July Fourth 2018

Jul 4

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While you enjoy your bar-b-ques and fireworks – take a moment to remember the troops that made it all possible for that to happen today.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY USA !!!

 Ralph Waldo Emerson‘s “Concord Hymn.” It was sung at the completion of the Concord Battle Monument on April 19, 1837.

 

By the rude bridge that arched the flood,
Their flag to April’s breeze unfurled,
Here once the embattled farmers stood,
And fired the shot heard round the world,

The foe long since in silence slept,
Alike the Conqueror silent sleeps,
And Time the ruined bridge has swept
Down the dark stream which seaward creeps.

On this green bank, by this soft stream,
We set to-day a votive stone,
That memory may their deed redeem,
When like our sires our sons are gone.

Spirit! who made those freemen dare
To die, or leave their children free,
Bid time and nature gently spare
The shaft we raise to them and Thee.

If you are setting off fireworks this evening, please be courteous to your neighboring veterans .  Haven’t they heard enough?

 

Take good care of your pets

Click on images to enlarge.

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Fourth of July Humor – or is it?

courtesy of ‘America on Coffee’

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

courtesy of: Henry Kotula

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Farewell Salutes –

Hobert Bingham – Alcorn County, MS; USMC, WWII, PTO

James Conway – Sun City, AZ; US Army, WWII, 2nd Lt.

Irving Green –  Mountaindale, NY; US Army Air Corps, WWII, bombardier

Charles Highley Jr. – Glen Ridge, NJ; USMC, WWII, PTO

Lois Jolly –  Hempstead, NY; US Army WAC, WWII, ETO, nurse

Thomas Miller – Norfolk, VA; US Army Air Corps, 152nd AAA/11th Airborne Division

Joseph Rizzi – Bronx, NY; US Army Air Corps, WWII, PTO, CO A/457 Artillery/11th Airborne Divsion

Ray Sarvis – Bessemer City, NC; US Navy, WWII, PTO

Harold Tor – Beach, CA; US Army Air Corps, WWII, PTO, Co F/187th/11th Airborne Division

Robert Watz – Westerly, RI; US Army, Korea, Co A/187th RCT

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About GP

Everett Smith served with the Headquarters Company, 187th Regiment, 11th A/B Division during WWII. This site is in tribute to my father, "Smitty." GP is a member of the 11th Airborne Association. Member # 4511 and extremely proud of that fact!

Posted on July 4, 2018, in Current News, Home Front, Uncategorized and tagged , , , , , , , , . Bookmark the permalink. 157 Comments.

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  1. jfwknifton | July 5, 2018 at 2:35 AM

    I liked your map with all the state flags on. In the late 50s, early 60s, everyone here used to go to the seaside for their week’s holiday. Kids would invariably go to the beach and build sand castles. You could buy bundles of flags to put on them and you always got England, Scotland, Wales, Ireland and Arizona. It took me a very long time to even find out that it was Arizona. Presumably, it was just so very bright coloured.

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply
    • GP Cox | July 5, 2018 at 6:36 AM

      I was thrilled to see that my own town here did just that! We had about the largest celebration in the county AND sand castle competitions on the beach! A little piece of nostalgia still going on – ya gotta love it! Thanks for stopping in, John!!

      Like

      Reply
  2. The Muscleheaded Blog | July 5, 2018 at 1:22 AM

    !!!!!!!!!!!!!! Happy Fourth !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply
  3. shoreacres | July 4, 2018 at 10:53 PM

    I loved every one of your cartoons, as well as your kind reminder about the effects of fireworks on vets and pets. There’s no reason that celebrations and good humor can’t still be a part of life, especially on such an important day. My mother and father each had their faults, but I loved them dearly. It’s the same with my country. Of course we have flaw and quirks as a country, but I still love it. It’s clear you do, too, and I thank you for that. (And for the jokes. Did I mention the jokes?!)

    Liked by 3 people

    Reply
  4. Gallivanta | July 4, 2018 at 9:30 PM

    What a great map. Hope you had an enjoyable 4th of July.

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply
  5. deplorablesunite | July 4, 2018 at 7:54 PM

    Thanks and Happy Fourth

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply
  6. 56packardman | July 4, 2018 at 6:26 PM

    GP – I’m not sure the link to the Paratrooper story attached properly. If it did, you can delete this comment.

    https://donsurber.blogspot.com/2018/07/medias-self-importance-never-dies.html

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply
    • GP Cox | July 5, 2018 at 6:31 AM

      Fantastic, you found an 11th Airborne story! I’ll definitely pass this on to the editor of “The Voice of the Angels”, the newspaper for the 11th’s Association. Thank you very much for taking the time to bring me this!!

