Some More on Abel Willard Atherton

From the July 2, 2021, Vita Brevis site "July 4 and My Family" by Scott C. Steward.

He was looking around for something to write about things happening to his family on  or around July 4.

"On my father's side,  my great-great-great-great grandfather Abel Willard Atherton was born in Lancaster, Massachusetts on the first anniversary of Independence Day:  July 4, 1777.

"Willard Atherton was in Portland, Maine to marry the widowed  Margaret Duncan in 1809, and he died in Castine, Maine in 1821.  His daughter, my ancestor Eliza Robinson Atherton, married Samuel Henry Foster of Boston in Portland in 1830; they later lived in New York...."

Footnote:  Colonel Abel Willard Atherton (1777-1821) married  Margaret (Weeks) Duncan in 1809.

--Brock-Perry

Movie Watching on the 4th of July-- Part 2: "Lincoln" and "Red Dawn"

2.  "LINCOLN"  (2012)One of best-known presidents who led the nation through one of its roughest stretched.  Features his humanity as he strives to end the Civil War and slavery.  And, of course, Fort Fisher played a big role in the movie.  My Civil War fort.

3.  "RED DAWN"  (1984)  Midwest high school kids fight back a Soviet Union invasion of the United States.  If you can ignore some really sad acting and hokey lines.  Patrick Swayze and the Wolverines.  Lots of action and feeling good USA!!!

Continued in my Tattooed On Your Soul:  World War II blog.

--Brock-Perry

Movie Watching on the 4th of July-- Part 1: "The Godfather"

From the July 4, 2019, Chicago Tribune "Celebrate Independence Day with 13 all-American movies" by Rex Crum.

Well, if it's too hot or, in our case here in northern Illinois, too rainy you might just want to stay inside and watch some movies.  And not just any movies.

And, if you're going to watch a movie this day, watch one that says "America."

In honor of those 13 colonies that this day took a big step to nationhood, here are 13 movies worth mention.

'THE GODFATHER"  (1972)

Loaded with classic lines like "I'm gonna make him an offer he can't refuse."  States its first words of dialogue when undertaker Bonasera tells Don Vito Corleone, "I believe in America."

This movie, despite the gangland aspect, tells the American immigrant story

--Brock-Perry

Thomas's Big Job-- Part 2: What Did George Do?

"Yes, the Declaration of Independence formally announces our break with Great Britain.  But why?  Does it give a hint of a reason, beyond the famous but vague phrases about self-evident truths and life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness?

"Yes it does.  The bulk of the 1,337 words are a protracted list of grievances against one man, King George III, the 'Author of our Miseries,' to use the words of Richard Henry Lee.

"Thirteen consecutive paragraphs, each 'beginning 'He has...' gives a list of detailed gripes.  The king 'refused his Assent to Laws, the most wholesome and necessary for the public good.'  He called together 'legislative bodies at places unusual, uncomfortable, and distant.'  He dissolved legislatures and blocked elections."

The rest of the column by Mr. Steinberg paints our President Trump as being the new King George III.  Worth a read.

So That Is That.  --Brock-Perry

Thomas's Big Job-- Part 1: The Declaration of Independence

From the July 4, 2018, Chicago Sun-Times  "Spirit of '76, Part 2:  If you're lost, check the map" by Neil Steinberg.

"It is essentially a memo drafted by a committee, albeit one that had the good sense to delegate the work to the best writer in the group, Thomas Jefferson.

"The 33-year-old Virginian required -- anyone sweating a deadline please take note --  18 days to turn around his assignment, writing the first draft of the Declaration of Independence in quill and ink in his rented two-room suite at the home of Philadelphia bricklayer Jacob Graff."

This document formally announces our break from Great Britain.

--Brock-Perry

4th of July: Part of It Is About The Flags

And,, I have plenty of U.S. flags and items up for today outside the house.

Plus, I have a 34-star round flag from 1861-1863.

And, since June 16 I have been writing about that most famous of U.S. flags, the one that flew over Fort McHenry that inspired that song.

Happy 242nd birthday, U.S.A..

In the Mood for Patriotism.  --Brock-Perry

What About 1775 and American Independence?

From the History Channel site.

When the initial battles of the American Revolution were fought in 1775, few colonists wanted independence form Great Britain.  Those who did (Sons of Liberty and Patriots) were considered radical.  By the middle of the following year, however, many more colonists, especially in New England, were in favor of independence.

On June 7, 1776, the Continental Congress met at the Pennsylvania State House (now Independence Hall) in Philadelphia.  Virginia delegate Richard Henry Lee introduced a motion calling for the colonies' independence.

A heated debate was held and the vote postpones.  But a five-man-committee was appointed to draft a formal statement justifying a full break with Great Britain (Independence).

Members were Thomas Jefferson of Virginia, John Adams of Massachusetts, Roger Sherman of Connecticut, Benjamin Franklin of Pennsylvania and Robert R. Livingston of New York.

--Brock-Perry

Celebrating the First War of Independence Today

The War of 1812 is often referred to as the Second War for American Independence.  This time fought to achieve nation status with Britain who continually disrespected the country even after they granted the colonies their independence.

So happy Birthday.  --Brock-Perry