Happy Birthday, America!

Have you wondered...

if you had a Revolutionary War Patriot or Soldier in your ancestry?  Dick Eastman posted on his newsletter a good article that may be of help. [Not mentioned was the 1840 U.S. Federal Census list those living in the household that are getting military pensions.  - JGW]

See his article at: http://blog.eogn.com/eastmans_online_genealogy/2013/07/how-to-find-a-revolutionary-war-patriot.html

Happy July 4th.!

From TSGS

- Graphic created by Steve Oberlin, copyright 2009 by the Indiana Society Sons of the American Revolution.

Happy Birthday, America!

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Reflecting on this special day...

As Americans celebrate July 4th. with all that traditionally happens on this day, I wonder if we think very much about what this day means to all of us.  It was a day back in 1776, when a group of English Colonist decided to declare independence from England and the King!  It could easily mean death to many of them for being treasonous.  Their families were being put at risk, as well.  This was a bold stand to take with such slogans as: "Give Me Liberty or Death!"  They made signs and even had flags that pictured the rattlesnake with the words: "Don't Tread on Me!" that served as a warning, as well as, a threat.  This had to be a time of complete turmoil for many of our ancestors.  England had a mighty army and navy and, yet, the Colonist took them on!  It would have been just a foolish attempt to rid the Colonies of the unfair controls of the Crown across the ocean, except for the strong resolve of these people.  They risked everything... their lives, their families, their homes - everything they had for freedom.  We have a great nation, today, that was built on this desire to control its own destiny.

This morning, I thought about the life I grew up as a kid with Television that featured shows like the "Andy Griffith Show" with Opie (played by Ron Howard) and Don Knotts, plus so many others.  Times seemed so simple before computers, cell phones and all of our high-tech toys!  A true legend, Andy Griffith, died yesterday at the age of 86.  We will all go on with our busy lives to celebrate today another birthday for the USA... we will need to be careful today with fireworks due to the fire hazards caused by our current drought, but we will have our picnics, parades, family reunions and whatever else we, as American families traditionally do.

This morning I have a unique opportunity to join with others in Hopkinsville, Kentucky to be at the dedication ceremony of the memorial monument erected at Kentucky Veteran's Cemetery West in honor of the men who participated in the American Revolutionary War that were buried in Christian County, Kentucky.  One of my ancestors. Thomas West, Jr., will be listed on the very large 7-foot monolith-style marker.  I will reflect on what he and so many others risked or in many cases gave-up for this nation to exist.  I will also be reminded of my family and my life growing up in a country that we too often take for granted.  I hope everyone will take a little time to think what this day, July the Fourth, means to us all!

- Written by JGWest

Happy Birthday, America!

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Genealogists... Happy 4th. of July!!!

Ritzy's Fantasy of Lights - Christmas 2010

This display reflects the image of the celebration of our great nation with the flag, the American Bald Eagle & fireworks! It is the last light display as you leave Garvin Park (sponsored by the electrical workers who each year donate their time to set up these displays). This is the annual fund raiser for Easter Seals.

(Click on photo for larger image.)

- photo taken & submitted by JGWest (taken from inside of car).

Statue of Liberty

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This Statue of Liberty display is in Santa Claus, Indiana in a very patriotic person's yard... it even has lights to illuminate it at night!


Happy July 4th. weekend!

- Photo taken & submitted by JGWest

S.A.R. Applications Free Access!

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Submitted by Christopher D. Myers via Ancestry.com In celebration of the 4th of July, Ancestry.com’s new collection – the Sons of the American Revolution applications – will be available FREE this weekend. These records can take a family back two centuries in just one document, and shed light on our forbearers’ brave actions that founded the United States.

4th of July - Ancestry.com
www.ancestry.com

From the FIRST MATE's PHOTO ALBUM...

This bench was on display at a vendor's booth at the Indiana State Fair last year. I thought it would be nice to show here to kick off the 2010 Fourth of July weekend. Play safely with fireworks, drive safely and do not eat too much! Try to learn one new fact about your family this weekend.

- Photo taken & submitted by JGWest

Happy Fourth of July Weekend!

After all of the fireworks being fired-up last night across our great country, here is a nice tribute to America's Declaration of Independence - with beautiful photos of fireworks and other patriotic photos: Fourth of July Slideshow

- Thanks, Don Counts for submitting this slideshow!

Don has sent me another link to a great Fourth of July site with music and slides - very uplifting! Here's wishing everyone a great Fourth of July Weekend!

"Happy July 4th. America!"

Happy 4th. of July to all...

Let us all remember the true meaning of our celebrations and especially those responsible.

"Every true Christian is a patriot."
- John Frederic Oberlin, 1792

-Submitted by Steve Oberlin,
President, Indiana Society
Sons of the American Revolution