http://www.independencedayfun.com/ Happy Fourth of July! It's Independence Day Fun, with coloring pages. printable flags, crafts, recipes and more. ~~ Barbara J. Feldman en Copyright 2009 Sat, 23 May 2009 20:28:36 -0800 http://www.sixapart.com/movabletype/ http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss By Roger Robicheau Since our inception, we’ve been free Praise those brave who’ve kept this to be America, how blessed we are By those who dare fight, each bright star Our brave do not dodge, love bears pride When called to move out, how they stride They show they’re our absolute plus They'll not send mixed signals to us They keep our strong freedom alive In a world where it’s tough to survive All who proudly marched in our past Their deeds helped this nation to last To the brave war has taken away Hold Solemn Memorial Day Honor each with love and respect Take time to feel sorrow, reflect Pray to God as our young march on Leading liberty through each dawn Show thankfulness, wholehearted care They stand for us, with pride, sincere http://www.independencedayfun.com/those_who_dare_fight-38921.php http://www.independencedayfun.com/those_who_dare_fight-38921.php Poems Sat, 23 May 2009 20:28:36 -0800 By Roger Robicheau How beautiful this land we love We cherish all good people of With pride we call this home our own Oh how our seed of freedoms grown American is what we are Our time has nurtured us so far For truth and justice we do strive Our laws are meant to not deprive We know we’re not the perfect place As we are of the human race In God we trust along our way His goodness near, both night and day So please do stop and pray awhile Ask help in facing each new mile And now I’ll end with words so clear Concerning freedom we hold dear Let Grateful Thought – Well Deep Inside For Soldiers Brave – Our Country’s Pride http://www.independencedayfun.com/this_land_we_love-38920.php http://www.independencedayfun.com/this_land_we_love-38920.php Poems Sat, 23 May 2009 20:24:30 -0800 By Francis Scott Key O 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 that 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 in 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 are the foes 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 washed out their foul footsteps' 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! O thus be it ever, when freemen shall stand Between their loved homes and the war desolation; Blest with victory and peace, may the heav'n-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 in triumph shall wave O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave! http://www.independencedayfun.com/the_star_spangled_banner-38919.php http://www.independencedayfun.com/the_star_spangled_banner-38919.php Poems Sat, 23 May 2009 20:18:48 -0800 By Roger Robicheau Today as before, our brave do fight For a land they love, a flag so right The pride of our country, yes they are The strength of our nation, best by far Just as our brave from each war gone by They march for us proudly, flag held high From all over this land they come to serve They’re taught by the best, this they deserve When troops give their all, the world does see Whether serving on land, in the air, or at sea The pride from this country, march through war With home drawn strength, held deep in their core Our best are so awesome, their loved ones well know May God guide their journey where they - for us - go What these brave must have is support from their own The love from their people, firm thankfulness shown Our greatest achievement is that we’re still free Please take time and ponder who caused this to be http://www.independencedayfun.com/the_pride_of_our_country-38918.php http://www.independencedayfun.com/the_pride_of_our_country-38918.php Poems Sat, 23 May 2009 20:13:45 -0800 By James Whitcomb Riley Old Glory! say, who, By the ships and the crew, And the long, blended ranks of the gray and the blue, Who gave you, Old Glory, the name that you bear With such pride everywhere As you cast yourself free to the rapturous air And leap out full-length, as we're wanting you to? Who gave you that name, with the ring of the same, And the honor and fame so becoming to you? Your stripes stroked in ripples of white and of red, With your stars at their glittering best overhead By day or by night Their delightfulest light Laughing down from their little square heaven of blue! Who gave you the name of Old Glory? - say, who Who gave you the name of Old Glory? The old banner lifted, and altering then In vague lisps and whispers fell silent again. II Old Glory,--speak out!