Happy 4th of July From the Mitchells

For years Mr. Mitchell and I have hosted Fourth of July picnics, some small and some that were larger. One year we had over 100 guests — family, friends, and neighbors — in the back yard celebrating America’s independence. Here’s a look back….

What is the 4th of July without American flags? They were in abundance.

Relaxing and taking photos before guests arrived.

Alex puts up flag over grilling area.

Flags, flags, flags.

The grilling area ready for
100+ guests … three grills, three cooks,
100 hotdogs, 100 hamburgers, 100 Italian sausages.

* “SWAC House” coined by Yankee Phil in his post about the cookout

Previous posts:
– SWAC House* 4th of July blast … part 1
– SWAC House* 4th of July blast … part 2
– SWAC House* 4th of July blast … part 3
– SWAC House* 4th of July blast … a Marine in Iraq: “Freedom Isn’t Free”
– 4th of July = flags, flags, flags
–A Look Back at 4th of July Parades, Cookouts at SWAC House

– SWAC House* 4th of July blast … fireworks!

Photos by Lynn R. Mitchell

The Declaration of Independence, July 4, 1776

IN CONGRESS, JULY 4, 1776

The unanimous Declaration of the thirteen united States of America

When in the Course of human events it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the political bands which have connected them with another and to assume among the powers of the earth, the separate and equal station to which the Laws of Nature and of Nature’s God entitle them, a decent respect to the opinions of mankind requires that they should declare the causes which impel them to the separation.

We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness. — That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed, — That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness. Prudence, indeed, will dictate that Governments long established should not be changed for light and transient causes; and accordingly all experience hath shewn that mankind are more disposed to suffer, while evils are sufferable than to right themselves by abolishing the forms to which they are accustomed. But when a long train of abuses and usurpations, pursuing invariably the same Object evinces a design to reduce them under absolute Despotism, it is their right, it is their duty, to throw off such Government, and to provide new Guards for their future security. — Such has been the patient sufferance of these Colonies; and such is now the necessity which constrains them to alter their former Systems of Government. The history of the present King of Great Britain is a history of repeated injuries and usurpations, all having in direct object the establishment of an absolute Tyranny over these States. To prove this, let Facts be submitted to a candid world.

It’s Independence Day weekend in America

American flags at the Mitchell home to celebrate Independence Day. Happy 4th!

The Declaration of Independence

IN CONGRESS, July 4, 1776.

The unanimous Declaration of the thirteen united States of America,

When in the Course of human events, it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the political bands which have connected them with another, and to assume among the powers of the earth, the separate and equal station to which the Laws of Nature and of Nature’s God entitle them, a decent respect to the opinions of mankind requires that they should declare the causes which impel them to the separation.

We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.–That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed, –That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness. Prudence, indeed, will dictate that Governments long established should not be changed for light and transient causes; and accordingly all experience hath shewn, that mankind are more disposed to suffer, while evils are sufferable, than to right themselves by abolishing the forms to which they are accustomed. But when a long train of abuses and usurpations, pursuing invariably the same Object evinces a design to reduce them under absolute Despotism, it is their right, it is their duty, to throw off such Government, and to provide new Guards for their future security.–Such has been the patient sufferance of these Colonies; and such is now the necessity which constrains them to alter their former Systems of Government. The history of the present King of Great Britain is a history of repeated injuries and usurpations, all having in direct object the establishment of an absolute Tyranny over these States. To prove this, let Facts be submitted to a candid world.

A look at past Staunton 4th of July parades, cookouts at SWAC House*

By Lynn R. Mitchell

Fourth of July. It’s one of our favorite holidays and we have celebrated with food, friends, family, and fireworks throughout the years. It started when Republican friends gathered in Gypsy Hill Park to decorate and walk with the Republican float in the Staunton Independence Day Parade. After the fun of the parade, everyone would then gather at our house in the afternoon where we grilled, enjoyed fellowship together, and remembered our military men and women.

Here’s a look back at just a few photos from some of those cookouts and parades. (*SWAC House was the name given by Yankee Phil at the 2009 cookout.)

Heightened security leading into July 4th holiday

By Lynn R. Mitchell

The FBI has issued warnings leading up the 4th of July weekend alerting Americans of heightened terrorist activity (see Security ramped up over terror concerns as Americans prepare to celebrate 4th of July) . Just a heads-up to be aware as America goes into the long holiday weekend to celebrate our independence. Happy 4th!

