For those in the US, have a happy and safe 4th of July from Bikerforums. Living in Philadelphia on this holiday is especially great, and I'm writing this post early before all the festivities begin.

FBR's post got me thinking about what the 4th is all about, and how amazing and important it is that we take this day to not only celebrate our country and our freedom, but also commemorate those that have given and continue to ensure our freedom.

A lot of stuff comes to mind when I think of the fourth - kinda puts the craziness of day to day life in perspective. Sacrifices over 200 years ago and through the ages and tragedies that are still fresh in our mind - and still hurt....but I'm still not ready to talk about that.

In Philly the Constitution center is opening up today...and while I'll avoid the craziness today - I'll be the first in line on Monday. A pretty awesome sight that has been amazing to watch grow. If anybody is in the area or even passing through, I encourage you to stop by the center, then walk across the street to the liberty bell and down the block to Independence Hall.

So, everybody grab a burger and a hot dog, the cold soda and beer are in the cooler, later on we'll be shooting off illegal fireworks (safely of course....and not at each other). Everybody have a safe and happy 4th - if you're in the area, you're invited to a BBQ at the Mongo Residence - just bring a covered dish (LOL).

Take care all.

Mongo, great post !

I visited Philly back in 1987, and took time to visit Independence Hall, and the Liberty Bell. I vividly remember the tour guide at Independence Hall telling me that the men that signed the Declaration of Independence lost everything in their fight for freedom. Some lost their homes, some their lives, some lost family members, and virtually all of them very wealthy before, were penniless after the fight for Independence was over. They paid a huge sacrifice for our Independence. And through the years, and through many wars, thousands, and thousands of young men, and now young women, have given the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom..... their lives.
I agree with you Mongo, if anyone is ever close to Philly, please take time to visit these historical sites, they will make you proud to be an American, and make you proud that our forefathers were willing to pay such a price for freedom.....the freedom that we enjoy today.

God Bless America

Amen!... to both of the above. I have a deep admiration for our fore fathers and the sacrifices they endured to give us our freedom.

I get upset when all the manby pamby people start abusing the rights that those people gave so much for us to have today. I better not get started...

Ya'll enjoy the weekend and the freedom of life liberty and the persuit of happines.

It is said that 86% of Americans believe in God. Therefore I have a very hard time understanding why there is such a mess about having "In God We Trust" on our money and having God in the Pledge of Allegiance. Why don't we just tell the 14% to shut up and sit down????

You know, I never stayed awake in History class, and this past weekend they had a little special about the folks who's names are on the Declaration of Independence, and what they went through to do this for our country. Most of them ended up in hiding only to come out later and find their families slain. The amount of sacrafice they made for us brought a whole new meanig to the 4th and what our Independence cost those men. This is a great post, thanks Mongo.

By the way Mongo, I was a few blocks away, but forgot the covered dish, so I just came home and drank Shiner.

;)