--we are asking about How you happened to "favor" a name, so to say, That sounds so familiar and careless and gay As we cheer it and shout in our wild breezy way We-the crowd, every man of us, calling you that We-Tom, Dick, and Harry-each swinging his hat And hurrahing "Old Glory!" like you were our kin, When-Lord!-we all know we're as common as sin! And yet it just seems like you humor us all And waft us your thanks, as we hail you and fall Into line, with you over us, waving us on Where our glorified, sanctified betters have gone, And this is the reason we're wanting to know (And we're wanting it so! Where our own fathers went we are willing to go.) Who gave you the name of Old Glory O-ho! Who gave you the name of Old Glory? The old flag unfurled with a billowy thrill For an instant, then wistfully sighed and was still. III Old Glory: the story we're wanting to hear Is what the plain facts of your christening were, For your name--just to hear it. Repeat it, and cheer it, 's a tang to the spirit As salty as a tear; And seeing you fly, and the boys marching by, There's a shout in the throat and a blur in the eye And an aching to live for you always-or die, If, dying, we still keep you waving on high. And so, by our love For you, floating above, And the sears of all wars and the sorrows thereof, Who gave you the name of Old Glory, and why Are we thrilled at the name of Old Glory? Then the old banner leaped, like a sail in the blast, And fluttered an audible answer at last. IV And it spake, with a shake of the voice, and it said: By the driven snow-white and the living blood-red Of my bars, and their heaven of stars overhead By the symbol conjoined of them all, skyward cast, As I float from the steeple, or flap at the mast, Or droop o'er the sod where the long grasses nod, My name is as old as the glory of God. ...So I came by the name of Old Glory. http://www.independencedayfun.com/the_name_of_old_glory-38916.php http://www.independencedayfun.com/the_name_of_old_glory-38916.php Poems Sat, 23 May 2009 13:47:48 -0800 By Author Unknown I love my country's pine-clad hills, Her thousand bright and gushing rills, Her sunshine and her storms; Her rough and rugged rocks, that rear Their hoary heads high in the air In wild, fantastic forms. I love her rivers, deep and wide, Those mighty streams that seaward glide To seek the ocean's breast; Her smiling fields, her pleasant vales, Her shady dells, her flow'ry dales, The haunts of peaceful rest. I love her forests, dark and lone, For there the wild bird's merry tone I hear from morn till night; And there are lovelier flowers, I ween, Than e'er in Eastern lands were seen, In varied colors bright. Her forests and her valleys fair, Her flowers that scent the morning air-- All have their charms for me; But more I love my country's name, Those words that echo deathless fame, "The Land of Liberty." http://www.independencedayfun.com/the_land_of_liberty-38915.php http://www.independencedayfun.com/the_land_of_liberty-38915.php Poems Sat, 23 May 2009 13:44:57 -0800 By H.H. Bennett Hats off! Along the street there comes A blare of bugles, a ruffle of drums, A flash of color beneath the sky: Hats off! The flag is passing by! Blue and crimson and white it shines, Over the steel-tipped, ordered lines. Hats off! The colors before us fly; But more than the flag is passing by. Sea-fights and land-fights, grim and great, Fought to make and to save the State; Weary marches and sinking ships; Cheers of victory on dying lips; Days of plenty and years of peace, March of a strong land's swift increase: Equal justice, right and law, Stately honor and reverent awe; Sign of a nation, great and strong, To ward her people from foreign wrong; Pride and glory and honor, all Live in the colors to stand or fall. Hats off! Along the street there comes A blare of bugles, a ruffle of drums, And loyal hearts are beating high: Hats off! The flag is passing by! http://www.independencedayfun.com/the_flag_goes_by-38914.php http://www.independencedayfun.com/the_flag_goes_by-38914.php Poems Sat, 23 May 2009 13:41:40 -0800 By Joseph Rodman Drake When Freedom from her mountain height Unfurled her standard to the air, She tore the azure robe of night, And set the stars of glory there. She mingled with its gorgeous dyes The milky baldric of the skies, And striped its pure celestial white With streakings of the morning light; Then from his mansion in the sun She called her eagle bearer down, And gave into his mighty hand The symbol of her chosen land. Majestic monarch of the cloud, Who rear'st aloft thy regal form, To hear the tempest trumpings loud And see the lightning lances driven, When strive the warriors of the storm, And rolls the thunder-drum of