Insane MelodyPanda's blog: "Wit and Wisdom"

The Men Who Signed the Declaration of Independence 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 talk 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 you a lot about what happened in the Revolutionary War. We didn't fight just the British. We were British subjects at that time and we fought our own government! Some of us take these liberties so much for granted, but we shouldn't. So, take a few minutes while enjoying your 4th of July Holiday and silently thank these patriots. It's not much to ask for the price they paid. Remember: Freedom is never free! Those who signed were: JOHN HANCOCK President of the Continental Congress 1775-1777 NEW HAMPSHIRE Josiah Bartlett William Whipple Matthew Thornton MASSACHUSETTS BAY Samuel Adams John Adams Robert Treat Paine Elbridge Gerry RHODE ISLAND Stephan Hopkins William Ellery CONNECTICUT Roger Sherman Samuel Huntington William Williams Oliver Wolcott NEW YORK William Floyd Philip Livingston Francis Lewis Lewis Morris NEW JERSEY Richard Stockton John Witherspoon Francis Hopkinson John Hart Abraham Clark DELAWARE Caesar Rodney George Read Thomas M'Kean MARYLAND Samuel Chase William Paca Thomas Stone Charles Carrol of Carrollton VIRGINIA George Wythe Richard Henry Lee Thomas Jefferson Benjamin Harrison Thomas Nelson, Jr. Francis Lightfoot Lee Carter Braxton PENNSYLVANIA Rober Morris Benjamin Rush Benjamin Franklin John Morton George Clymer James Smith George Taylor James Wilson George Ross NORTH CAROLINA William Hooper Joseph Hewes John Penn SOUTH CAROLINA Edward Rutledge Thomas Heyward, Jr. Thomas Lynch, Jr. Arthur Middleton GEORGIA Button Gwinnett Lyman Hall George Walton ---------- One detail that is not mentioned, in DC, there can never be a building of greater height than the Washington Monument With all the uproar about removing the ten commandments, etc... This is worth a moment or two of your time. I was not aware of this historical information. On the aluminum cap, atop the Washington Monument in Washington DC, are displayed two words: Laus Deo. No one can see these words. In fact, most visitors to the monument are totally unaware they are even there and for that matter, probably couldn't care less. Once you know Laus Deo's history, you will want to share this with everyone you know. But these words have been there for many years; they are 555 feet, 5.125 inches high, perched atop the monument, facing skyward to the Father of our nation, overlooking the 69 square miles which comprise the District of Columbia, capital of the United States of America. Laus Deo! Two seemingly insignificant, un-noticed words. Out of sight and, one might think, out of mind, but very meaningfully placed at the highest point over what is the most powerful city in the most successful nation in the world. So, what do those two words, in Latin, composed of just four syllables and only seven letters, possibly mean? Very simply, they say "Praise be to God!" Though construction of this giant obelisk began in 1848, when James Polk was President of the United States, it was not until 1888 that the monument was inaugurated and opened to the public. It took twenty-five years to finally cap the memorial with a tribute to the Father of our nation, Laus Deo .......... ......"Praise be to God!" From atop this magnificent granite and marble structure, visitors may take in the beautiful panoramic view of the city with it's division into four major segments. From that vantage point, one can also easily see the original plan of the designer, Pierre Charles l'Enfant...a perfect cross imposed upon the landscape, with the White House to the North. The Jefferson Memorial is to the south, the Capitol to the east and the Lincoln Memorial to the West. A cross you ask? Why a cross? What about separation of church and state? Yes, a cross; separation of church and state was not, is not, in the Constitution. So, read on. How interesting and, no doubt, intended to carry a profound meaning for those who bother to notice. Praise be to God! Within the monument itself are 898 steps and 50 landings. As one climbs the steps and pauses at the landings the memorial stones share a message. On the 12th Landing is a prayer offered by the City of Baltimore; on the 20th is a memorial presented by some Chinese Christians; on the 24th a presentation made by Sunday School children from New York and Philadelphia quoting Proverbs 10:7, Luke 18:16 and Proverbs 22:6. Praise be to God! When the cornerstone of the Washington Monument was laid on July 4th, 1848 deposited within it were many items including the Holy Bible presented by the Bible Society. Praise be to God! Such was the discipline, the moral direction, and the spiritual mood given by the founder and first President of our unique democracy ...."One Nation, Under God." I am awed by Washington's prayer for America. Have you never read it? Well, now is your unique opportunity, so read on! "Almighty God; We make our earnest prayer that Thou wilt keep the United States in Thy holy protection; that Thou wilt incline the hearts of the citizens to cultivate a spirit of subordination and obedience to government; and entertain a brotherly affection and love for one another and for their fellow citizens of the United States at large. And finally that Thou wilt most graciously be pleased to dispose us all to do justice, to love mercy, and to demean ourselves with that charity, humility, and pacific temper of mind which were