"Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness"

 

In two days, we, here in the United States, will be celebrating a special holiday in various ways, with cookouts, picnics, parades, and fireworks, thanks to those brave men who fought for our liberty 247 years ago. On July 4, 1776, our great country, the United States of America, became independent, free from the rule of the British Government.

Before we became a free country, in 1775, Patrick Henry, the great orator, gave his famous speech, "I know not what course others may take, but as for me, give me liberty, or give me death." His speech helped encourage others to fight for independence.

The following photograph shows two items (in our memorabilia room) that we treasure- an old post card that depicts a painting by American artist, John Trumbull, entitled "Declaration of Independence" and...

a booklet from the Cato Institute which contains the "Declaration of Independence" and the "Constitution of the United States of America."

"We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness."~ From the "Declaration of Independence"

This means that we can live our lives freely and happily, but, at the same time, it doesn't mean that we are free to live recklessly and cause harm to others, etc.

We are free to choose our path in life, our profession, our spouse, where to live, how to spend our free time, etc.

Here are some quotes to encourage us to live our lives more positively-

~"Why fit in when you were born to stand out."- Dr. Seuss

~"God doesn't make junk."- From the "Bible"

~"Hope Encouragement Love" - Julie Green Ministries

~"Stars are meant to sparkle. Let yourself shine!"-"Woman's World"

"It may not always be easy, convenient, or politically correct to stand for truth and right, but it is the right thing to do. Always." -M. Russell Ballard

Big Stone Gap, Virginia-

Showing Its Patriotic Colors

"Patriotism is supporting your country all the time and your government when it deserves it." -Mark Twain

Here is a powerful, touching video on YouTube about the history of the United States and our national anthem- (Enjoy!)

https://www.youtube.com/embed/YaxGNQE5ZLA

Positive thought: "When it is dark enough, you can see the stars." -Ralph Waldo Emerson

Thanks for visiting! Until Saturday, August 5, 2023, Becky