      Like

      Reply
  7. 56packardman | July 4, 2018 at 6:21 PM

    GP – Don’t miss this Paratrooper story!

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply
  8. Kristi Ann | July 4, 2018 at 6:16 PM

    Amen-Amein!! Happy Birthday too our Christian Nation USA!! 1776-2018!! LET FREEDOM RING!!

    GOD BLESS ALL my Sisters and Brothers in Christ-Messiah Jesus-Yeshua and my Veterans from Past and Present!!

    Love Always and Shalom ( Peace ), YSIC \o/

    Kristi Ann

    Liked by 3 people

    Reply
  9. doesitevenmatter3 | July 4, 2018 at 5:27 PM

    Thank you for this, GP! Wonderful!
    I hope you and yours have a wonderful 4th!
    Be safe, be grateful, be happy!
    HUGS!!! 🙂

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply
  10. C.E.Robinson | July 4, 2018 at 4:51 PM

    GP, have a peaceful 4th of July! Enjoy the freedom of the day! 🇺🇸 Christine

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply
  11. Nasuko | July 4, 2018 at 4:02 PM

    アメリカ合衆国、独立記念日おめでとうございます🇺🇸🎉🎉🍾㊗️😊
    Dr.John Adams was very calm, and was smart,don’t you☺️🍀

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    • Nasuko | July 5, 2018 at 6:36 PM

      If you want ,you need not open this.
      You indicate your intention by deliberately ignoring me here.
      I can understand for your Will,Thank you and By.

      Like

      Reply
      • GP Cox | July 6, 2018 at 6:03 AM

        I am not ignoring you my friend. I have agreed that Hull and FDR were quite at fault for their actions, but you need to see some of the facts about Japan’s history as openly. Every country has parts of their history they would better leave forgotten, but it is already done and can not be changed. Frankly I do not have the time on the computer I would like and can not get into detail with everyone, my apologies. I also thought the conversation had been closed, the facts agreed upon.

        Like

        Reply
  12. Robert Parker | July 4, 2018 at 2:00 PM

    Huzza for the Glorious Fourth! And Long Live the Revolution.
    (And if we were Continentals, the quartermaster would now issue us a gill of rum, which wouldn’t be too shabby, either! 🙂 )

    Liked by 3 people

    Reply
  13. Anne Clare | July 4, 2018 at 1:51 PM

    Thanks, and have a happy 4th!

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply
  14. Bruce Goodman | July 4, 2018 at 1:07 PM

    Loved the Good Morning America cartoon! A Happy 4th to you! We shall celebrate here in New Zealand with good ol’ American French fries and hamburgers!

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply
  15. Mamabubbles | July 4, 2018 at 12:51 PM

    No matter what America’s problems, we are blessed to live in such a wonderful country.

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply
  18. Garfield Hug | July 4, 2018 at 12:29 PM

    Happy 4th July 🇺🇸🎉🎈🌞I enjoyed your post and had laughs🤣

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply
  19. Christy B | July 4, 2018 at 11:51 AM

    Wishing you a wonderful 4th, GP

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply
  21. Jacqui Murray | July 4, 2018 at 11:08 AM

    Oh you’ve done it again, GP–summarized the essence of this day in a few pithy comics. RT. Happy 4th to you. Have a hamburger for me!

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply
    • GP Cox | July 4, 2018 at 2:02 PM

      Actually, so far I’ve splurged and had shrimp, cocktail sauce and a bleu cheese salad. I couldn’t decide which cartoons to use – so I put them ALL in!! 🙂

      Like

      Reply
  22. pvcann | July 4, 2018 at 10:53 AM

    Yes indeed, those prepared to defend make it so. And not forgetting your Continental Army that kicked it all off. Happy 4th

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply
  23. susansleggs | July 4, 2018 at 10:35 AM

    Reblooged on Susan Sleggs. Thanks for a great post on the 4th.

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply
  24. susansleggs | July 4, 2018 at 10:33 AM

    Reblogged this on Susan Sleggs and commented:
    GP Cox can say it better than I can.