the characteristics of the Divine Author of our blessed religion, and without a humble imitation of whose example in these things we can never hope to be a happy nation. Grant our supplication, we beseech Thee, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen." Laus Deo! When one stops to observe the inscriptions found in public places all over our nation's capitol, he or she will easily find the signature of God, as it is unmistakably inscribed everywhere you look. You may forget the width and height of "Laus Deo", it's location, or the architects but no one who reads this will be able to forget it's meaning, or these words: "Unless the Lord builds the house its builders labor in vain. Unless the Lord watches over the city, the watchmen stand guard in vain." (Psalm 127: 1) It is hoped you will send this to every child you know; to every sister, brother, father, mother or friend. They will not find offense, because you have given them a lesson in history that they probably never learned in school. With that, be not ashamed, or afraid, but have pity on those who will never see. CLICK HERE TO PASS IT ON God bless the U S A !! Authur Unknown ~ Please email us if you know who wrote this wonderful article. The Washington Monument Located in Washington, DC, at the western end of the National Mall, this four-sided stone structure (modeled after a classic Egyptian obelisk) honors the "Father of our Country," General, Founding Father, and the first president of the United States (1789-1797), George Washington. At 555 feet 5 1/8 inches (169.29 meters) high, the Washington Monument towers over everything in Washington, DC and is one of the tallest masonry structures in the world. Fifty flags surround the base of the Washington Monument and symbolize the 50 states of the Union. If you take the elevator to the pyramid top, windows in the observation room offer views of the Lincoln Memorial, the White House, the Thomas Jefferson Memorial, and the Capitol building. On the 140-foot landing of the monument, a memorial stone is inscribed with a prayer from the city of Baltimore. It reads "May Heaven to this union continue its beneficence; may brotherly affection with union be perpetual; may the free constitution which is the work of our ancestors be sacredly maintained and its administration be stamped with wisdom and with virtue." On the 260-foot landing of the Washington Monument memorial stones quote Proverbs 10:7, Proverb 22:6, and Luke 17:6. These stones were presented by Sunday school children from New York and Philadelphia. NOTE: Robert Mills' original design for the monument was greatly altered in the course of construction and the present monument has little in common with Mills' elaborate plan. His design, a combination of Greek and Egyptian architecture, called for a 600 foot obelisk centered on a circular colonnaded pantheon, 250 feet in diameter and 100 feet high. It was to have 30 spaces set aside between the columns to eventually be filled with statues of prominent Americans, and over the entrance was to be a toga-clad Washington driving a triumphal chariot. The cornerstone for the monument was laid on July 4, 1848, within the cornerstone rests the Holy Bible, presented by the Bible Society. The monument was opened to the public on October 9, 1888. In total, there are 36,491 stones. Inserted into the interior walls of the monument are 188 carved stones presented by individuals, societies, cities, states, and nations of the world. Did you know that there is a "ring" around the monument? Due to several setbacks, the monument stood incomplete at the height of about 150 feet for 25 years. Work resumed in 1880; however, the new marble stones came from a different quarry than the original. There is a discoloration on the outside of the obelisk that clearly marks the older structure from the later one, even though it is the same kind of marble. Since the marble came from three different quarries, it was impossible to match the later marble to the older perfectly. DID YOU KNOW? Since 1789 every session of Congress opens with prayer by a paid minister. His salary has always been paid by taxpayers. Bible verses are etched in stone all over the federal buildings and monuments throughout Washington D.C. John Jay, who was the very first Supreme Court Justice said "Americans should select and prefer Christians as their rulers." Fifty-two of the fifty-five founders of the Constitution were members of the established orthodox churches in the colonies. Thomas Jefferson worried that the courts would overstep their authority and instead of interpreting the law would begin making law - an oligarchy, the rule of few over many. (Did You Know was found in the book "Under God" by Toby Mac and Michael Tait)

The large copper statue that stands on Liberty Island in New York Harbor is a rememberance of our Nations FREEDOM France gave the statue to America in 1884 as a symbol of friendship and of the liberty that citizens enjoy under a free form of government. The statues proper name is Liberty Enlightening the World. The statue represents a proud woman, dressed in a loose robe that falls in graceful folds to the top of the pedestal on which the statue stands. The right arm holds a great torch raised high in the air. The left arm grasps a tablet bearing the date of the Declaration of Independence. A crown with huge spikes, like sun rays, rest on her head. At her feet is a broken shackle, which symbolizes the overthrow of tyranny.

