Posted by Cory [nt] on July 01, 2000 at 01:07:17:
In Reply to: Independence; We hold these truths to be self evident: posted by Brian (Cranky Yankee) C. on June 30, 2000 at 18:25:00:
: July fourth is the day when most of us in the USA commemerate the
: ideals of Rouseau, Locke, Smith, Washington, Jefferson, Adams, Henry,
: Paine, etc., in our own personal way by cooking some meat on a
: charcoal grill. Typically, citizens wear shorts and tank tops. The
: ceremony is usually conducted in a backyard, at the beach, or often
: the local swim club. Beer and soda often accompany a menu of
: barbecued beans, coleslaw, Potato chips, steaks, hot dogs and
: hambergers. Paper plates are popular. In many locales, public
: fireworks displays are held for 2,3 or 4 days culminating in
: a spectacular multi-million dollar event. In Boston, America's
: cradle of Liberty. Minute men re-enact Paul Revere's ride and
: the "shot heard 'round the world." The USS Constitution makes its
: annual turn around cruise in Boston Ha'bah while crowds throng
: at Waterfront Park within walking distance of Fan'l Hall, the
: Old North Church, The Old South Meeting Place. A public outdoor
: concert (televised nationally) is held on the banks of the Charles
: across from lcs.mit.edu. Arthur Fiedler and John Williams are
: gone now, but close to half a million people still swell the park
: and sing along to America the Beautiful. Late in the evening
: the fireworks rocket into the air. The incredible, pyrotechnic event
: lasts almost an hour. Then, abruptly; it is over. Similar scenes
: occur all over the country. It is easy to take so much for granted
: in such a rich nation where all "men are born equal and endowed
: by their creator with certain inalienable rights. Among these are
: the right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness."
: Happy Furth of July, everyone!