~ Like the ripples in a pond, the work of one man spreads out and touches the lives of others ~

From The Soul of One ~ To The Hearts Of Many
TAYLOR HICKS MY IDOL
Taylor Hicks "The Distance"


Monday, June 30, 2008

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!)


7 comments:

Anonymous said...

That Erma Bombeck always found a good reason to eat. Have to agree with her sentiments.

Have a wonderful birthday USA

Bless those who are keeping our country safe and free.

cath

KarinP said...

Love your fireworks, Bloom and, it goes without saying, your choice of song for the blog.

Now, here is something that I was not aware of from Wikpedia.

International River Days, a five day festival along the International Riverfront marked the 2007 opening of the River Walk along the east river leading up to the International Freedom Festival fireworks. Detroit, Michigan and Windsor, Ontario jointly celebrate the multi-day festival the last week of June which draws about 3.5 million visitors in order to commemorate each country's respective National holiday - (US Independence Day on July 4 and Canada Day on July 1). The International Freedom Festival began in 1959. It is organized by the Parade Company, a not-for-profit organization governed by the Michigan Thanksgiving Parade Foundation. It has a long list of sponsors.

Both the United States and Canada will be celebrating this coming week.

Traditionally, several days of events were planned, ending with one of the world's largest fireworks displays,[1] for most of its existence sponsored by Hudson's. Today, the main sponsor is Target Corporation, the successor to the Dayton-Hudson Corporation. On the Windsor side, there is a midway consisting of carnival rides and concessions during the festival. The Midway operates as stand-alone attraction at the end of June, beginning of July.


Canada Day marks the creation of the Dominion of Canada in 1867, the beginning of a united country. From its earliest settlements by Native Americans, through French and English settlements and wars, Canada was a divided land. Some territories had banded together before 1867, but Confederation was the first large step toward total unity, from sea to sea.

I do like Erma's rationale - eating more food that I should simply means that I am very patriotic!

From this Canadian gal to my American friends, I hope that everyone has a safe and happy holiday! Taking time to remember our respective troops who are so bravely in war zones is the very least that we can do to thank them for protecting our countries.

I am looking forward to watching the Capitol Fourth celebrations too!

Bloom said...

Hi Cath,
I've always enjoyed Erma's sense of humor, she tells it like it is, minus the snarkiness of Maxine.
Happy 4th to you, thanks for sharing your thoughts and wishes!



Karin, shame on me, I tend to forget you are Canadian ... now where did I put those flag waving girls I had for us?? I know they are in the Feeling Good video ... hmmm

Isn't the fireworks alphabet cool??
How do you like my fireworks sounds?
I thought they made a great lead in to Taylor!

I've never been to the Freedom Fest though it's only 20 minutes away tops ... not big on huge crowds.
Can you image the size of the crowd that will be at the Capital to celebrate??
Mind boggling numbers!

They are in for a real treat, the concert should be fabulous and I'm excited to hear it!

Happy Canada Day to you my friend!
GOD bless OUR troops!

KarinP said...

Bloom, friendship knows no borders!

You always come up with very unique things for the Pond - the fireworks alphabet, for example. They are really cool.

As for the fireworks sounds, you know, it had been a while since I had heard People Get Ready and frankly, you did such a great job incorporating the fireworks with the song that I wasn't sure if the fireworks were part of the original song, ROFL.

I am sure we will be reading quite a few recaps from those who attend the Capitol Fourth. They are definitely in store for a great evening and I certainly hope that the weather co-operates with the planned festivities.

Anonymous said...

AS always.... great thoughts and wonderful poem. Fantastic blog!

Have a wonderful 4th of July!!!

~cydter

Anonymous said...

AS always.... great thoughts and wonderful poem. Fantastic blog!

Have a wonderful 4th of July!!!

~cydter

Anonymous said...

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It's a virtual feast for the eyes and hears.