"Positively Patriotic"

 The photograph above shows some special things in our memorabilia room that are meaningful to us-a picture of a painting of George Washington, who was one of our country's Founding Fathers, and our first president. 

There is also an old postcard that belonged to Greg's grandmother that someone had sent her. The post- card depicts the signing of the "Declaration of Independence." The 56 signers of this important document included Thomas Jefferson, Benjamin Franklin, John Adams, John Hancock, and Samuel Adams. Thomas Jefferson was the main author of this document. He was our third president, and he also founded the University of Virginia. Each of these men is outstanding in his own way.

~"Where liberty dwells, there is my country."- Benjamin Franklin

The brown booklet behind the postcard contains a copy of the "Declaration of Independence," as well as the "Constitution of the United States" which we got for free from Hillsdale College a few years ago. It was published by Cato Institute.

This is a special anniversary for our country, the United States of America, 250 years old! What a milestone! We should all feel positively patriotic!

~"God bless America, land that I love."- Irving Berlin

~"America is a tune. It must be sung together."- Gerald Stanley Lee 

~"The federal government should only be flying the flag that represents all people, the American flag."- Marjorie Taylor Greene

~"I stand fearlessly for small dogs, the American flag, motherhood, and the 'Bible.' That's why people love me."- Art Linkletter

I love to read about, and watch shows about our Founding Fathers and all of the great men and women who have helped make our country strong. I get a lump in my throat and tears in my eyes when I see the American flag fluttering in the wind or images of Paul Revere riding on horseback to warn others that the British were coming. 

~"Liberty and independence forever."- Davy Crockett

~"Ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country."- John F. Kennedy

In my new book about Appalachia which will be published soon, I have a whole chapter about patriotism in Southern Appalachia. I'll have more to tell about my book next month.

~"I'm proud to be an American where at least I know I'm free...there ain't no doubt I love this land. God bless the U.S.A."- Lee Greenwood

~Thanks for visiting! Until around Saturday, August 1, 2026, Becky

 

"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