Celebrate Freedom, Defend Liberty

Today — and indeed this entire weekend — patriotic Americans celebrate the foresight, wisdom, and bravery of our Founding Fathers in declaring independence from an oppressive government. Independence Day is a truly American holiday, made possible by a well-armed, determined, and freedom-loving citizenry. The Fourth of July, our original “No Kings Day,” serves as both a celebration of liberty and a solemn reminder that freedom must be vigilantly protected.

Our forefathers were explicit in their intent: our rights are granted by our Creator, not by government. Power is legitimate only when it is derived from the consent of the governed. These timeless truths laid the foundation of a nation built on freedom. But today, those principles face constant threats — not only from foreign powers, but from within our borders, from citizens and non-citizens alike.

Enshrined in the Declaration of Independence, and the Constitution, America was built on the idea that all people are endowed with unalienable rights — life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. These founding principles still exist today — for all.

Yet a vocal and aggressive minority — enabled by pandering politicians and a compliant media — seeks to erode the very fabric of American liberty. Under a distorted vision of “freedom,” they work to silence dissent, erase history, redefine language, and shame anyone who dares to disagree. Their actions reveal not a love of justice, but a deep hostility toward the foundational principles of our republic.

Yet, hope abounds. Today, millions of patriotic Americans are growing weary of the lies, the violence, and the constant smears on their character and beliefs. We are tired of being labeled as extremists simply for standing by the values enshrined in our founding documents — freedom, faith, personal responsibility, and equal rights for all.

Even amidst chaos and division, the light of liberty has not been extinguished. A growing movement seeks to return to the values of 1776, reaffirmed by the Constitution. This movement is not driven by hate, but by love — love for country, for liberty, and for future generations who deserve to inherit a free and united nation.

Thomas Jefferson, in a letter to Roger C. Weightman on June 24, 1826, reflected on the significance of this day:

“For ourselves, let the annual return of this day forever refresh our recollections of these rights, and an undiminished devotion to them.”

I, for one, am proud of my country. And I will not quietly accept efforts to dismantle it — whether by restricting my worship, infringing on my right to self-defense, or attempting to replace freedom with the tyrannical ideologies that history has already condemned.

So this Independence Day, don’t just wave a flag or light a firework. Reflect on what this nation stands for. Remember what was risked to create it. Celebrate America. Celebrate freedom. And above all — prepare to defend and preserve it for those who will inherit the nation we leave behind.

Happy Independence Day!

Independence Day

A thought for today.

“For ourselves, let the annual return of this day forever refresh our recollections of these rights, and an undiminished devotion to them.”

— Thomas Jefferson, letter to Roger C. Weightman on the anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence in 1776, 24 June 1826.

This ending to Jefferson's last letter is worth remembering today.

Cheers!

Celebrating And Fighting For Independence

IN CONGRESS, JULY 4, 1776

The unanimous Declaration of the thirteen united States of America 

When in the Course of human events it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the political bands which have connected them with another and to assume among the powers of the earth, the separate and equal station to which the Laws of Nature and of Nature's God entitle them, a decent respect to the opinions of mankind requires that they should declare the causes which impel them to the separation. 

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. — That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed, — That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness. …

Today, and for many all week, patriotic Americans celebrate our Founding Fathers' wisdom, foresight and bravery in declaring independence from an oppressive government. It's a truly American holiday, made possible by a well-armed, determined, and a citizenry desirous of freedom. The celebration is a reminder to those of us who still stand by those principles enumerated in 1776 that we must continue to both celebrate and defend those ideals.

Celebrating this great gift of freedom means also not ignoring the obvious and immediate threats against it. The land of the free and home of the brave is facing attacks on liberty. Sadly, the immediate threats are increasingly domestic. There is a portion of the population, including many serving in public office, who have become extremely vocal and active in challenging freedom. They demand you speak only words they approve, while they redefine the vocabulary, and even make up new words to support their "science." There is a frightening push to legislate what is considered "free speech" in order to avoid hurting the "feelings" of those who have forsaken emotional maturity. Violence is increasingly a tactic. Beatings of Christians and burning of houses of worship are near daily news. The push to sexualize children reaches into everyday life - schools, libraries, and even craft breweries with their "family friendly" sexually explicit drag shows. These antagonists claim to believe in justice and inclusion, but in actuality they promote only division and separation

Our forefathers were explicit, and those terms remain unchanged. We maintain certain rights which are granted by our Creator. We will not acquiesce to demands to ignore and destroy what had been built over the last 200 years. It only took three percent of the population to break the country free from tyranny the first time. Honest and patriotic Americans are growing weary of the daily attacks and violence.

