As a true American and a patriot, I resent the fact the the President and other republicans refer to Jesse Helms as a true patriot. He was a man who did not believe other true Americans (black, gay and latino and others) should have rights that other Americans have and enjoy. Yet people like him, yes republicans want some one like Barack Obama, who has devoted his life to improve conditions of all Americans’ lives, to prove his patriotism. This is why we need to improve our image around the world. But how when we continue to honor people who work to destroy the ideas of America? Just remember Americans come in all colors with ancestors from all over the world. Yes, these Americans are the ones we need to honor on the this day, the fourth of July. True american patriots are those who fight to improve our country and and better the lives of its people.

God Bless you all!

Happy 4th to our troops - we are proud of you and what you are doing.

Annie Kate
Alabama

This is the day the path to freedom and all great things was opened.

Happy Independence Day; yes, that’s right Independence Day. So many people get caught up in the celebration of July 4th; it seems as though (just like with Christmas and Easter) we forget what we are actually celebrating. Everyone in America, knows today is a holiday, but how many people are actually celebrating the day we declared our independence, and how many people are simply cooking-out, and shooting fireworks. I wouldn’t be able to begin to count how many times I’ve been wished, Happy 4th of July; however, not one person has wished me a happy independence day.

You would think that this Independence Day would have a little extra meaning then previous years. Why? Oh wait, that’s right, we are at war. We still have soldiers dying in Iraq and Afghanistan. We are at war. Sounds kind of odd to say. America is at war. Growing up, learning about war in our history classes, I remember war being a much grander thing. Everyone in America was involved. Everyone at home made cut-backs to help our soldiers overseas. With gas prices higher than ever, you would think that now would be an opportune time to make a few cut-backs. Not the case, today’s streets were just as crowded as ever. Our rivers and lakes are full to capacity with people water skiing and lounging on their boat decks. Does this sound like a country that is at war? Regardless of whether or not you support the “war” we are in; it seems a little un-American to look the other way when American lives are being lost.

Working in the hotel industry, I have come to dread the approach of most holidays. Vacation time for America means busy time for us. In the past six years, I’ve worked every New Years, Easter, Memorial Day and Labor Day. Even worse, I’ve worked all Thanksgivings and Christmas’s. But what about Independence Day? The idea of vacationing on a day that celebrates our independence, while or military is fighting for the independence of others seems a little; for lack of a better word, rude. However, every year for the past six years, every hotel I’ve worked in has sold out. Including this year. Many experts were expecting a decline in the number of travelers this year…where was the decline?

So as you lay down tonight, exhausted from being in the sun all day, bellies full from the steak you cooked on the grill earlier. The smell of gunpowder still on your fingertips, and the crackling of fireworks exploding in the distance ask yourself, did I celebrate the day we declared our independence, or did I celebrate the 4th of July?

like the others i want to take time out to thank all the men and women that are serving this great country,your bravery and courage is greatly appreciated. I just hope that you all will be able to be home soon. thank you