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply
  25. Jennie | July 4, 2018 at 10:20 AM

    Amen! I love this, GP. Have a Happy Fourth of July, and never forget. 🇺🇸

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply
  26. Cindy Bruchman | July 4, 2018 at 10:19 AM

    A special day, indeed. My flag’s flying high! Off to the town pancake breakfast and parade. Our town celebrates this holiday well and it feels good to celebrate with my community. I am proud to be American. 🙂

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply
  27. Animalcouriers | July 4, 2018 at 10:13 AM

    Happy 4th of July to you. Good reminder about who we owe our thanks to too. Love the cartoons 😀

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply
  28. gary loggins | July 4, 2018 at 10:01 AM

    Happy Independence Day, GP!

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply
  29. OIKOS™-Redaktion | July 4, 2018 at 9:59 AM

    Happy Independence Day, GP! Enjoy the celebrations! Best wishes, Michael

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply
  30. Hannah | July 4, 2018 at 9:33 AM

    Happy 4th of July, GP!! I hope it’s a great one!

    And a message to the world, let’s not forget the very first battles that made this country stand out as something to be honored and feared in the 1770s.

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply
  31. markd60 | July 4, 2018 at 9:08 AM

    Happy 4th! Loved the poem and the comics!

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply
  32. Amy | July 4, 2018 at 9:05 AM

    Happy 4th, GP!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
  33. Phyllis Rogers | July 4, 2018 at 8:27 AM

    Reblogged this on Life On The Lake and commented:
    I loved this by GP Cox. He is a great military historian. Take a moment and check out his Fourth of July tribute.

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply
  34. Teagan R. Geneviene | July 4, 2018 at 8:05 AM

    Indeed, GP. Wishing you happiness this Independence Day. Great big hug!

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply
  36. Tippy Gnu | July 4, 2018 at 7:50 AM

    I love your cartoons today. And the suggestion about being courteous to neighboring vets is a good one, in my view. I’ve known of some who still jump at the sound of loud bangs. Have a happy 4th, GP!

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply
  37. Dan Antion | July 4, 2018 at 7:47 AM

    Great reminder. I love the cartoon with the two dogs planning the day. Maddie will be celebrating in her thundershirt.

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply
  38. lobotero | July 4, 2018 at 7:46 AM

    Hoping you have a safe and restful day….chuq

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply
  39. SCLMRose | July 4, 2018 at 7:29 AM

    Reblogged this on Rosalinda R Morgan and commented:
    Happy 4th and remember those who fought and died so we can be where we are today!

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply
  40. Pit | July 4, 2018 at 7:26 AM

    I think I’ve said it before, but I’ll gladly repeat it:
    As a native German I’ve been and still am thankful for all those American soldiers – and those of their allies – that gave their lives or their health so that I – born in 1947 – could grow up in freedom: Thank you all, and a Hap[py Fourth of July, especeially to you,
    Pit

    Liked by 6 people

    Reply
  41. SCLMRose | July 4, 2018 at 7:25 AM

    Happy 4th GP. Love the flag. The dog cartoon says it all for Skipper. Poor thing hates fireworks.

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply
  42. Carl D'Agostino | July 4, 2018 at 6:28 AM

    Happy 4th. I’ve always wondered how the state of Washington got their idea for their flag.

    Liked by 3 people

    Reply
  43. derrickjknight | July 4, 2018 at 6:28 AM

    They had to cope with mauling and head-buts and still won the penalty shoot out 🙂

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply
  45. Mike Sinnott | July 4, 2018 at 6:23 AM

    Have a great 4th, best wishes from the Indian Ocean side.

    Liked by 3 people

    Reply
  46. Ace Worldwide News Group | July 4, 2018 at 6:16 AM

    🇺🇸 Happy 4th July GP 🇺🇸

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply
  48. Will Pennington | July 4, 2018 at 6:15 AM

    Thank you, GP, for keeping America’s Greatest Generation alive through your posts.

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply
  49. beetleypete | July 4, 2018 at 6:14 AM

    Happy 4th, GP. Thanks for your suitable tribute too. Have a great day, whatever you are doing.
    Best wishes, from the country that lost. 🙂
    Pete.

    Liked by 3 people

    Reply
  50. GP Cox | July 4, 2018 at 1:58 PM

    Thank you, Packard Man!!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  1. Pingback: July 4th! | '56 Packard Man

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