Wednesday, July 4, 2012

Fourth Of July--Independence Day

HAPPY INDEPENDENCE DAY! As we enjoy our get-togethers with family and friends on this the 236th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, I want to wish everyone the fun and celebratory nature of the holiday. But each year I reflect on what it took to get there, best exemplified by Emerson's Concord Hymn, which I share with you below.

By the rude bridge that arched the flood,
Their flag to April’s breeze unfurled,
Here once the embattled farmers stood,
And fired the shot heard round the world.

The foe long since in silence slept;
Alike the conqueror silent sleeps;
And Time the ruined bridge has swept
Down the dark stream which seaward creeps.

On this green bank, by this soft stream,
We set to-day a votive stone;
That memory may their deed redeem,
When, like our sires, our sons are gone.

Spirit, that made those spirits dare,
To die, and leave their children free,
Bid Time and Nature gently spare
The shaft we raise to them and thee.

The hymn was written to celebrate the unveiling of the Concord Memorial, and as a reminder that the price of liberty is eternal vigilance.

23 comments:

T-Rav said...

Lexington and Concord are certainly among the better-preserved places having to do with the Revolution. The people there seem dedicated to taking good care of the site, the memorial, etc.

Due to festivities and some computer repairs, I won't be around for a day or two, so I want to take this moment to wish everyone a happy Fourth of July. Enjoy the food, family, and fireworks!

Tehachapi Tom said...

Hawk
In 1812 another set of verses were penned. The Star Spangled Banner which is four verses in length. The forth is fitting to today too. It goes;

Oh! thus be it ever, when freemen shall stand
Between their loved home and 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!

Happy and safe Fourth to all.

Notawonk said...

May God continue to bless us and our great nation, but may we also do our part.

Happy 4th of July, everyone!

Unknown said...

T-Rav: Good luck with your computer repairs. Happy Fourth to you.

Unknown said...

Tehachapi Tom: Our summer soldiers and sunshine patriots want to get rid of all four verses of that anthem. We won't let them.

Unknown said...

Patti: And in keeping with yesterday's post, may God preserve the Republic from the predations of those in power who would destroy what the Founders wrought.

patti said...

law: and they all said, AMEN.

Jen said...

Patti, and LawHawk: I second that, and the AMEN!

Unknown said...

Jen: And Happy Fourth.

CrisD said...

Brought a liberal house guest to this bridge last weekend. We reviewed its meaning together. Happy 4th!

Unknown said...

Cris: Exellent!

Tam said...

Happy fourth everybody, and happy birthday Sweet Land of Liberty! Many HAPPY returns.

Unknown said...

Tam: Long may our land be bright with freedom's holy light. Protect us by thy might, great God our king.

BevfromNYC said...

Hey everybody! Happy independence Day! Now that I have been in the Great State of Texas, I am getting back my old fighting spirit!! Like our Founding Fathers and Mothers, we must and will prevail!

And what Lawhawk says...God protect us.

Unknown said...

Bev: It helps to celebrate the Fourth surrounded by people who don't think patriotism is old-fashioned and obsolete. Happy Fourth and remember the Alamo!

BevfromNYC said...

I am a Texan, we are hard wired to never forget the Alamo!

patti said...

Bev: when your ass-kickin' boots seem to be a size too small, or don't match whatever outfit you have on, feel free to email me and I'll blast you back to your Texas roots.

law: when barry won the election, i went to the alamo to gain strength within those holy walls. i needed to be among my overwhelmed, outmanned, but ass-kickin' people. it helped tremendously.

God Bless America.

Unknown said...

Patti: Too bad we don't have a place like that in California to go to and get inspiration. The Golden Gate Bridge is beautiful, but it doesn't exactly make me want to form a militia. And a slogan like "forget the Transamerica Pyramid" isn't exactly inspirational either. "To hell with Hollywood" helps, but not much. LOL

Unknown said...

I'm watching the 1972 production of 1776 on TCM right now. Great line from John Adams as he tries to get the Founders to declare independence. "One useless man is a disgrace. Two useless men are a law firm. Three or more useless men are a Congress."

tryanmax said...

Happy Independence Day, all; the day we come together to commemorate Will Smith kicking some alien butt!

Too irreverent?

Barack Obama said...

Happy Cuatro de Ocho, er, Cicno de Julio, um, ah, I mean, uh, Día de la Revolución! ¡Viva la Vida Loco!

Unknown said...

Bev and Patti: You have the Alamo. Boston has Bunker Hill and the Old North Church. Philadelphia has Independence Hall. San Francisco has the North Beach strip clubs. Alas.

Unknown said...

tryanmax: Irreverant, but funny. I can't believe how many local stations are showing Independence Day as if it had anything to do with the real deal.

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