The light of freedom has not yet been extinguished. There's a growing push for a return to the values outlined in 1776, and later formalized in the Constitution. So this Independence Day, celebrate America. Celebrate freedom. Contemplate what losing it means. And seek to defend and maintain it.

Happy Independence Day!

Cheers!

The Next Battle For Independence

IN CONGRESS, JULY 4, 1776

The unanimous Declaration of the thirteen united States of America 

When in the Course of human events it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the political bands which have connected them with another and to assume among the powers of the earth, the separate and equal station to which the Laws of Nature and of Nature's God entitle them, a decent respect to the opinions of mankind requires that they should declare the causes which impel them to the separation. 

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. — That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed, — That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness. …

Today, and all weekend, we celebrate our Founding Fathers' wisdom, foresight and bravery in declaring independence from an oppressive government. It's a truly American holiday, made possible by a well-armed, determined and freedom-loving citizenry. The celebration is a reminder to those of us who stand by those principles enumerated in 1776 that we must continue to both celebrate and defend them.

Sadly, there is an extremely vocal minority, supported by spineless politicians and other pandering snowflakes, who seek to destroy what was created those centuries ago. Not only do they want to destroy that history, they actually seek to erase it from memory. Under their definition of freedom, they demand you speak only words they approve, read only the books they deem suitable, and worship only where and when they permit. They increasingly resort to violence to get their way, brutally attacking innocent people and destroying property under the guise of "progress."

Our forefathers were explicit. We maintain certain rights which are granted by our Creator. Today, groups of marxists, anarchists, socialists, and the assorted "woke" violently attempt to restrict, redefine, and even remove basic God-given rights from the free citizens of these United States. They demand the government acquiesce to their demands, destroying what had been built over the last 20 years, or they will destroy it themselves, literally.

These groups so despise and fear our founding principles that even the sight of the American flag is offensive to them. The National Anthem sends them into convulsions. Statues and memorials that remember our past are being destroyed. We see daily reports how the lovers of tyranny are turning to violence in order to destroy the nation that was founded 244 years ago. With egregious attacks and lies, all while hiding behind masks, they seek to restrict liberty and create a compliant and submissive population. They scream about justice and inclusion, but in actuality they promote only division and separation. By their words and actions, it is obvious they seek destruction of a Nation, not peace and equality.

The haters of our freedom would do well to remember history. It only took three percent of the population to break the country free from tyranny the first time. True, patriotic Americans are growing weary of the daily attacks and violence. We grow tired of being labeled as racists, homophobes, or worse, all simply for valuing freedom and equal rights for all Americans.

So this Independence Day, celebrate America. Celebrate freedom. Contemplate what losing it means. Then prepare to defend it.

These men did not hide behind masks…

Happy Independence Day!

Every Day is Flag Day

Display it. Respect it.

Studies have shown that seeing the American flag improves brain function.

Virginia Is The Most Patriotic State

Despite the leftist election results often produced by the Northern VA and the Tidewater areas, the Commonwealth still rates as the most patriotic state.

Source: WalletHub

The ratings were based on the “Military Engagement” and “Civic Engagement” of each state's residents. You can read the full analysis and see how your state ranked at 2018’s Most Patriotic States in America.

In Lieu of a Football Post

A musical message.

And another year of not watching the felons and ingrates toss a ball around...

Birds of a Feather

White supremacists, KKK, Nazis, Communists, Socialists, BLM, CAIR, Muslim Brotherhood, Antifa...

Un-American terrorists, the whole lot. They should all be treated as domestic enemies, without quarter or question.

If you wrap yourself in a flag other than this one, you lose the honor of being referred to as an American.

Gun People Are Good People

I often remark that one of my favorite aspects of the shooting sports is the joy of hanging out with like-minded folks. A common trait seen among this crowd is an unabashed love of our country. I witnessed a moving example of this patriotism last weekend at the Fairfax IDPA Match.

Every match at the club kicks off with the playing of our National Anthem. On Saturday as we stood respectfully as a musical rendition of the Star Spangled Banner played, the PA system suddenly gave out. Without missing a beat, seventy-five shooters spontaneously picked up where the music stopped and finished the song a cappella.

It took my breath away.

