We watch the Boston Pops every 4th of July and this year was no exception. Actually, I didn’t watch it this year because I was at a party, but we usually do. It really is magnificent. If this doesn’t make you feel a swell of pride for our great country then you have something seriously wrong with your swell of pride genes.
Enjoy the 2005 video of the Boston Pops Symphony Orchestra. The video includes the National Anthem and the Boston Pops rendition of the 1812 Overture, bells, fireworks and firing of Civil War era cannons ….
There was a huge ceremony in Baghdad today in which the American military celebrated Independence Day by reenlisting. Read about it below and see photos and a video.
Independence Day Reenlistments
You know things are better in Baghdad when soldiers who are current deployed choose to reenlist. When the reenlistment ceremony consist of 1,215 soldiers, then its a pretty good guess that things are a whole lot better.
Historically, when soldiers are deployed they tend to gripe and complain. That’s the nature of the beast. Its not that they don’t agree with the reasons we are at war. Its not that they wish they hadn’t joined the military. Its just that they gripe and complain. I’ve often heard that its when they aren’t griping and complaining that you need to worry about morale. I imagine that the men of Roman Legions griped their way across Europe. The Vikings probably griped and complained the entire trip across the sea on their way to pillage England and spread their DNA throughout Europe. Its just the way it is. The fact that so many soldiers chose to reenlist while they are deployed … a phenomenon that is not that common … tells us that morale is pretty good. Usually, they think about reenlisting once they are back home and comfortable again and able to look back on their experience at war with a clearer perspective.
Well, that’s what happened today in Baghdad. The enlistment ceremony was held at Al Faw Palace rotunda at Camp Victory, Baghdad and was performed by General David Petraeus.
You and your comrades here have been described as Americas new greatest generation, and, in my view, you have more than earned that description. It is the greatest of honors to soldier here with you.
Today is the 4th of July, Independence Day. A day American’s celebrate the day our forefathers declared independence from Britain. Its certainly a time in which we expect statements from our leaders. Generally they make a statement to the country about their love of our country and about the importance of remembering this day in our history.
Since this is an election year, we certainly expect that the presidential candidates would put out a statement on America’s Independence Day.
Here’s what the presidential candidates had to say …..
As Americans, we are blessed to live in a free country that affords its citizens liberty and prosperity that people in other countries will never know. John McCain is proud to be an American and is constantly inspired by people he meets around the country who share in his love of our nation and all it represents.
During this Independence Day weekend, please take a moment to honor America and all that we are. Also, remember our military servicemen and women who are protecting our freedom across the globe and fighting for those who do not have the liberty our great country provides. Let us never forget those who have sacrificed before us to protect the United States and the values we hold dear.
