American Legacy Fishing Company
NEWS FLASH – July 4th, 2009
LIBERTY, FREEDOM, DEMOCRACY, and PATRIOTISM………………..
Hi Friends,
Today is July 4 – Independence Day in the USA – which we have been celebrating for over 200 years. We are closed this weekend. Perhaps this is a good time to think about liberty, freedom, patriotism, and democracy rather than fishing. Now fishing is important, surely to all of us here at American Legacy, but it’s only available to all of us because of these wonderful liberties we enjoy and often take for granted. And I think there is a difference between liberty, freedom, patriotism, and democracy.
Liberty is the unqualified opportunity to do what we wish and think what we will in an environment free from outside pressure, whether that be from inside or outside our country. Admittedly the freedoms our ancestors enjoy have changed, but we, the people, have been the force behind those changes. If we have given something up, we most likely have gained more in the bargain. Today we enjoy access to information instantly through the Internet as well as more traditional media. Although we may not always agree with each other, we continue to tolerate other’s views and opinions. We vote as a community, a state, and a nation to peacefully effect change for the majority. Liberty is only possible in such an environment.
Freedom means that we are minimally accountable as long as we abide by the laws of our country and community. Restrictions on movement and actions are small in this great country even after more than 200 years of fine tuning the constitution and the law. It is very rare that we experience any personal restrictions regarding movement, jobs, family, friends, religion, or society. We are a wonderful blend of great cultures and beliefs that freely travels this great land unencumbered by accountability (other than from our spouse!). We can pass from one state to another freely, from one job to another seamlessly, from one generation to another without interruption. We move from home to business to recreation to spiritual or social venues with ease. And most of us do this daily without even thinking about how wonderful this is or how it is possible.
Because we have such liberties and freedom we call this arrangement a democracy. We welcome all who wish to join us and do so without reservations. Although we may not be as willing to fling the doors to our country as wide open as in the past, you are still welcome if you share our vision of freedom, liberty, and democracy. We are unique in how early and how fervently we embraced and continue to support such an arrangement of people and government. All we ask is that you agree to become an American in heart and soul and we will embrace you and guide you. We are a very proud people who really do want everyone to enjoy such a wonderful arrangement of government by and for its people. We effect change through an orderly, peaceful process we call voting. We do this quite often so we don’t get out of practice.
Patriotism is how we feel about our liberties, our freedoms, our history, and our democracy. We proudly fly the American flag, vote in our elections, stand for our national anthem, and get teary-eyed when our soldiers must leave to defend us. We believe in tolerance, compassion, human value, honesty, and hard work. Being imperfect, we may flounder from time to time, but we always have the mettle and determination to fix what has broken and continue on. We fought for these freedoms beginning well over 200 years ago and are more than willing to do so today if threats to our liberties, freedom, and democracy develop. You see, this is how we have had what we have for such a long time.
So, on this July 4th I hope all of you, whether you live here in the USA or in another country will take a moment to reflect on just how blessed we really are. We have been given a wonderful gift: liberty, freedom, democracy, and patriotism. God bless.
Tight Lines,
Tom Ashby
PATRIOTISM……..
We’re doing something different this newsletter. We decided to replace the normal fishing pictures with patriotic pictures to honor our country, its people, and its heroes. We’ll be back to our usual format in the next newsletter, but for this one special time we thought everyone would enjoy some good old American, 4th of July Patriotism and chest puffing. We only wish we could include the traditional fireworks as well. Enjoy!
Medal of Honor Winner Sergeant Ray Paul Smith and his story…………….. The Citation: The President of the United States of America, in the name of Congress, takes pride in presenting the Medal of Honor to Sergeant First Class Paul R. Smith, United States Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty. Sergeant First Class Paul R. Smith distinguished himself by acts of gallantry and intrepidity above and beyond the call of duty in action with an armed enemy near Baghdad International Airport, Baghdad, Iraq on 4 April 2003.
