Happy 4th of July!

Photographs by Mike's America.

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"Battle Hymn of the Republic" from the album "Such Brave Defenders" the United States Air Force Band.

Celebrate Freedom! Honor Sacrifice!

The 4th of July is a special holiday for me. It's the birthday of my grandfather who instilled in his children and grandchildren a special reverance for the hard won freedom and prosperity that we enjoyed then and enjoy and appreciate today.

I would think of his early lessons years later when I sat on the White House lawn enjoying a 4th of July picnic to the patriotic music of "The President's Own" U.S. Marine Band.

Like fireworks, music is an important part of a Red White and Blue 4th of July. Last year I put together a set of links to some of my favorites.

Being a fireworks fan, I left the White House lawn to get as close as I could to the big show and ended up standing in the middle of the reflecting pool in front of the Lincoln Memorial (perhaps the only time you can do that without getting arrested) and got the full effect.

But as much as we all enjoy the picnics, the music and the fireworks, let's remember the reason for the holiday and the fact that our freedom was won and is still defended today by the very best Americans. Like our Founding Fathers, who in the Declaration of Independence vowed that they were prepared to defend freedom with "our Lives, our Fortunes and our sacred Honor" many, many brave men and women have repeated that vow and made the sacrifice.

Today we have living heroes of our history to thank and honor. Won't you take a moment and send an "e-card" to an anonymous veteran who will spend this day in a hospital recovering from his or her wounds? Some of these great men and women may never walk again, but they will always stand tall in the eyes of their countrymen who so appreciate their service and sacrifice.

God Bless the United States of America!