The song "America" is sung across America as one of the National Anthems. It was written by Reverand Samuel Francis Smith in 1832. It was first used at a children's fourth of July picnic in Boston. Lowell Mason discovered the tune in a collection of German melodies and recommended it to Rev. Smith. The music to "America" is the same as that of the British national anthem, "God Save the Queen." It is said that Henry Carey put the melody into its present form. Words are: My country, 'tis of thee, Sweet land of liberty, Of thee I sing; Land where my fathers died. Land of the Pilgrims' pride, From every mountainside Let Freedon ring. My native country, thee Land of the noble free-- Thy name I love; I love thy rocks and rills, Thy woods and templed hills; My heart with rapture thrills Like that above. Liberty Bell The Liberty Bell represents America's freedom. The Liberty Bell is located at the Liberty Bell Pavilion on Market Street between 5th and 6th Streets in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. It was cast in London and was made of 70% copper, 25% tin, and small amounts of lead, zinc, arsenic, gold and silver. Written on the bell are the words, "Proclaim liberty throughout all the land unto all the inhabitants thereof". The Liberty Bell cracked the first time it was rung. It was repaired in 1846, and cracked again. The bell has not been rung since. FUN FACT Every 4th of July the Liberty Bell is tapped - not actually rung. The Eagle The Eagle In 1787, the newly formed United States adopted as its emblem a bald Eagle with wings that are outspread. The Eagle is shown with a shield on its breast, an olive branch in one foot, and a sheaf of arrows in the other foot. When the Eagle is placed on the American coat-of-arms it carries a scroll in its beak bearing the Latin words E Pluribus Unum, meaning one out of many. FUN FACT The first Eagle on an American coin appeared on a Massachusetts penny in 1776. The Declaration of Independence is a document written by our Founding Fathers declaring America's independence. A committee of five men, Thomas Jefferson, John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, Roger Sherman, and Robert R. Livingston were appointed to write the document.The first draft of the Declaration was written by Jefferson, in seclusion. He spent several days writing it. John Adams was the first person to revise the document, followed by Benjamin Franklin, and finally by the full Congressional Committee. It was altered a total of 47 times before independence was declared. Independence was declared on July 2, 1776, and 39 more revisions to the document followed. John Hancock was the first signer of the Declaration of Independence, on July 4, 1776. The Declaration of Independence is on display at the National Archives. President Jefferson wrote in the Declaration of Independence: "We hold these truths to be self-evident; that all men are created equal..." "Resolved, That these United Colonies are, and of right ought to be, free and independent States, that they are absolved from all allegiance to the British Crown, and that all political connection between them and the State of Great Britain is, and other to be, totally dissolved." Thomas Jefferson, was the 3rd President of the United States of America, from 1801 to 1809. Congress had appointed 5 men to prepare this proclamation, and Jefferson was the greatest contributor of the words contained in the document, and described the Declaration of Independence as "An expression of the American mind." Thomas Jefferson It was a declaration of independence for the colonies of the 13 States, in America, from Great Britian and was adopted on July 4, 1776 by the Second Continental Congress, when John Hancock, who was the President of the Congress, accepted and signed it. All the men who signed the document, knew that they had placed themselves in grave danger, but were willing to risk their live for what they believed. Jefferson used many of the ideas from John Locke who was an English Philosopher who argued against the philosopy that human beings were born with certain ideas. He believed that the mind was blank and only through experience, a person would begin to enter ideas. He was totally against the devine right of kings and argued that governments depended on the consent of the governed. The main ideas brought forth were that all men were created equal; that man had natural rights which were granted by God; that government could only have so much power in the lives of the people, and could only be governed by the agreement of the people; and the right of the people to rebel against a government which wanted to impose dictatorship or tyrany to its people. Thomas Jefferson was born in 1743 and died in 1826. His picture is on the $20 dollar bill, the $2 dollar bill and the nickle. He is considered to have been one of our greatest Presidents. He wrote these words on his own gravestone: "Here was buried Thomas Jefferson, author of the Declaration of Independence, of the statute of Virgina for religious freedom, and father of the University of Virginia." When the Declaration of Independence was declared, John Adams wrote this historic letter to his wife: "I am apt to believe that this day 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 solemized with pomp and parade, with shows, games, sports, guns, bells, bonfires, and illuminations, from one end of this continent to the other, from this time forward forevermore." FUN FACT One lucky Philadelphian purchased a $4.00 picture at a flea market. What they found behind the picture was an original 1776 printing of the Declaration of Independence. It was sold to TV producer Norman Lear for 8.1 million.

