I’m proud to be an American every day but even more so on Independence Day! I’m proud to be a citizen of the greatest nation on earth, founded on the principles of FREEDOM and LIBERTY for ALL! It was in that spirit of 1776 that I created the above animation of the waving Betsy Ross flag, flying through a golden sunset. Here is more information about the Spirit of 1776 Animation.
As we celebrate our nation’s Independence from Great Britain on Independence Day it is a good time to pause. Take a moment to reflect about the birth of this great nation and what it stands for. If we forget where we came from, and what we stand for, we won’t stand for long.
- The Declaration of Independence
- Our National Anthem – The Star Spangled Banner
- Home Free – God Bless the U.S.A featuring Lee Greenwood and The United States Air Force Band
The Declaration of Independence
George Washington Reads The Declaration of Independence
As the army gathered before their officers, they were read words written by Washington himself before the contents of the Declaration were mentioned. Washington explained that Congress had, “dissolved the connection” that previously bound their country to Great Britain and that the “United Colonies of North America,” had declared themselves to be, “free and independent states.” After his own words had been communicated, Washington’s troops were read the contents of the Declaration of Independence.
The Declaration of Independence is Read to George Washington’s Army
by Joe Archino
How American Independence Changed the World
The American colonies’ Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776, marked one of the greatest turning points in the history of mankind. This is no exaggeration.
The Declaration set in motion the launching of the greatest democratic Republic and the most politically, economically and militarily powerful nation on earth. There is not a close second.
How American Independence Changed the World
by Rod Thomson
The Declaration of Independence (as read by Max McLean)
“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.”
“And for the support of this Declaration, with a firm reliance on the protection of Divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes, and our sacred Honor.”
Thomas Jefferson, The Declaration of Independence
Second Continental Congress, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 1776
Our National Anthem – The Star Spangled Banner
Paul Harvey’s Rendition of the Star Spangled Banner Legend
Independence Day is a great time to renew our appreciation for the flag of the United States of America and what it stands for along with our National Anthem, The Star Spangled Banner.
Frances Scott Key waited on the British warship with American prisoners praying that our flag was still standing throughout the merciless bombardment of Fort McHenry by the entire British navy during the war of 1812. When the British admiral asked about the Americans holding the fort: “Don’t they understand this is an impossible situation?” Francis related that George Washington had once said that the thing that sets the American Christian apart from all other people in the world is he will die on his feet before he’ll live on his knees. Every-time, that flag was knocked down, Patriots risked their lives to raise it back up.
The True Story Behind the Star Spangled Banner
The story behind the Star Spangled Banner
How the flag that flew proudly over Fort McHenry inspired an anthem and made its way to the Smithsonian.

“It seemed as though mother earth had opened and was vomiting shot and shell in a sheet of fire and brimstone,” Key wrote later. But when darkness arrived, Key saw only red erupting in the night sky. Given the scale of the attack, he was certain the British would win. The hours passed slowly, but in the clearing smoke of “the dawn’s early light” on September 14, he saw the American flag—not the British Union Jack—flying over the fort, announcing an American victory.
The Story Behind the Star Spangled Banner – Smithsonian Magazine.
Home Free – God Bless the U.S.A.
Home Free performs a moving rendition of God Bless the USA featuring Lee Greenwood and The United States Air Force Band. This will bring chills to all AMERICAN PATRIOTS on Independence Day and every day! Enjoy!
The flag still stands for FREEDOM and they can’t take that away!
And I’m PROUD to be an AMERICAN where at least I know I’m FREE
And I won’t forget the men who DIED, who gave that RIGHT to me
And I’d gladly STAND UP next to you and DEFEND her still today
‘Cause there ain’t no doubt I LOVE this land
GOD bless the USA
God Bless The USA Lyrics
If tomorrow all the things were gone I’d worked for all my life
And I had to start again with just my children and my wife
I’d thank my lucky stars to be livin’ here today
‘Cause the flag still stands for freedom and they can’t take that away
And I’m proud to be an American where at least I know I’m free
And I won’t forget the men who died, who gave that right to me
And I’d gladly stand up next to you and defend her still today
‘Cause there ain’t no doubt I love this land
God bless the USA
From the lakes of Minnesota, to the hills of Tennessee
Across the plains of Texas, from sea to shining sea
From Detroit down to Houston and New York to LA
Well, there’s pride in every American heart
And it’s time we stand and say
That I’m proud to be an American where at least I know I’m free
And I won’t forget the men who died, who gave that right to me
And I’d gladly stand up next to you and defend her still today
‘Cause there ain’t no doubt I love this land
God bless the USA
And I’m proud to be an American where at least I know I’m free
And I won’t forget the men who died, who gave that right to me
And I’d gladly stand up next to you and defend her still today
‘Cause there ain’t no doubt I love this land
God bless the USA
Making of “God Bless The U.S.A.”
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Arigato Gozaimasu (Thank You Very Much!)
-Renshi Mike Scaramozzino