read More
Do you remember the days when your mother used to bring those... Read More
Putting up and decorating your Christmas tree is a holiday tradition which... Read More
Choosing gifts for any animal lovers can be quite a pleasure, as... Read More
Every year I vow to make Christmas easier, simpler - less stressful.Have... Read More
Mother's Day is Sunday, May 8th! Whether she lives next door or... Read More
It's a fact; most of us feel immediately stressed and harassed at... Read More
Being alone for the holidays is a major challenge for many people.... Read More
Are you bored with the routine of city life? Do you yearn... Read More
1.) BEGIN NOW !!!Don't save your shopping, decorating, cooking, wrapping, and cleaning... Read More
This Father's Day, sit back and enjoy a nice cold drink with... Read More
Mother's Day is the day when sons, daughters and husbands buy gifts... Read More
Most people are familiar with the traditional materials list that good etiquette... Read More
Christmas is a wonderful time! Everyone is full of good cheer, the... Read More
To a large extent the holidays have come to be more about... Read More
Ever since my girls were little, I've tried to teach them patience.... Read More
The 4th of July is a time for celebrating Freedom! Your local... Read More
Decorating for the holidays can be both expensive and emotionally draining. But... Read More
During this Thanksgiving holiday, we are reminded to reflect on the bounty... Read More
When we think of Holiday shopping, we think of all the glowing... Read More
What a great time of year! It's a time to be thankful... Read More
Superstitions surrounding owls have a long and ancient history. These nocturnal creatures... Read More
Patty Lovelace Country MusicVerse #1 Through the back window of a 59... Read More
It's back. The holiday season and all the challenges that come with... Read More
For most people, Labor Day symbolizes the end of summer, back to... Read More
Most people know that the 50th wedding anniversary is the "golden" anniversary,... Read More
Are you looking for special Halloween party ideas that will give your... Read More
Country Christmas Idea: Milkweed Pod Poinsettia OrnamentsAt first glance, milkweed plants and... Read More
Memorial Day is a day for remembering those who have laid their... Read More
As the countdown to Christmas day continues, most everyone is naturally all... Read More
The holidays are upon us and for many people this is the... Read More
When I think of Valentines Day I think of Chocolates and Flowers.... Read More
"This year will be different. I vow I won't get stressed out... Read More
Valentines Day is one of the most enigmatic of holidays, having appeared... Read More
One thing you can count on during the holiday season is the... Read More
- Christmas is responsible for more waste and consumption than any other... Read More
Sometimes gifts that you purchase are not as personalized as you would... Read More
I remember vividly as if it were yesterday when I was only... Read More
Kids take their birthdays very seriously, and are extremely disappointed if their... Read More
Gift giving is at its absolute finest during the Christmas season. Putting... Read More
"It's not that the Irish are cynical. It's rather that they have... Read More
What does your holiday season usually look like -- a lot of... Read More
Lifestyle is style over amount. And style is an art - the... Read More
Have the holidays become too commercial for you? Are you feeling empty... Read More
The holiday season is a wonderful opportunity to allow your children to... Read More
Today one of my clients is throwing one of her good friends... Read More
The holidays are upon us; a time of celebration and joy. I... Read More
Father's Day is about to be celebrated in Australia. The first Sunday... Read More
"If you love somebody, let them go. If they return, they were... Read More
Valentine's Day is often synonymous with lush velvety looking red roses and... Read More
My good friend, Rae, just called and suggested having a Fourth of... Read More
Today Mother's Day or Mothering Sunday is celebrated all over the world.... Read More
Now that the biggest shopping season of the year is in full... Read More
Are you ready for Mother's Day? Yes I realize it's still a... Read More
Make these quick and easy crafts with your children for Mother's day.... Read More
"Wouldn't you just know it," muttered my husband, Randy.We had already been... Read More
"Here's to the bright New Year, and a fond farewell to the... Read More
In the spirit of Mother's Day, two songwriters are sharing with the... Read More
So you ate, drank and spent too much over the Holidays. Now... Read More
For many people the end of a year is a time of... Read More
You may be wondering why I would call this article a Thankful... Read More
HI would like to share with you a ritual I do every... Read More
With Valentine's Day just around the corner, it's time to start thinking... Read More
No matter how well we may have weathered our basic training, nothing... Read More
Holiday Holiday |