heaven, Child of the sun! to thee 'tis given To guard the banner of the free, To hover in the sulphur smoke, To ward away the battle stroke, And bid its blendings shine afar, Like rainbows on the cloud of War, The harbingers of victory! Flag of the brave! thy folds shall fly, The sign of hope and triumph high, When speaks the signal trumpet tone, And the long line comes gleaming on. Ere yet the lifeblood, warm and wet, Has dimmed the glistening bayonet, Each soldier eye shall brightly turn To where thy sky-born glories burn, And, as his springing steps advance, Catch war and vengeance from the glance. And when the cannon-mouthings loud Heave in wild wreaths the battle shroud, And gory sabres rise and fall Like shoots of flame on midnight's pall, Then shall thy meteor glances glow, And cowering foes shall shrink beneath Each gallant arm that strikes below That lovely messenger of death. Flag of the seas! on ocean wave Thy stars shall glitter o'er the brave; When death, careering on the gale, Sweeps darkly 'round the bellied sail, And frighted waves rush wildly back Before the broadside's reeling rack, Each dying wanderer of the sea Shall look at once to heaven and thee, And smile to see thy splendors fly In triumph o'er his closing eye. Flag of the free heart's hope and home! By angel hands to valor given; Thy stars have lit the welkin dome, And all thy hues were born in heaven. Forever float that standard sheet! Where breathes the foe but falls before us, With Freedom's soil beneath our feet, And Freedom's banner streaming o'er us? http://www.independencedayfun.com/the_american_flag-38913.php http://www.independencedayfun.com/the_american_flag-38913.php Poems Sat, 23 May 2009 13:38:18 -0800 By Author Unknown SON: Father, look up, and see that flag! How gracefully it flies! Those pretty stripes, they seem to be A rainbow in the skies. FATHER: It is your country's flag, my boy, And proudly drinks the light, O'er ocean's wave, in foreign climes, A symbol of our might. SON: Father, what fearful noise is that, Now thundering in the clouds? Why do they, cheering, wave their hat, And rush along in crowds? FATHER: It is the voice of cannonry, The glad shouts of the free; This is a day of memory, 'Tis FREEDOM'S JUBILEE! SON: I wish that I was now a man, I'd free my country too, And cheer as loudly as the rest; But, father, why don't you? FATHER: I'm getting old and weak; but still My heart is big with joy; I've witnessed many a day like this, Shout you aloud, my boy! SON: HURRAH, FOR FREEDOM'S JUBILEE, God bless our native land! And may I live to hold the boon Of freedom in my hand. FATHER: Well done, my boy, grow up, and love The land that gave you birth,— A land where Freedom loves to dwell,— A paradise on earth. http://www.independencedayfun.com/the_american_boy-38912.php http://www.independencedayfun.com/the_american_boy-38912.php Poems Sat, 23 May 2009 13:35:18 -0800 By Author Unknown I build my nest on the mountain's crest, Where the wild winds rock my eaglets to rest, Where the lightnings flash, and the thunders crash, And the roaring torrents foam and dash; For my spirit free henceforth shall be A type of the sons of Liberty. Aloft I fly from my aërie high, Through the vaulted dome of the azure sky; On a sunbeam bright take my airy flight, And float in a flood of liquid light; For I love to play in the noontide ray, And bask in a blaze from the throne of day. Away I spring with a tireless wing, On a feathery cloud I poise and swing; I dart down the steep where the lightnings leap, And the clear blue canopy swiftly sweep; For, dear to me is the revelry Of a free and fearless Liberty. I love the land where the mountains stand, Like the watch-towers high of a Patriot band; For I may not bide in my glory and pride, Though the land be never so fair and wide, Where Luxury reigns o'er voluptuous plains, And fetters the free-born soul in chains. Then give to me in my flights to see The land of the pilgrims ever free! And I never will rove from the haunts I love But watch, from my sentinel-track above, Your banner free, o'er land and sea, And exult in your glorious Liberty. O, guard ye well the land where I dwell, Lest to future times the tale I tell, When slow expires in smoldering fires The goodly heritage of your sires, How Freedom's light rose clear and bright O'er fair Columbia's beacon-hight, Till ye quenched the flame in a starless night. Then will I tear from your pennon fair The stars ye have set in triumph there; My olive-branch on the blast I'll launch, The fluttering stripes from the flagstaff wrench, And away I'll flee; for I scorn to see A craven race in the land of the