On that day, Sergeant First Class Smith was engaged in the construction of a prisoner of war holding area when his Task Force was violently attacked by a company-sized enemy force. Realizing the vulnerability of over 100 fellow soldiers, Sergeant First Class Smith quickly organized a hasty defense consisting of two platoons of soldiers, one Bradley Fighting Vehicle and three armored personnel carriers. As the fight developed, Sergeant First Class Smith braved hostile enemy fire to personally engage the enemy with hand grenades and anti-tank weapons, and organized the evacuation of three wounded soldiers from an armored personnel carrier struck by a rocket propelled grenade and a 60mm mortar round. Fearing the enemy would overrun their defenses, Sergeant First Class Smith moved under withering enemy fire to man a .50 caliber machine gun mounted on a damaged armored personnel carrier. In total disregard for his own life, he maintained his exposed position in order to engage the attacking enemy force. During this action, he was mortally wounded. His courageous actions helped defeat the enemy attack, and resulted in as many as 50 enemy soldiers killed, while allowing the safe withdrawal of numerous wounded soldiers. Sergeant First Class Smith’s extraordinary heroism and uncommon valor are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, the Third Infantry Division “Rock of the Marine,” and the United States Army.
The Story of Independence Day and America’s Birthday
Medal of Honor Winner Sergeant Ray Paul Smith and his story…………….. The Citation: The President of the United States of America, in the name of Congress, takes pride in presenting the Medal of Honor to Sergeant First Class Paul R. Smith, United States Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty. Sergeant First Class Paul R. Smith distinguished himself by acts of gallantry and intrepidity above and beyond the call of duty in action with an armed enemy near Baghdad International Airport, Baghdad, Iraq on 4 April 2003.
On that day, Sergeant First Class Smith was engaged in the construction of a prisoner of war holding area when his Task Force was violently attacked by a company-sized enemy force. Realizing the vulnerability of over 100 fellow soldiers, Sergeant First Class Smith quickly organized a hasty defense consisting of two platoons of soldiers, one Bradley Fighting Vehicle and three armored personnel carriers. As the fight developed, Sergeant First Class Smith braved hostile enemy fire to personally engage the enemy with hand grenades and anti-tank weapons, and organized the evacuation of three wounded soldiers from an armored personnel carrier struck by a rocket propelled grenade and a 60mm mortar round. Fearing the enemy would overrun their defenses, Sergeant First Class Smith moved under withering enemy fire to man a .50 caliber machine gun mounted on a damaged armored personnel carrier. In total disregard for his own life, he maintained his exposed position in order to engage the attacking enemy force. During this action, he was mortally wounded. His courageous actions helped defeat the enemy attack, and resulted in as many as 50 enemy soldiers killed, while allowing the safe withdrawal of numerous wounded soldiers. Sergeant First Class Smith’s extraordinary heroism and uncommon valor are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, the Third Infantry Division “Rock of the Marine,” and the United States Army.
The Story of Independence Day and America’s Birthday
Independence Day is the national holiday of the United States of America commemorating the signing of the Declaration of Independence by the Continental Congress on July 4, 1776, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
At the time of the signing the US consisted of 13 colonies under the rule of England’s King George III. There was growing unrest in the colonies concerning the taxes that had to be paid to England. This was commonly referred to as “Taxation without Representation” as the colonists did not have any representation in the English Parliament and had no say in what went on. As the unrest grew in the colonies, King George sent extra troops to help control any rebellion. In 1774 the 13 colonies sent delegates to Philadelphia Pennsylvania to form the First Continental Congress. The delegates were unhappy with England, but were not yet ready to declare war.
In April 1775 as the King’s troops advanced on Concord Massachusetts Paul Revere would sound the alarm that “The British are coming, the British are coming” as he rode his horse through the late night streets.
The battle of Concord and its “shot heard round the world” would mark the unofficial beginning of the colonies war for Independence.
The following May the colonies again sent delegates to the Second Continental Congress. For almost a year the congress tried to work out its differences with England, again without formally declaring war. By June 1776 their efforts had become hopeless and a committee was formed to compose a formal declaration of independence. Headed by Thomas Jefferson, the committee included John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, Robert R. Livingston and Roger Sherman. Thomas Jefferson was chosen to write the first draft which was presented to the congress on June 28. After various changes a vote was taken late in the afternoon of July 4th. Of the 13 colonies, 9 voted in favor of the Declaration, 2 – Pennsylvania and South Carolina voted No, Delaware undecided and New York abstained. To make it official John Hancock, President of the Continental Congress, signed the Declaration of Independence. It is said that John Hancock signed his name “with a great flourish” so “King George can read that without spectacles!.” The following day copies of the Declaration were distributed. The first newspaper to print the Declaration was the Pennsylvania Evening Post on July 6, 1776. On July 8th the Declaration had its first public reading in Philadelphia’s Independence Square. Twice that day the Declaration was read to cheering crowds and pealing church bells. Even the bell in Independence Hall was rung. The “Province Bell” would later be renamed “Liberty Bell” after its inscription: “Proclaim Liberty Throughout All the Land Unto All the Inhabitants Thereof” And although the signing of the Declaration was not completed until August, the 4th of July has been accepted as the official anniversary of United States independence. The first Independence Day celebration took place the following year – July 4 1777. By the early 1800s the traditions of parades, picnics, and fireworks were established as the way to celebrate America’s birthday. And although fireworks have been banned in most places because of their danger, most towns and cities usually have big firework displays for all to see and enjoy.
