People Get Ready For A Capitol 4th

What:
Capitol Fourth Concert on the Capital lawn

When:
July 4th, 2008

Who:
Taylor Hicks, Jerry Lee Lewis, Huey Lewis, Brian Stokes Mitchell, classical stars Hayley Westenra and Harolyn Blackwell, Choral Arts Society of Washington, U.S. Army Herald Trumpets and the U.S. Marine Drum and Bugle Corps.
The event is hosted by Jimmy Smits and includes an Olympic tribute from Scott Hamilton.

Where:
PBS (check your local listings)








May we always remember the ones who brought and continue to bring us these liberties and freedom.

Proud Of Our Troops Drive
Join us in lifting spirits at the Walter Reed Army Hospital in Washington, D.C. For Part 5 of the Troop Drive, we are asking that you send copies of 'Heart Full of Soul', Taylor Hicks' inspirational autobiography to Soldier's Angels, who will then forward them to the soldiers at Walter Reed.




He was a gentle man who stood with pride,
His body was ebbing like the outgoing tide.
His walk was slow, for age took its toll,
To live but one season was his goal.
Passing two lads in the park,
He noticed something, though almost dark.
There was a cloth on the ground,
A cloth that the boys had recently found.
With cold gray eyes he looked their way,
Then tears fell as be bowed to pray.
God, give me strength, show me what to do,
To teach them respect for the red, white and blue.
Mister, why are you crying, what did we do?
It's just an old rag that's red, white and blue.
That cloth you call just an old rag,
Is Old Glory, our nation's flag.
There's 13 stripes and 50 stars,
Blood was shed for those bars.
Each star represents one great state,
Pick up the flag, it's not too late.
But mister, why are you angry, oh what did we do?
It's still just a rag that's red, white and blue.
He bent is head and closed his eyes,
Then looked at the boys and said with a sigh,
This is your flag, a sight to behold,
A symbol of freedom worth more than gold.
Our freedom to speak and think as we choose,
For this our ancestors paid their dues.
They fought in wars, and gave their lives,
Fever took their children and their wives.
These were your families as well as mine,
We put their honor on the line.
So our flag can fly for all to see,
Symbolizing freedom for you and me.
Mister, we're so sorry, what can we do?
We'll brush off the dirt from the red, white and blue.
And put up a pole here in the park,
Fly her with pride from morn' til dark.
The three stood still and silence was strong,
The boys knew now why they were wrong.
As they gazed upon that tattered flag,
Their hearts told them this was no rag.
Though dirty and torn, she flew that day,
"That's our flag," he heard them say.
Poem written by Pat Odiorne, Brandon, Florida.





Today's cup:

You have to love a nation that celebrates its independence every July 4, not with a parade of guns, tanks, and soldiers who file by the White House in a show of strength and muscle, but with family picnics where kids throw Frisbees, the potato salad gets iffy, and the flies die from happiness.
You may think you have overeaten, but it is patriotism.
~ Erma Bombeck ~

Detroit/Windsor Int'l Freedom Festival (thanks Karin!)