Post by Tony Malanowski
"Freedom is never more than one generation from extinction. We didn't pass it to our children in the bloodstream. It must be fought for, protected and handed on for them to do the same, or one day, we will spend our sunset years telling our children and our children's children what it was once like in the United States where men were free." - President Ronald Reagan.
On this day, the celebration of the signing of the Declaration of Independence on July 4th, 1776, we need to think seriously about where our country is, why and how she was founded, and what duties we as Citizens are required to perform to maintain that freedom.
We can start by considering the above quote from President Reagan. If you are parents reading these words, you need to be aware that it is your responsibility to pass on the history, traditions and culture of our Nation. If you are a student reading this blog, you need to take some time this summer to find out more about how your country was founded, and what is expected of you if you want to continue to live in a free nation.
On July 2, 1776, the Second Continental Congress approved a Resolution of Independence from Great Britain. After additional debate, the final document, known as the Declaration of Independence, was signed two days later on July 4th, 1776. John Adams, one of the original Founding Fathers, who pushed strongly for independence from British rule, wrote a letter to his wife Abigail. In this letter, dated July 3, 1776, Adams relates his feelings and his plans for the future of this new nation. Of course, the date which would be remembered would ultimately be July 4th, the date that is featured on the actual Declaration of Independence document, and not the 2nd, when the resolution was approved.
Here is a portion of that letter, with the original spellings and emphasis written by Adams:
The Second Day of July 1776, will be the most memorable Epocha, in the History of America. I am apt to believe that it will be celebrated, by succeeding Generations, as the great anniversary Festival. It ought to be commemorated, as the Day of Deliverance by solemn Acts of Devotion to God Almighty. It ought to be solemnized with Pomp and Parade, with Shews, Games, Sports, Guns, Bells, Bonfires and Illuminations from one End of this Continent to the other from this Time forward forever more. You will think me transported with Enthusiasm but I am not. I am well aware of the Toil and Blood and Treasure, that it will cost Us to maintain this Declaration, and support and defend these States. Yet through all the Gloom I can see the Rays of ravishing Light and Glory. I can see that the End is more than worth all the Means. And that Posterity will tryumph in that Days Transaction, even altho We should rue it, which I trust in God We shall not. - John Adams.
We must always remember that these men, who we call our Founding Fathers, were ready to sacrifice everything. Here is an excellent link on the website of The Connecticut Society of the Sons of the American Revolution, telling what kind of men these Founders were, and what they were willing to endure to create the United States of America (and make sure to read the "Rebuttal" segment which clarifies and corrects some of the points in the first section):
www.connecticutsar.org/articles/price_paid.htm
After you have spent some time with these Great Patriots, then go out and make the words of John Adams come alive! Attend Patriotic Shows and Parades, ring Bells and enjoy Fireworks (Illuminations) from one end of the country to the other! And make sure to tell your friends and neighbors something of what you have learned, and urge them to visit this site, and gain a little more insight into what we are celebrating today. That's the kind of "Public Virtue" the Founders expected of us.
And then enjoy, and Celebrate the Birthday of the Nation which
truly is God's Greatest Gift to mankind!
Two weeks ago, my family and I attended the Pasadena Homeschool Convention for C.H.E.A (Christian Home Educator's Association). This being only our second convention, we were still a little new to the whole process. Nonetheless, everyone was really excited. The convention lasted from Friday the 16th until Sunday the 18th. This was a bit different, since we had heard that most conventions do not schedule events on Sundays. So, we were surprised to find out when we arrived Sunday morning, several of the exhibitors had already left. We were almost completely surrounded by a line of empty exhibitor booths! It was unexpected, but we kept going.
This convention wasn't that much different from the one in Ohio, but it was so much closer to home. That made it a lot easier to get all of our supplies there (especially the 32 inch Flatscreen TV monitor)! We were even able to bring our friend Joey Saraceno along to help us out. This convention was also huge, and there were constant waves of attendees coming into the Exhibit Hall. We met a lot of really amazing people, ran into some friends, and definitely got the word out for America: Her People, Her Stories. Having received tons of positive responses, the whole family was eager to get started again the following week at the A.F.H.E. Phoenix Homeschool Convention.
Our good friend Joey (center) helping us out at the booth.
Our whole family (l. to r.) - Melissa, Tony (Dad), Shan (Mom) and Alison; even Granddad joined us on the monitor! 