The following May the colonies again sent delegates to the Second Continental Congress. For almost a year the congress tried to work out its differences with England, again without formally declaring war. By June 1776 their efforts had become hopeless and a committee was formed to compose a formal declaration of independence. Headed by Thomas Jefferson, the committee included John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, Robert R. Livingston and Roger Sherman. Thomas Jefferson was chosen to write the first draft which was presented to the congress on June 28. After various changes a vote was taken late in the afternoon of July 4th. Of the 13 colonies, 9 voted in favor of the Declaration, 2 – Pennsylvania and South Carolina voted No, Delaware undecided and New York abstained. To make it official John Hancock, President of the Continental Congress, signed the Declaration of Independence. It is said that John Hancock signed his name “with a great flourish” so “King George can read that without spectacles!.” The following day copies of the Declaration were distributed. The first newspaper to print the Declaration was the Pennsylvania Evening Post on July 6, 1776. On July 8th the Declaration had its first public reading in Philadelphia’s Independence Square. Twice that day the Declaration was read to cheering crowds and pealing church bells. Even the bell in Independence Hall was rung. The “Province Bell” would later be renamed “Liberty Bell” after its inscription: “Proclaim Liberty Throughout All the Land Unto All the Inhabitants Thereof” And although the signing of the Declaration was not completed until August, the 4th of July has been accepted as the official anniversary of United States independence. The first Independence Day celebration took place the following year – July 4 1777. By the early 1800s the traditions of parades, picnics, and fireworks were established as the way to celebrate America’s birthday. And although fireworks have been banned in most places because of their danger, most towns and cities usually have big firework displays for all to see and enjoy.
Fireworks Safety Tips………..
If you live in an area that permits fireworks, whether just sparklers or the full range, here’s some tips to help make your celebration safe.
Use fireworks outdoors only.
Obey local laws. If fireworks are not legal where you live, do not use them.
Always have water handy. (A hose or bucket).
Only use fireworks as intended. Don’t try to alter them or combine them.
Never relight a “dud” firework. Wait 20 minutes and then soak it in a bucket of water.
Use common sense. Spectators should keep a safe distance from the shooter and the shooter should wear safety glasses.
Alcohol and fireworks do not mix. Have a “designated shooter.”
Only persons over the age of 12 should be allowed to handle sparklers of any type.
Do not ever use homemade fireworks of illegal explosives: They can kill you! Report illegal explosives to the fire or police department in your community.
The National Council on Fireworks Safety invites you to celebrate our nation’s heritage on the Fourth of July, but celebrate safely.
Abraham Lincoln’s July 4, 1863 Speech…….
Fellow-citizens: I am very glad to see you to-night. But yet I will not say I thank you for this call. But I do most sincerely thank Almighty God for the occasion on which you have called. [Cheers.]
How long ago is it? Eighty odd years since, upon the Fourth day of July, for the first time in the world, a union body of representatives was assembled to declare as a self-evident truth that all men were created equal. [Cheers.]
That was the birthday of the United States of America. Since then the fourth day of July has had several very peculiar recognitions. The two most distinguished men who framed and supported that paper, including the particular declaration I have mentioned, Thomas Jefferson and John Adams, the one having framed it, and the other sustained it most ably in debate, the only two of the fifty-five or fifty-six who signed it, I believe, who were ever President of the United States, precisely fifty years after they put their hands to that paper it pleased the Almighty God to take away from this stage of action on the Fourth of July. This extraordinary coincidence we can understand to be a dispensation of the Almighty Ruler of Events.