free! http://www.independencedayfun.com/song_of_the_american_eagle-38911.php http://www.independencedayfun.com/song_of_the_american_eagle-38911.php Poems Sat, 23 May 2009 13:30:18 -0800 By Roger Robicheau One Nation Under God we live Think about all some had to give We the people share freedom’s life In a world of ever present strife Be grateful to those who keep this true Warriors of our red, white, and blue They're trained by those of great skill Honed to perform, so strong their will They show what love is all about They’ll fight for us, there is no doubt Defending bravely what we are No holding back each heartfelt star Highly praise these men and women Giving thanks time and again Those in uniform will always be The golden pride of this country http://www.independencedayfun.com/one_nation_under_god-38910.php http://www.independencedayfun.com/one_nation_under_god-38910.php Poems Sat, 23 May 2009 13:26:55 -0800 By Roger Robicheau You all know me, I’m Uncle Sam So gosh darn proud, oh yes I am I’m for this country, all the way But you knew that, I'll never sway I've been around for quite awhile Forget my age, I’m still in style Like Yankee Doodle, yes siree Like Troy, New York’s great history I’m so proud Yankee Doodle’s kin And proud what Troy for me has been ‘Twas Eighteen Twelve when all began Too bad there was no cameraman Our country fought its second war We would prevail, just like before Your Uncle Sam knows all too well The facts are clear, war can be hell Stay close to your Old Uncle Sam I'm here for you, that’s what I am We are the great Land of The Free Thanks to those marching faithfully Salute and thank the brave you see Do not forget, they’re tops with me America, stand up and cheer Our forces keep our freedom clear One Nation Under God we stay This truth endures to greet each day *** My time now draws to bid farewell ‘Twas grand to have you for a spell Goodbye to you, each worthy friend God Bless You, all my love I send http://www.independencedayfun.com/old_uncle_sam-38909.php http://www.independencedayfun.com/old_uncle_sam-38909.php Poems Sat, 23 May 2009 13:22:31 -0800 By Roger Robicheau Grand flag of this nation, in freedom flies Hued red, white, and blue, capturing eyes The brave of this nation, marching by row Determined in mission, each foe shall know Our way has survived, because of their will Don’t ever forget, this fact you should drill Take life at this moment, hold memories firm For lessons well learned, should be long-term Be proud of this nation, do well by your days Hold God in your vision, don’t live in a maze Take love from the heart, do spread it today Such wealth held inside, is cause for dismay Stay mindful of those who put all on the line Support them, do help them, don’t be off-line God Bless all fine people, good deeds they do Hold on to what’s right, a great point of view http://www.independencedayfun.com/of_this_nation-38908.php http://www.independencedayfun.com/of_this_nation-38908.php Poems Sat, 23 May 2009 13:19:10 -0800 By Roger Robicheau Through the feel of war they brave this day How proud they stand, their unselfish way Our soldiers bear what we cannot see They assure our right to live life free Each trained will face an unknown fate Our support they need, don’t hesitate Just imagine how this land would be Without their courage - catastrophe All the liberties we have grown to know Would not exist, this life would go Find a thankfulness within your mind Speak gratitude for our bravest kind Have the willingness to show you care For fallen heroes, hold back no tear Reach out to God with his guiding light For our troops do pray, both day and night America raise your flags to wave For we truly are 'home of the brave' http://www.independencedayfun.com/home_of_the_brave-38907.php http://www.independencedayfun.com/home_of_the_brave-38907.php Poems Sat, 23 May 2009 13:14:18 -0800 By Roger Robicheau Americans in strength unite This union born in freedom’s light United States, how sure we are We’ll pull together, near and far The world can see of what we’re made Each state is of the highest grade Determination, filled with pride Our people’s will won’t be denied Our founding fathers set to stay The road we’ve traveled to this day A quest for right cannot be wrong With help from God, we will stay strong Support our troops ranks number one For the job they do is never done When forced they put it on the line True patriots, when called they shine Let’s raise Old Glory with a cheer And thank all soldiers, past and here http://www.independencedayfun.com/americans_in_strength-38906.php http://www.independencedayfun.com/americans_in_strength-38906.php Poems Sat, 23 May 2009 13:10:01 -0800