I don't know about you, but I still get "goose bumps" when I hear the song, "God Bless America", or when I stand and "Pledge Allegiance" to the Flag.  

So, enjoy the Holiday, but don't forget who made it possible.

Love All Of You,

ARareJewelInLA
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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 signed the 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. A few weeks later he died from exhaustion and a broken heart. Norris and Livingston suffered similar fates.
    Such were the stories and sacrifices of the American Revolution. These were not wild-eyed, rabble-rousing ruffians. They were soft-spoken men of means and education. They had security, but they valued liberty more. Standing tall, straight, and unwavering, they pledged: "For the support of this declaration, with firm reliance on the protection of the divine providence, we mutually pledge to each other, our lives, our fortunes, and our sacred honor."
    They gave you and me a free and independent America. The history books never told us a lot of what happened in the Revolutionary War. Our forefathers didn't just fight the British. They were British subjects at that time, and they fought their own government! Some of us take these liberties so much for granted...and we shouldn't.
    So, let's take a few moments while enjoying our 4th of July holiday and silently appreciate these patriots and thank the God who moved them. It's not much to ask for the price they paid.

Submitted by Neednuttin in 1998.

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Origin of Fireworks

    "Fireworks were originally developed, according to most scholars, in the second century B.C., in China.
    The loud explosion was perfect for frightening off spirits, celebrating weddings, battle victories and eclipses of the moon.  It was used in religious ceremonies and later adapted for military use during the Middle Ages in the form of flaming arrows.
    The original skyrocket used a long wooden or bamboo stick to provide stability through flight.
    The popularity of fireworks has grown in recent years due to spectacular effects of colors and sounds.  Fireworks have evolved into an emotional experience that includes choreographed music with precise launch timing to create a dazzling spectacle."  Source:  Butler Eagle, Wed. 7/3/02, Page 11

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Michael Jackson, 1958-2009
 
Michael Jackson is dead at age 50. The little kid from Gary, Ind., crossed racial and musical
lines to become the King of Pop. Remember Jackson by viewing a slideshow of his more than 40-year career and reading an essay of appreciation. Click here to continue » 
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 The Deacon's Dining Room Needs YOU!

With the downturn in the economy and the closure of several meal programs in the area, the Deacon's Dining Room is busier than ever!  There is a volunteer opportunity for everyone, from prep and cooking (8 -11 AM), serving (11 am - 1 pm ), and clean-up (12:30 pm - 2 pm).  There are also opportunities throughout the week as well, if Saturdays do not work for you.  Contact Mary Crooms, Nillie Jackson, or Mother Alcena for more information

reprinted from The Communicator June 2009

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Wednesday Worshop Opportunities Abound!

Did you miss service on Sunday?  Do you need a mid-week pick-me-up?  There are other worship opportunities available.  Morning prayer is offered weekdays at The Chapel of the Blessed Virgin Mary, located at the Episcopal Diocesan Offices, 11800 SW Military Lane, Portland.  Of course, don't forget our Wednesday evening service now offered at 6:30 pm.

reprinted from The Communicator June 2009

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Parish Sale

We will be having a Parish Sale Aug 1st.  In addition to several very large donations of quality items, we are looking for donations of special quality that you may have to offer, as well.  If you would be interested in helping or donating, please contact Deacon Sally or Gail Thompson.

reprinted from The Communicator June 2009

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Thought to Ponder

"The whole art of government consists in the art of being honest."

-President Thomas Jefferson
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If you have an announcement you would like published on this website, please contact Dale Gillette at gillette8191@comcast.net