Independence Day Tributes

Photograph by Mike's America

Time to share your thoughts on American freedom and the 4th folks. Drop a link in the comments or a trackback and I'll highlight as we march up to the big day.

For those who enjoy audio tributes, Lee Greenwood's "Proud to Be an American" should be playing in the background on this page (use your browsers "X" Stop button to cancel play). If you're using an Apple Computer, this feature may not work on your commie Macintosh system. But you should be able to play the music by clicking on this link to hear the mp3 file.

Music is a great part of our Independence Day tradition. The Nation's Capital on that day is alive with music. The National Symphony extravaganza on the lawn of the Capitol is something that is shared nationwide via television and in person for resident's and tourists alike.

Throughout the year, there are also numerous opportunities to enjoy the bands belonging to our Armed Services. The term "bands" does them a disservice. They are some of the most professional and innovative musical organizations in the country. And they are unequaled when it comes to the patriotic music which celebrates this special day.

New Audio Tribute: The "Duke" Takes the Pledge & Battle Hymn of the Republic

As a special 4th of July audio tribute, I offer this. It's composed of clips starting with"Pershings Own" the United States Army Band Bugler issuing his call "To the Color" followed by the truest of American patriots, John Wayne reciting the Pledge of Allegiance. To close, a jazzy, tour de force rendition of "The Battle Hymn of the Republic" from the United States Air Force Band which you just do not want to miss.

The tribute is here for playback. If you wish to download a copy, please feel free to do so from this link. If anyone wishes to host the tribute on a server that allows hot links, please let me know.

If you would like to enjoy this and other audio at it's highest quality, I recommend visiting the following:

Patriotic Tribute MP3 Sources:

• The United States Air Force Band online music collection.
• The United States Army Band "Pershings Own" online music collection.
• The "President's Own" United States Marine Band online music collection.
• And let's not leave out the United States Navy Band.
• John Wayne's Patriotic Tributes.

Graphic thanks to Always on Watch.

Blog Friend's Tributes, Thoughts & Reflections.

Scarlett, the Mike's America Poet Laureate emerges from her secret undisclosed location to offer the following tribute in verse:

Bring on the sparklers
Bring on the beer,
Let's all celebrate
the fourth is here.

Remember dear friends
Our enemies are rife,
They seek to destroy
our way of life.

Let's all celebrate
They shall not prevail,
As long as Mike's America
Is hot on their trail.

• Always On Watch shares my appreciation for John Wayne's tender words "America, Why I Love Her" in this audio and visual treat from Sage Brush Patriot. Like Peace Through Strength, A.O.W. finds inspiration in the founding document which we celebrate today, The Declaration of Independence.
• A.O.W. inspired The City Troll to post The American's Creed, a famous set of principles that are sadly seldom recalled today.
• The Further Adventures of Indigo Red continues on this theme with The Declaration of Freedom for Humanity.
• Remembering the sacrifice of those who founded this great nation is something that seems to slip between the cracks now and then. Both Woman Honor Thyself and Grizzly Mama give us a short history lesson to remind us that freedom isn't free.
• The City Troll underscores those points in his original July 4th post by reflecting on the atrocities of September 11th.
• Speaking of history, Sparks from the Anvil has outdone his usual excellence with a review of America's first war with Islamic terrorists: the Barbary pirates.
• And Conservative Intelligence Report has a beautiful aerial photo of Fort McHenry which provided the backdrop to the events which inspired our National Anthem.
• Chatterbox Chronicles reminds us that of the Christian foundation upon which the greatness of our nation rests.
• Crush Liberalism continues with the theme of our nation's Christian foundation with his discussion on George Washington.
• Love America First has this visual reminder of the importance of our flag.
• And L.A.F. isn't the only one appreciating Old Glory. My Republican Blog has the words to "It's a Grand Old Flag" (instrumental music here from the U.S. Air Force Band).
• Chicken Hawk Express has more personal reflections in When I Look at the American Flag.
• Like so many others around the nation, A Rose By Any Other Name will be attending an Independence Day concert, this one at Blossom Music Center.
• Insisting that " Philly is the place to be on the 4th of July" Midnight Blue describes more than a week of events in this city which continues to play such an important role in our history.
• Trucker Philosophy takes pride in 230 years of pride in a great nation, a great people and the 4th as a great day to celebrate.
• Starting her celebrations off on a humorous note, Razor Sharp Claws has the latest Taliban threat to cut off America's supply of convenience store clerks and cab drivers!
• Anna's Clue Tank points out that even North Korea got into the mood by firing off a couple of rockets and one dud.
• Assorted Babble has a great fireworks photo, and rounds up more 4th of July bloggers.
• Even our former Colonial masters, the British, are getting into the act. Mike's America favorite U.K. blog A Tangled Web comes on board.

And let us not forget that while we celebrate our freedom, there are men and women overseas fighting for our freedom today and everyday. In a comment here, Old Soldier, whose first blog effort is slated to begin shortly, brings to mind those who will not be watching fireworks on Tuesday. Patriotic Mom, who has her house decked out in fine patriotic style also reminds us that we should not forget those who have given the ultimate sacrifice, or who lie wounded and recovering. Special Agent Utah has a collection of video tributes to our brave men and women, including three of the Toby Keith tributes and the moving "Final Salute."

We owe those brave men and women who have fought and sacrificed for our freedom for over 230 years our most heartfelt thanks and eternal praise.

And as the fireworks fade, time for some quiet reflection with the United States Air Force Band's instrumental rendition of "America the Beautiful."

Happy 4th of July!

God Bless the United States of America!