During the American Revolution, the legal separation of the American colonies from Great Britain occurred on July 2, 1776, when the Second Continental Congress voted to approve a resolution of independence that had been proposed in June by Richard Henry Lee of Virginia. After voting for independence, Congress turned its attention to the Declaration of Independence, a statement explaining this decision, which had been prepared by a Committee of Five, with Thomas Jefferson as its principal author. Congress debated and revised the Declaration, finally approving it on July 4.

And here we are, 233 years later, still independent, still united, still the home of the free and the brave. Many have tried, but none have ever been able to take that away from us. Pray that they never will.

Aaaaaand, a happy Independence Day to all the Barthers out there. By reading all the "security postings" it is obvious that we have a lot of people on this forum who do things to ensure that we remain the land of the free and the home of the brave.

Say a prayer for our country this weekend, enjoy a hot dog, and then say another prayer for all the men and women who are deployed and helping others to attain the same things that sometimes we take for granted. Anyone who has ever worn a uniform knows that NOTHING is a given.

Have a FUN and SAFE weekend everyone.

Tina

Yesterday, I played some patriotic songs & hymns at a nursing home. (This is my way of trying to say thank you, & part of my ministry). Frankly, I always get more out of it than they do, and it is a way to connect w/ my WWII Vet father, who went to heaven long ago. It is remarkable to me how many still ask to be dressed in their uni's on patriotic days, and moreso, how some still try to stand in their wheelchairs when I start to sing "America"; some are even now in dementia yet the music moves them to stand. It is all I can do to finish the songs when I think of their courage and selflessness, & example. Thanks to all of you who have made the sacrifices that help preserve our freedom!

Thank you, Jerry. What a beautiful way to serve others.

Today we played a softball game with the village employees agianst the pastors of 15 of our local houses of worship. They won 15 to 13 in double overtime. What a way to spend a fourth of july. Happy 4th of July to all the Barthers!

Stringmann,

I hope we meet someday.

Barb and I go to the Vet Hospital (Ft. Custer) in Battle Creek once per month. I play the keyboard; Barb does a Skittles game. She spins the top but keeps track of each Vet and his or her score. Prizes are awarded to everyone.

Hopefully we shall someday take our "show" on the road so we can do a lot more of it. In the meantime let me simply echo the others in this thread that WE ARE, AND WILL FOREVER REMAIN, grateful to those who have in the past or are currently serving our Country.

God Bless you all.

Hey Lou & Barb: lets do it. One of our 6 children is doing her phd up there in ann arbor! Will you agree w/ me that we get more out of doin this stuff for vets than they do?

I hope you'll allow me this anecdote: I was playing jazz at the GA War Vets hospital in augusta. They had 75 vets in wheelchairs there for me and I had prepped all the songs of the 40's and thought I was really cool. A smiling woman rolled up to me and asked, "don't you know any beatles songs?" God Bless her.

Stringmann, next time you are working in the Augusta area, let me know and I will be glad to help tote equipment or whatever. I belong to the local Good Sam's Club and we are very active with the Veterans and Wounded Warrior Programs. And thanks for your work with these organizations.

Nick