With the fourth following on a Monday, this year’s holiday has given many a three-day weekend – and I imagine more than a few people took Friday off to make it a four-day weekend. This weekend will provide time for fireworks, parades, grilling, water activities, and countless time-honored traditions.
Whether it is one of the many patriotic songs as God Bless America, the Star Spangled Banner, or America the Beautiful … and no matter if the artist is Lee Greenwood, Celine Dion, Toby Keith, or Kate Smith – there are many songs that touch us not only on this day, but each day.
I was in college in 1973 when two Canadians step forward to defend America. Gordon Sinclair of CFRB in Toronto wrote a newspaper editorial. Later CKLW’s Byron MacGregor read the editorial and eventually recorded it with the Detroit Symphony Orchestra – and that recording sold 3.5 million records with proceeds going to the American Red Cross.
Although the setting of those words were in a different context as today, they still carry a strong meaning. Have a safe and wonderful Fourth of July – and don’t forget the intent of the day.
A Frank Angle 
A great video with a fascinating commentary. So many parallels could be drawn to modern times – the spate of earthquakes in Haiti and New Zealand and Japan; the economic crises in Greece and Japan; the flood relief provided to Pakistan; even the rebuilding efforts in Iraq and Afghanistan. While the world is more involved in our overseas efforts, have the people of Alabama, or Minot in North Dakota, or Joplin seen overseas countries marching in to rebuild? I mean our friends and neighbors no disrespect – but I would like to see a comparison of our percentage of budget going to help others versus those of, say, France or Germany or other sometimes prickly allies of ours.
Let’s hope the pettiness of current politics does not cause a xenophobic reaction in our foreign aid. Better to be “overpaid, oversexed, and over there” than to turn our backs on the world, with all the current troubles.
(Slides soapbox off to the side.) And a very Happy Fourth of July to all, and hopes that our beloved Canadian members enjoyed their special day on Friday, and continue to enjoy the presence of the newest wedded couple of the English royal family!
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John,
It’s amazing how many songs, books, sayings, etc that are made for one event, place, and time is so applicable to other situations. Thanks for making the connections. Have a safe 4th!
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Thanks Frank for posting this. I recall reading this from Gordon Sinclair after 9/11. I’ll never forget the article or Sinclair himself.
And I agree with johncerickson about it applying to today’s times. I guess the more things change the more they stay the same.
Enjoy the 4th my good buddy!
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That was cool. Thanks, Frank and Happy Fourth. 🙂
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Melissa,
Greetings the wonder from Alabama. Glad you enjoyed this. Have a bountiful 4th!
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Happy Fourth my American friends…. “we” are the champions ….
Hope this embed works.
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Meesh,
Many thanks … and like Dragonfae says, a good Queen song is always welcome!
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Frank, thanks for posting this. I too remember seeing it after 9/11. I really is a wonderful piece.
Meesh, thanks for the video … I always love a good Queen song! 🙂
A safe and happy 4th to all! 😀
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D-Fae,
Besides remembering the time when it was a hit, my college was within the CKLW listening area, so I recall Byron MacGregor doing the news. Have a safe 4th!
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Very nice! That editorial was awesome. I’m taking tomorrow off. 4 day weekends are heaven sent. 🙂 Happy Fourth, Frank!
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very cool. hope you had a fun and safe 4th, frank. same to all of your readers. 🙂
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Hello Frank. Sorry for the late greetings but I’ll do it anyway… Happy 4th of July! I hope that you’ve had a great day!
Wow, 1973? I wasn’t born yet. But selling 3.5 million copies and giving all the proceeds to the American Red Cross —- wonderful.
You take care. Hugs from Sweden!
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