At a time when national pride is needed more than ever, it seems as
though history often takes a back seat to barbecues and beer on
the Fourth of July.
Although it was not declared a legal holiday until 1941, Independence Day was first observed in Philadelphia on July 8, 1776. On that day, the Declaration of Independence was read aloud, city bells rang and bands played.
American Citizens sometimes forget our rich history and take our freedoms and inalienable rights for granted. Fortunately, or unfortunately, we are reminded every year how lucky we are, as immigrants flock into our country by the tens of thousands.
So this year, rather than forgetting the colorful history of this great nation, and the reason for our celebration of Independence Day, let's tell our children and grandchildren about the courageous men and women who took a stand for democracy and spoke of freedom. Speak with pride of the drafters of the Declaration of Independence, or the soldiers and families who gave their blood and tears for our liberties.
This Saturday in many towns and cities across America there will be parades and pageants, and the reading of patriotic speeches as we celebrate the Fourth of July. Unfortunately I can't supply you with parades or pageants, but I can leave you with a patriotic speech. During this time of turmoil, anxiety and battles at home and abroad, I felt we needed a hard - hitting speech that brings us back to the days of "The Greatest Generation". For this Fourth of July I have chosen General Patton's speech to the Third Army, on June 5th, 1944. The text has been edited down for space constraints.
"...When you, everyone of you, were kids, you all admired the champion marble player, the fastest runner, the toughest boxer, the big league ball players, and the All-American football players. Americans love a winner. Americans will not tolerate a loser. Americans despise cowards. Americans play to win all of the time...Death must not be feared. Death, in time, comes to all men. Yes, every man is scared in his first battle. If he says he's not, he's a liar... The real hero is the man who fights even though he is scared...a real man will never let his fear of death overpower his honor, his sense of duty to his country, and his innate manhood... Remember that the enemy is just as frightened as you are, and probably more so...We have the finest food, the finest equipment, the best spirit, and the best men in the world... Don't ever think that your job is unimportant. Every man has a job to do and he must do it. Every man is a vital link in the great chain... Every man serves the whole. Every department, every unit, is important in the vast scheme of this war...My men don't dig foxholes. I don't want them to. Foxholes only slow up an offensive. Keep moving. And don't give the enemy time to dig one either. We'll win this war, but we'll win it only by fighting and by showing the enemy that we've got more guts than they have; or ever will have... From time to time there will be some complaints that we are pushing our people too hard. I don't give a good Goddamn about such complaints. I believe in the old and sound rule that an ounce of sweat will save a gallon of blood... That is all."
These were strong words from a strong man during challenging times. So as we all face our own challenges, whether they be financial, poltiical, emotional or physical, let's recall the words of old "Blood and Guts" Patton, hold our heads high, push forward and claim victory.
Have a wonderful, happy and free Fourth of July.
Chad
American Citizens sometimes forget our rich history and take our freedoms and inalienable rights for granted. Fortunately, or unfortunately, we are reminded every year how lucky we are, as immigrants flock into our country by the tens of thousands.
So this year, rather than forgetting the colorful history of this great nation, and the reason for our celebration of Independence Day, let's tell our children and grandchildren about the courageous men and women who took a stand for democracy and spoke of freedom. Speak with pride of the drafters of the Declaration of Independence, or the soldiers and families who gave their blood and tears for our liberties.
This Saturday in many towns and cities across America there will be parades and pageants, and the reading of patriotic speeches as we celebrate the Fourth of July. Unfortunately I can't supply you with parades or pageants, but I can leave you with a patriotic speech. During this time of turmoil, anxiety and battles at home and abroad, I felt we needed a hard - hitting speech that brings us back to the days of "The Greatest Generation". For this Fourth of July I have chosen General Patton's speech to the Third Army, on June 5th, 1944. The text has been edited down for space constraints.
"...When you, everyone of you, were kids, you all admired the champion marble player, the fastest runner, the toughest boxer, the big league ball players, and the All-American football players. Americans love a winner. Americans will not tolerate a loser. Americans despise cowards. Americans play to win all of the time...Death must not be feared. Death, in time, comes to all men. Yes, every man is scared in his first battle. If he says he's not, he's a liar... The real hero is the man who fights even though he is scared...a real man will never let his fear of death overpower his honor, his sense of duty to his country, and his innate manhood... Remember that the enemy is just as frightened as you are, and probably more so...We have the finest food, the finest equipment, the best spirit, and the best men in the world... Don't ever think that your job is unimportant. Every man has a job to do and he must do it. Every man is a vital link in the great chain... Every man serves the whole. Every department, every unit, is important in the vast scheme of this war...My men don't dig foxholes. I don't want them to. Foxholes only slow up an offensive. Keep moving. And don't give the enemy time to dig one either. We'll win this war, but we'll win it only by fighting and by showing the enemy that we've got more guts than they have; or ever will have... From time to time there will be some complaints that we are pushing our people too hard. I don't give a good Goddamn about such complaints. I believe in the old and sound rule that an ounce of sweat will save a gallon of blood... That is all."
These were strong words from a strong man during challenging times. So as we all face our own challenges, whether they be financial, poltiical, emotional or physical, let's recall the words of old "Blood and Guts" Patton, hold our heads high, push forward and claim victory.
Have a wonderful, happy and free Fourth of July.
Chad
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