A special thank-you to...

...fifty-six people who COMMITTED themselves to an idea, at the risk of their own lives.

226 years ago today, these 56 Americans signed their own death warrant. In doing so, they created a world in which we have the freedom to pursue our own lives and create our own successes.

Please pause for just a moment today and think about what they were willing to put on the line for both themselves and for us. And remember that the very reason you may enjoy the freedom you have this summer's day is directly due to their courage on another summer's day.

Happy Birthday to the Land of the Free and the Home of the Brave!

John

"Dost thou love life? Then do not squander time;
for that's the stuff life is made of."

- Benjamin Franklin

Hi John,

Your post reminds me of two of my favorite American cities....

I haven't spent much time in Philadelphia, but to me, it has a special "aura" about it. The Liberty Bell, and the presence of Benjamin Franklin, through institutions like the University of Philadelphia (which he proposed), and the Franklin Institute. Benjamin Franklin is one of my heroes - he was a true genius, a great scientist, businessman, and statesman. I also love the cobblestone walkways in that "old" area near the Liberty Bell....

Another city I enjoy is Boston - I spent several months working there (visiting Boston University), spread over 1999-2000. You can walk along the "Freedom Trail", and see the buildings still standing, which were such a part of creating America's Independence. Just walking along those paths takes your mind back to those times.... The Boston Tea Party. The ride of Paul Revere.

I agree - to me, these things are what truly make America great. I believe the US Constitution is one of the most remarkable documents in the world - something every American can be truly proud of. :)

- Dien Rice

Dien--

I actually live in Boston and am on State Street several times a week.

No matter how busy I am, as I'm walking, my eyes always seem to land on the balcony on the Old State House. It was from this balcony that the Declaration of Independence was first read to the citizens of Boston about two weeks after it was signed.

The little old building is now dwarfed by skyscrapers, but its fully restored beauty is a daily reminder of that struggle for freedom so long ago.

There is actually a local actor who dresses as Ben Franklin and leads tour groups all around the Freedom Trail. One day I was riding the T (subway) and ended up sitting next to "Ben", heading home in full garb.

A man began harrassing the poor guy, asking him all sorts of questions about the Founding Fathers, attempting to paint a negative picture of them as greedy invaders.

Tensions built and "Ben" was handling it well, but I was working up the nerve to say something to help him. I was beginning to sweat because I was scared this guy might pull out a grenade or something (this was 2 weeks after Sept.11).

I took a deep breath, but a voice from the other side of the train boomed: "I fought for this country in Vietnam and if you don't like it you can leave!" I looked and saw unwavering eyes locked in a fierce stare that could have cut stone.

Needless to say, the guy immediately clammed up and got off at the next stop. There was a visible collective sigh of relief after that.

Patriotism lives.

Hi,

In addition to being a statesman, writer and inventor, Franklin was a practicing nudist, he owned a large collection of "*******" and he was a member of The Medmenham Monks (link below).

Best,

- Boyd


http://www.pave-france.org/spiritof7...php?DATA_ID=14

dno