Hello Dear Readers,

My intentions were to send this particular Newsletter on the 4th of July, but my work schedule is rather hectic these days. But I thought, why not send it now because any time is a good time to honor patriots, past and present and the men and women who serve in the military.

The following collection was sent to me by a military friend who served in Vietnam:


> THE 4TH OF JULY
>
> Have you ever wondered what happened to the 56 men
> who signed the Declaration of Independence?
>
> Five signers were captured by the British as traitors,
> and tortured before they died.
>
> Twelve had their homes ransacked and burned.
> Two lost their sons serving in the Revolutionary Army;
> another had two sons captured.
>
> Nine of the 56 fought and died from wounds or
> hardships of the Revolutionary War.
>
> They signed and they pledged their lives, their fortunes, and their sacred honor.
>
> What kind of men were they?
>
> Twenty-four were lawyers and jurists.
> Eleven were merchants, nine were farmers and large
> plantation owners; men of means, well educated,
> but they signedthe Declaration of Independence
> knowing full well that the penalty would be death if
> they were captured.
>
> Carter Braxton of Virginia, a wealthy planter and
> trader, saw his ships swept from the seas by the
> British Navy. He sold his home and properties to
> pay his debts, and died in rags.
>
> Thomas McKeam was so hounded by the British
> that he was forced to move his family almost constantly. He served in the Congress without pay, and his family was kept in hiding. His possessions were taken from him, and poverty was his reward.
>
> Vandals or soldiers looted the properties of Dillery, Hall, Clymer, Walton, Gwinnett, Heyward, Ruttledge, and Middleton.
>
> At the battle of Yorktown, Thomas Nelson, Jr., noted that the British General Cornwallis had taken over the Nelson home for his headquarters. He quietly urged General George Washington to open fire. The home was destroyed, and Nelson died bankrupt.
>
> Francis Lewis had his home and properties destroyed.
The enemy jailed his wife, and she died within a few months.
>
> John Hart was driven from his wife's bedside as she was dying. Their 13 children fled for their lives. His fields and his gristmill were laid to waste. For more than a year he lived in forests and caves, returning home to find his wife dead and his children vanished. Some of us take these liberties so much for granted, but we shouldn't.
>
> So, take a few minutes while enjoying your 4th of July holiday and silently thank these patriots. It's not much to ask for the price they paid.
>
> Remember: Freedom is never free! Our men and women in uniform know that and fight for our freedom and that of others every day!!!
>
> I hope you will show your support by sending this to as many people as you can. It's time we get the word out that patriotism is NOT a sin. The Fourth of July has more meaning to it than beer, picnics, and baseball games.
>
>

THE FINAL INSPECTION


The soldier stood and faced God,
Which must always come to pass.
He hoped his shoes were shining,
Just as brightly as his brass.

"Step forward now, you soldier,
How shall I deal with you?
Have you always turned the other cheek?
To My Church have you been true?"

The soldier squared his shoulders and said,
"No, Lord, I guess I ain't.
Because those of us who carry guns,
Can't always be a saint.

I've had to work most Sundays,
And at times my talk was tough.
And sometimes I've been violent,
Because the world is awfully rough.

I know I don't deserve a place,
Among the people here.
They never wanted me around,
Except to calm their fears.

If you've a place for me here, Lord,
It needn't be so grand.
I never expected or had too much,
But if you don't, I'll understand."

There was a silence all around the throne,
Where the saints had often trod.
As the soldier waited quietly,
For the judgment of his God.

"Step forward now, you soldier,
You've borne your burdens well.
Walk peacefully on Heaven's streets,
You've done your time in Hell."

~Author Unknown~


For those in doubt. . .
It's the Military, not the reporter who has given us the freedom of the press. It's the Military, not the poet, who has given us the freedom of speech. It's the Military, not the politicians that ensures our right
to Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness. It's the Military who salutes the flag, who serves beneath the flag, and whose coffin is draped by the flag.

If you care to offer the smallest token of recognition and appreciation for the Military, please pass this on and pray for our men and women who have served and are currently serving our country and pray for those who have given the ultimate sacrifice for freedom.

Fly your flag in grateful appreciation.