Roger J. Wendell
Defending 3.8 Billion Years of Organic EvolutionSM
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4th of July
Okay, this shot from the top of Colorado's 12,805 foot "Peak One" was actually a week before Independence Day '05. Nevertheless, I think it expresses the spirit of our nation's rugged tradition. Still, I'm surprised they'd leave it up there all year in those 100 mph+ winds... Anyway, despite a couple of complaints, I love my country and especially love the July 4th holiday. So, that's pretty much what this page is going to be about if I ever get it finished! |
Independence Day, or the Fourth of July, is the most important national holiday in the United States (and my favorite, too...). Independence Day commemorates the formal adoption of the Declaration of Independence by the Continental Congress on July 4, 1776, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Written by a committee that was headed by Thomas Jefferson, the Declaration of Independence broke the formal ties between the American colonies and Britian - it's when the the American Revolution began.
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Click Here for more on my favorite country, America! |
 Garrett |
The first Independence Day celebration took place in Philadelphia on July 8, 1776, four days after the Declaration of Independence was adopted. On that day the declaration was read aloud with the ringing of city bells and bands playing. In 1788, following the ratification of the Constituion, an elaborate Fourth of July celebration again took place in Philadelphia.
Although the signing of the declaration was not completed until August 1776, the Fourth of July holiday has been accepted as the official anniversary of U.S. independence. However, it was not declared a legal holiday until 1941! Today it is celebrated in all states and territories of the United States. The Independence Day celebration is America's most popular holiday where family, friends, and neighbors all get together for food, fun, and fireworks! I've always loved 4th of July and especially enjoy the gathering of my own friends and family! |
July 4th, 2006:
In addition to the traditional stuff we tried something different this year - we used
an extremely loud noisemaker instead of firecrackers. Since the city of Arvada, and
most of Colorado, had outlawed a wide variety of fireworks we thought we'd give this
a try in addition to watching their 9 pm civic display. The noisemaker is powered
by a very powerful gas canister so it was very important to use hearing protection!
 Garrett and his Dad |
 Arvada Fire Department |
 Garrett on the fire engine! |
 Garrett and uncle Roger |
 Making noise! |
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The National Anthem of the United States of America |
Oh, say can you see, by the dawn's early light, What so proudly we hailed at the twilight's last gleaming? Whose broad stripes and bright stars, through the perilous fight, O'er the ramparts we watched, were so gallantly streaming? And the rockets' red glare, the bombs bursting in air, Gave proof through the night that our flag was still there. O say, does that star-spangled banner yet wave O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave? On the shore, dimly seen through the mists of the deep, Where the foe's haughty host in dread silence reposes, What is that which the breeze, o'er the towering steep, As it fitfully blows, now conceals, now discloses? Now it catches the gleam of the morning's first beam, In full glory reflected now shines on the stream: 'Tis the star-spangled banner! O long may it wave O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave. And where is that band who so vauntingly swore That the havoc of war and the battle's confusion A home and a country should leave us no more? Their blood has wiped out their foul footstep's pollution. No refuge could save the hireling and slave From the terror of flight, or the gloom of the grave: And the star-spangled banner in triumph doth wave O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave. Oh! thus be it ever, when freemen shall stand Between their loved homes and the war's desolation! Blest with victory and peace, may the heaven-rescued land Praise the Power that hath made and preserved us a nation. Then conquer we must, for our cause it is just, And this be our motto: "In God is our trust." And the star-spangled banner forever shall wave O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave!
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