On July 4, 1777, the night sky of Philadelphia lit up with the blaze of bonfires. Candles illuminated the windows of houses and public buildings. Church bells rang out load, and cannons were shot from ships breaking the silence. The city was celebrating the first anniversary of the founding of the United States. The Fourth of July soon became the main patriotic holiday of the entire country. Veterans of the Revolutionary War made a tradition of gathering on the Fourth to remember their victory. In towns and cities, the American flag flew; shops displayed red, white, and blue decorations; and people marched in parades that were followed by public readings of the Declaration of Independence. In 1941, Congress declared July 4 a federal legal holiday. The 13 Colonies were Connecticut Delaware Georgia Maryland Massachusetts Bay New Hampshire" New Jersey New York North Carolina Pennsylvania Rhode Island South Carolina Virginia On June 14, 1777, at Philadelphia, the Marine Committee of the Second Continental Congress offered the resolution which resulted in the adoption of the Flag of the United States. As new states were admitted it became evident that the number of stripes in the flag would have to be limited. Congress ordered that after July 4, 1818, the flag should have thirteen stripes, symbolizing the thirteen original states, that the union would have twenty stars, and that a new star should be added on the July 4th following admission of a new state. The permanent arrangement of the stars is not designated, and no star is specifically identified with any state. Since 1912, following the admission of a new state, the new design has been announced by executive order. The original resolution read: "Resolved: that the flag of the United States be made of thirteen stripes, alternate red and white; that the union be thirteen stars, white in a blue field, representing a new constellation." Red is for Victory, White is for Purity, Blue is fo loyalty. I pledge alligiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the Republic for which it stands. One nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. History of the Pledge of Allegiance The original Pledge of Allegiance was written by Francis Bellamy. It was first given wide publicity through the official program of the National Public Schools Celebration of Columbus Day which was printed in The Youth's Companion of September 8, 1892, and at the same time sent out in leaflet form to schools throughout the country. School children first recited the Pledge of Allegiance this way: "I pledge allegiance to my Flag and to the Republic for which it stands one Nation indivisible, with Liberty and Justice for all." "The flag of the United States" replaced the words "my Flag" in 1923 because some foreign-born people might have in mind the flag of the country of their birth instead of the United States flag. A year later, "of America" was added after "United States." No form of the Pledge received official recognition by Congress until June 22, 1942, when the Pledge was formally included in the U.S. Flag Code. The official name of The Pledge of Allegiance was adopted in 1945. The last change in language came on Flag Day 1954, when Congress passed a law, which added the words "under God" after "one nation." Originally, the pledge was said with the right hand in the so-called "Bellamy Salute," with the right hand resting first outward from the chest, then the arm extending out from the body. Once Hitler came to power in Europe, some Americans were concerned that this position of the arm and hand resembled the Nazi or Fascist salute. In 1942 Congress also established the current practice of rendering the pledge with the right hand over the heart. The Flag Code specifies that any future changes to the pledge would have to be with the consent of the President.

The Star Spangled Banner Lyrics By Francis Scott Key 1814 Oh, say can you see by the dawn's early light What so proudly we hailed at the twilight's last gleaming? Whose broad stripes and bright stars thru the perilous fight, O'er the ramparts we watched were so gallantly streaming? And the rocket's red glare, the bombs bursting in air, Gave proof through the night that our flag was still there. Oh, say does that star-spangled banner yet wave O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave? On the shore, dimly seen through the mists of the deep, Where the foe's haughty host in dread silence reposes, What is that which the breeze, o'er the towering steep, As it fitfully blows, half conceals, half discloses? Now it catches the gleam of the morning's first beam, In full glory reflected now shines in the stream: 'Tis the star-spangled banner! Oh long may it wave O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave! And where is that band who so vauntingly swore That the havoc of war and the battle's confusion, A home and a country should leave us no more! Their blood has washed out their foul footsteps' pollution. No refuge could save the hireling and slave From the terror of flight, or the gloom of the grave: And the star-spangled banner in triumph doth wave O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave! Oh! thus be it ever, when freemen shall stand Between their loved home and the war's desolation! Blest with victory and peace, may the heav'n rescued land Praise the Power that hath made and preserved us a nation. Then conquer we must, when our cause it is just, And this be our motto: "In God is our trust." And the star-spangled banner in triumph shall wave O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave!