4th of July free admission at Frontier Culture Museum

By Lynn R. Mitchell

Free admission and celebration America’s independence will be on tap at Staunton’s Frontier Culture Museum on Saturday, July 4th, for the annual waiving of the admission to invite Americans to enjoy this historical treasure. Featured will be many traditional events and activities including reading the Declaration of Independence at noon.

Bring the family and a picnic, and plan to spend the day soaking in the history of America.

Here’s the schedule of events for Saturday, July 4, 2015:

Random acts of kindness … the patriotic friendship quilt

By Lynn R. Mitchell

There was an unexpected box under the Christmas tree this year that, I was surprised to learn, was for me. It was Christmas Day and we had finished opening gifts when my mom reached over for one leftover gift and handed it to me. As we sat in my living room, I opened it while all eyes were on me — my parents, husband, children, sister, brother-in-law, and niece. Mom was all mysterious and mum, so we wondered what it was and where it had come from. She wasn’t saying … just sat there with a big cat-that-swallowed-the-canary grin on her face. I excitedly ripped off the paper to find a fairly large brown box that I quickly opened.

Shenandoah Valley: An Augusta County Independence Day

Some of our American flags in front of the house.

Independence Day 2014 message from former President George W. Bush

By Lynn R. Mitchell

Former President George W. Bush had an Independence Day message for America on this July 4, 2014:

“Laura and I wish our fellow Americans a Happy Independence Day. We are fortunate to be citizens of this free land, and we are grateful to the brave men and women in uniform who call the United States home. Happy Fourth of July, and may God continue to bless America.”

July 4, 2014 … Staunton and Virginia helped create American independence

American flags against a cloudy Shenandoah Valley sky.

By Lynn R. Mitchell

It’s the anniversary of America’s independence and in Staunton, as in other small towns across America, our patriotism is displayed with fireworks and red, white, and blue bunting and American flags and a parade through Gypsy Hill Park as we fire up the grills and celebrate with family and friends.

At Staunton’s Frontier Culture Museum, admission is free as costumed interpreters go about the business of an old fashioned Independence Day. Meanwhile, the traditional Naturalization Ceremony will be held at nearby Monticello where visitors again visit for free.

Most importantly, the 4th of July provides an opportunity to reflect and be thankful for those who gave us the freedom we enjoy.

Happy Birthday, America!

By Anna Lee

Happy Birthday to the Greatest Country in the World. As we celebrate our Nation’s Independence Day, let’s not forget those who have fought and continue to fight for The Freedoms so many take for granted.

We are a Nation forever grateful. We all can help to preserve those freedoms by getting involved in the political process. This weekend get out and help with the parades and festivals in your local areas. Elections are won during the summer months so get involved and help flip the Senate. Let’s do our part to ensure the 4th of July will be celebrated by future generations.
—–
Anna Lee lives in Northern Virginia and is active with the Republican Party of Virginia and the Virginia Federation of Republican Women.

A tale of independence at St. John’s Church

By Patrick Haley

My wife, Brenda, and I lived and worked in Richmond, Virginia, a town rich in history, a few years ago.On the east end of town sitting atop a hill in one of Richmond’s oldest neighborhoods, Church Hill, was St. John’s Episcopal Church. Still active, it was built in 1741.

One evening after work, Brenda and I decided to walk the three blocks up to the famous church where Patrick Henry gave his “Give me liberty or give me death!” speech. As we arrived, a reenactment of the famous speech had just taken place. It was quite impressive and dramatic.

Free 4th of July at Frontier Culture Museum

By Lynn R. Mitchell

It’s an old-fashioned 4th of July at Staunton’s Frontier Culture Museum of Virginia … and it’s free! All are invited to join in the festivities as costumed historical interpreters go about their daily routines while interacting with visitors.

Check out Justin Reiter’s blog post for the museum (see Traditional July 4th) with all the activities, locations, and times. He reports that activities will include the reading of the Declaration of Independence, sack races, a watermelon seed spitting contest, and more. A great lineup of activities is scheduled so come on out and celebrate America’s Independence Day!

 

Celebrate 4th of July in Staunton

By Lynn R. Mitchell