On Thursday we'll celebrate Independence Day here in the United States of America. My direct ancestor William Lafayette Bell came to the Colonies from Ireland in 1750, eventually settling in Pennsylvania, and his son was a private in the Revolutionary War. We have his pay stubs for the 6 and 2/3 dollars per month he received during his service. Every year I always remember to think about what an amazing thing he contributed to, and how cool it is that his blood now flows in my 2 month old daughter's veins.
Since those days my family has continuously moved further west through the generations, following the frontier as it kept redefining what it means to be Independent both geographically and in spirit. My home state of Alaska is proud to be the 49th addition to the United States, and yet remains a fiercely independent state in it's own right.
To celebrate both on Thursday I will be loading up a bowl of McLelland 40th Anniversary in my J.M. Boswell Freehand Sitter and relaxing on the back porch, staring at the mountains above the Knik River, and appreciating the Independence our ancestors fought so hard to attain, and our brothers and sisters in arms continue to fight so hard to retain. We all owe them a significant debt for their incredible sacrifice, so please remember to thank them profusely when you cross paths for keeping the spirit our forefathers fought so hard to instill alive for centuries to come.
To any of those on the forum who have served, past and present, I offer you a most heartfelt THANK YOU! And remind you that the gratitude of we civilians for your service to our great country is never far from our thoughts.
What will all of you (American or otherwise) be smoking to celebrate the holiday on Thursday?
Since those days my family has continuously moved further west through the generations, following the frontier as it kept redefining what it means to be Independent both geographically and in spirit. My home state of Alaska is proud to be the 49th addition to the United States, and yet remains a fiercely independent state in it's own right.
To celebrate both on Thursday I will be loading up a bowl of McLelland 40th Anniversary in my J.M. Boswell Freehand Sitter and relaxing on the back porch, staring at the mountains above the Knik River, and appreciating the Independence our ancestors fought so hard to attain, and our brothers and sisters in arms continue to fight so hard to retain. We all owe them a significant debt for their incredible sacrifice, so please remember to thank them profusely when you cross paths for keeping the spirit our forefathers fought so hard to instill alive for centuries to come.
To any of those on the forum who have served, past and present, I offer you a most heartfelt THANK YOU! And remind you that the gratitude of we civilians for your service to our great country is never far from our thoughts.
What will all of you (American or otherwise) be smoking to celebrate the holiday on Thursday?