July is . . . . National Baked Beans Month, National Ice Cream Month, National Tennis Month, Read An Almanac Month, Anti-Boredom Month, and Hitchhiking Month Holidays are listed in chronological order. At the bottom are explanations and tips on how to celebrate certain holidays or sites you can link to containing more information on certain holidays. Remember this site is dedicated to bizarre American holidays, so naturally the links are of that nature. Also, you can link to the home page, previous month, or next month. July 1 is . . . . . Creative Ice Cream Flavor Day and Build A Scarecrow Day July 2 is . . . . . Visitation Of The Virgin Mary Day July 3 is . . . . . Stay Out Of The Sun Day and Compliment Your Mirror Day July 4 is . . . . . National Country Music Day and Tom Sawyer Fence-Painting Day July 5 is . . . . . Workaholics Day July 6 is . . . . . National Fried Chicken Day July 7 is . . . . . National Strawberry Sundae Day July 8 is . . . . . Video Games Day July 9 is . . . . . National Sugar Cookie Day July 10 is . . . . Clerihew Day July 11 is . . . . National Cheer Up The Lonely Day July 12 is . . . . National Pecan Pie Day July 13 is . . . . Fool's Paradise Day July 14 is . . . . National Nude Day July 15 is . . . . National Tapioca Pudding Day and Respect Canada Day July 16 is . . . . International Juggling Day July 17 is . . . . National Peach Ice Cream Day July 18 is . . . . National Ice Cream Day and National Caviar Day July 19 is . . . . Flitch Day More Info on Flitch Day July 20 is . . . . Ugly Truck Contest Day July 21 is . . . . National Tug-Of-War Tournament Day July 22 is . . . . Ratcatcher's Day July 23 is . . . . National Vanilla Ice Cream Day July 24 is . . . . Amelia Earhart Day July 25 is . . . . Threading The Needle Day July 26 is . . . . All Or Nothing Day July 27 is . . . . Take Your Pants For A Walk Day July 28 is . . . . National Milk Chocolate Day July 29 is . . . . Cheese Sacrifice Purchase Day July 30 is . . . . National Cheesecake Day July 31 is . . . . Parent's Day More Info on Flitch Day An old custom from yesteryear developed into the holiday of Flitch Day. Bacon was given to any married couple who could prove they had lived in harmony and fidelity for one year. Very few "took home the bacon". GO TO JULY 19 TO THE TOP OF THE PAGE To see more Bizarre American Holidays follow one of the following links: Visit our Home Page for more informationBACK TO THE HOME PAGE

1776: The first public reading of the Declaration of Independance occurs in Philadelphia. 1804: Vice President Aaron Burr kills Secretary of the treasury Alexander Hamilton in a duel. 1854: The U.S. Republican Party holds it's first convention. 1865: The children's story "Alice's Adventures in Wonderland" is published. 1874: The first U.S. zoo opens in Philadelphia. 1885: Louis Pasteur successfully tests his rabies vaccine on a boy bitten by a rabid dog. 1904:Charles E. Menches of St. Louis reportedly invents the ice cream cone, though some dispute his claim. 1914: Babe Ruth takes the field at Fenway Park in hjis first major league baseball game. 1923:The famous Hollywood sign is dedicated in the hills above Los Angeles. It first read "Hollywoodland," but the lat four letter were removed in 1949. 1937: Hormel Foods Corp. introduces Spam, the luncheon meat, to the world 1946:The bikini debuts during a runway show in Paris. A year later, Americans are wearing the skimpy swimsuit. 1955: Disneyland opens with more than 28,000 people visiting the first day and 90 million watching on television. 1963: ZIP codes are introduced in the United States to speed up the transit of mail. 1976: The Viking 1 lands on Mars and takes its first picture of the red planet. 1997: The restored U.S.S. Constitution ("Old Ironsides")sails again after 116 years.

" I have a wonderful makeup crew. They're the same people restoring the Statue of Liberty." -Bob Hope "In the Statue of Liberty, we see the symbol that all are welcome and have a fair chance to succeed." -Dan Doctoroff "The crime problem in New York is getting serious. The other day the Statue of Liberty had both hands up" -Jay Leno "The statue of Liberty is no longer saying,"Give me your poor,your tired,your huddled masses." She's got a baseball bat and is yelling,'You want a piece of me?'" -Robin Williams "I've always had a strong feeling for the Statue of Liberty because it became the statue of my personal liberty." -David Antin