Another of our Presidents, five years afterwards, was called from this stage of existence on the same day of the month, and now on this Fourth of July just past, when a gigantic rebellion has risen in the land, precisely at the bottom of which is an effort to overthrow that principle “that all men are created equal,” we have a surrender of one of their most powerful positions and powerful armies forced upon them on that very day. [Cheers.]
And I see in the succession of battles in Pennsylvania, which continued three days, so rapidly following each other as to be justly called one great battle, fought on the first, second and third of July; on the fourth the enemies of the declaration that all men are created equal had to turn tail and run. [Laughter and applause.]
Gentlemen, this is a glorious theme and a glorious occasion for a speech, but I am not prepared to make one worthy of the theme and worthy of the occasion. [Cries of “go on,” and applause.] I would like to speak in all praise that is due to the the [sic] many brave officers and soldiers who have fought in the cause of the Union and liberties of this country from the beginning of this war, not on occasions of success, but upon the more trying occasions of the want of success. I say I would like to speak in praise of these men, particularizing their deeds, but I am unprepared. I should dislike to mention the name of a single officer, lest in doing so I wrong some other one whose name may not occur to me. [Cheers.]
Recent events bring up certain names, gallantly prominent, but I do not want to particularly name them at the expense of others, who are as justly entitled to our gratitude as they. I therefore do not upon this occasion name a single man. And now I have said about as much as I ought to say in this impromptu manner, and if you please, I’ll take the music. [Tremendous cheering, and calls for the President to reappear.]
4th of July Humor……………………….
The Fourth of July weekend was approaching, and Miss Pelham, the nursery school teacher, took the opportunity to tell her class about patriotism. ‘We live in a great country,’ she announced. ‘One of the things we should be happy is that, in this country, we are all free.’
Trevor, who was a little boy in her class, came walking up to her from the back of the room. He stood with his hands on his hips and said loudly, ‘I’m not free. I’m four.’
Trevor, who was a little boy in her class, came walking up to her from the back of the room. He stood with his hands on his hips and said loudly, ‘I’m not free. I’m four.’
…………….
Father William, the old priest, made it a practice to visit the parish school one day a week. He walked into the 4th grade class, where the children were studying the states, and asked them how many states they could name. They came up with about 40 names. Father William jokingly told them that in his day students knew the names of all the states.
One lad raised his hand and said, ‘Yes sir, but in those days there were only 13 states.
Facts About Our American Bald Eagle………
Benjamin Franklin, John Adams and Thomas Jefferson served on the committee that picked the eagle for the national seal [Franklin wanted the turkey].
Bald eagles have few natural enemies and live only in North America.
Bald eagles get their white head and tail feathers about 4/5 years of age.
Bald eagles are not, and never were bald. The term comes from when “bald” meant “white-headed”.
Their maximum speed: 40 mph or over 100 mph while in a dive.
They can lift roughly half their body weight.
The Bald Eagle is no longer considered endangered, and now only threatened.
The only other kind of eagle in North America is the golden eagle.
Bald eagles mate for life, but if one dies, the survivor will accept a new mate.
It is a felony to shoot an eagle.
Deviled Eggs…..
OK, my favorite picnic food has always been Deviled Eggs. And my wife of 43 years makes THE BEST. Here’s her recipe:
6 ea Large Hard Cooked Eggs
4 tb Durkee’s Sauce
4 tb Durkee’s Sauce
1 ts Prepared Mustard
1 ea Dash Of White Pepper
1 ea Dash Paprika
Cut eggs lengthwise into halves. Slip out yolks and mash with a fork.
Mix together the Durkee’s, mustard, and pepper. Fill eggs with the yolk mixture, heaping it up lightly.
1 ea Dash Of White Pepper
1 ea Dash Paprika
Cut eggs lengthwise into halves. Slip out yolks and mash with a fork.
Mix together the Durkee’s, mustard, and pepper. Fill eggs with the yolk mixture, heaping it up lightly.
Sprinkle paprika over filled eggs. Deviled eggs are probably the best part of any picnic.
Next Newsletter………….
We’ll be back to our usual format next issue. Between now and then we will be attending the annual fishing tackle retailer show (ICAST) where the trade introduces lots of new products. A full report along with all of your fishing pictures will be included next issue.
We’ll be back to our usual format next issue. Between now and then we will be attending the annual fishing tackle retailer show (ICAST) where the trade introduces lots of new products. A full report along with all of your fishing pictures will be included next issue.
Until then, stay safe and enjoy this great globe we call earth.
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