Veterans Day

Today, the nation pauses today to offer thanks to our veterans. Unfortunately, the past few years have seen growing disrespect and neglect of our veterans, a trend headed by the left and the outgoing administration. Despite the ramblings of this ingrate population segment, the times are changing. All veterans should know that there are those of us who remember, and appreciate, your service. Our nation is forever in your debt.

Cheers veterans!

Let's Display the Flag

Studies have shown that seeing the American flag improves brain function.

Forgotten Respect For Our Flag

I came across this display the other day. It made me sad.

Given that president Obama's greatest legacy may be that flags are perpetually at half-staff, we'll probably see even more of this. Knowledge of how to properly display our nation's flags seems to be a lost art.

Yes, I did contact a representative of the sponsoring organization and await a reply.

4 U.S. Code § 7 - "No other flag or pennant should be placed above or, if on the same level, to the right of the flag of the United States of America."

Stand Up. Vote.

No excuses. No whining. Do it.

In Thanks & Remembrance

On this Memorial Day as we remember those who gave all, let us not dishonor their memory by allowing our freedoms to be trampled. Those who seek to limit our rights do so in contempt of our fallen heroes. Honor the fallen, and remember what they were protecting.

“Posterity! You will never know how much it cost the present Generation to preserve your Freedom! I hope you will make good use of it. If you do not, I shall repent in Heaven, that I ever took half the Pains to preserve it.”  -- John Adams 

It's More Than Food & Drink

Happy Memorial Day. Please remember all who sacrificed for our freedom.

If I Wanted America To Fail

Watch...

Will you stand for planned failure?

Veterans Day 2011

Today is the day set aside to honor our military veterans. The day also serves as a reminder to all Americans of the sacrifices made by these men and women. I am not a vet, but many of my dearest friends are, and I treasure those friendships. Something I noticed long ago is that, as a group, our vets are some of the most caring and helpful people I know. I guess the values one learns in serving your country tend to stay with you for life.

I remember growing up during a pathetically sad time in our history when veterans were not respected, and returning warriors were often derided. I pray that we never sink that low as a country again.

Take a moment today to pray for our military, and for all veterans. Remember those who are gone, and those to come. Without them we would not have the freedom we enjoy today. To all our veterans, thank you for everything you have done!

Quote for Today

"To announce that there must be no criticism of the President, or that we are to stand by the President, right or wrong, is not only unpatriotic and servile, but is morally treasonable to the American public."
-- Theodore Roosevelt, 26th President of the United States

Evening Parade, Marine Barracks Washington

We took a trip to DC this weekend to see the Evening Parade at Marine Barracks Washington. The Barracks, also known as "8th and I", was established in 1801. It is called the "oldest Post of the Corps." The Evening Parade consists of appearances by the U.S. Marine Band, the U.S. Marine Drum and Bugle Corps, along with Alpha and Bravo Companies, which make up the ceremonial infantry units of Marine Barracks Washington. Alpha Company includes the Silent Drill Platoon.

The Evening Parade is held every Friday during the summer. And although free, the tickets are hard to come by, as they are reserved almost as soon as they become available. Thanks to the persistent efforts of a friend we were privileged to attend last Friday's event. After driving to Northern VA to meet up with the ticket bearer we took a long subway ride into the city. After dinner at a local restaurant and pub, we made our way over to the Marine Barracks. The streets around the Barracks were filled with uniformed Marines and members of other branches of the Armed Forces. We even saw uniformed personnel from other countries. Also attending were many veterans groups and other heroes sponsored by the Wounded Warrior Project. The current Director of the FBI, Robert Mueller, was introduced as a guest of honor.

It wasn't long after we were seated that we noticed the U.S. flag flying over the Barracks was different. This flag consists of 15 stars and 15 stripes. (Video.) This is the flag of our Country as it appeared from 1795-1818. Also known as the "Star Spangled Banner Flag", the Marines are permitted to fly this version of the flag on the Fridays of the Evening Parade. The only other location allowed to fly this flag is Fort McHenry in Baltimore.

The Marines are justifiably proud of the historical significance of both the location and the mission of Marine Barracks Washington. The Evening Parade is an impressive display of precision and pageantry. I encourage anyone who is able to make the effort experience this historic, and patriotic event.

Speaking of Thomas Jefferson...

Thomas Jefferson's beer recipe has been getting some press of late. What better time to hear what the man had to say on another subject?

"The Constitution of most of our states (and of the United States) assert that all power is inherent in the people; that they may exercise it by themselves; that it is their right and duty to be at all times armed."

'Nuff said.