“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”.
This sentence has been called “one of the best-known sentences in the English language “and “the most potent and consequential words in American history”.
The United States Declaration of Independence is a statement adopted by the Continental Congress on July 4, 1776, which announced that the thirteen American colonies then at war with Great Britain were now independent states, and thus no longer a part of the British Empire. Written primarily by Thomas Jefferson, the Declaration is a formal explanation of why Congress had voted on July 2 to declare independence from Great Britain, more than a year after the outbreak of the American Revolutionary War. The birthday of the United States of America—Independence Day—is celebrated on July 4, the day the wording of the Declaration was approved by Congress.
The Declaration justified the independence of the United States by listing colonial grievances against King George III, and by asserting certain natural rights, including a right of revolution. Having served its original purpose in announcing independence, the text of the Declaration was initially ignored after the American Revolution. Its stature grew over the years, particularly the second sentence, and a sweeping statement of individual human rights:
After finalizing the text on July 4, Congress issued the Declaration of Independence in several forms. It was initially published as a printed broadside that was widely distributed and read to the public. The most famous version of the Declaration, a signed copy that is usually regarded as the Declaration of Independence, is on display at the National Archives in Washington, D.C. Although the wording of the Declaration was approved on July 4, the date of its signing has been disputed. Most historians have concluded that it was signed nearly a month after its adoption, on August 2, 1776, and not on July 4 as is commonly believed. The sources and interpretation of the Declaration has been the subject of much scholarly inquiry.
The famous wording of the Declaration seen above has often been invoked to protect the rights of individuals and marginalized groups, and has come to represent for many people a moral standard for which the United States should strive. This view greatly influenced Abraham Lincoln, who considered the Declaration to be the foundation of his political philosophy and who promoted the idea that the Declaration is a statement of principles through which the United States Constitution should be interpreted.
Music has become just as much a part of the July 4th as the occasion itself!
With our great selection of 4th of July songs, you can listen to your favourite Independence Day tunes all year round and let freedom ring everyday with Fourth of July music. If you’re patriotic and looking for music that suits your passion, then you’ve come to the right place.
Whether you’re barbequing, heading off to see fireworks and friends, or just watching the festivities from the comfort of your own home, 4th of July songs are a great way to enhance your holiday and look back on those that made this day possible. And, with our library of Fourth of July albums available from our site, you’ll be able to enjoy your favourite Independence Day songs at reasonable prices.
Our wide variety of Independence Day music includes: America the Beautiful, Battle Hymn of the Republic, This Land is My Land and much more. This summer, let our Independence Day music make your holiday special, order 4th of July music today.
See the original article here:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_Declaration_of_Independence
Salute America on Flag Day – June 14, 2011
Contributed by Jack Kopstein
*To celebrate Flag Day, ALL FLAGS are 20% off this week, online only!*
In the United States, Flag Day is celebrated on June 14. It commemorates the adoption of the flag of the United States, which happened that day by resolution of the Second Continental Congress in 1777.
In 1916, President Woodrow Wilson issued a proclamation that officially established June 14 as Flag Day; in August 1949, National Flag Day was established by an Act of Congress.
Flag Day is not an official federal holiday, though on June 14, 1937, Pennsylvania became the first (and only) U.S. state to celebrate Flag Day as a state holiday, beginning in the town of Rennerdale. Title 36 of the United States Code, Subtitle I, Part A, CHAPTER 1-110 is the official statute on Flag Day; however, it is at the President’s discretion to proclaim officially the observance.
One of the longest-running Flag Day parades is held annually in Quincy, Massachusetts, which began in 1952, celebrating its 59th year in 2010. The 59th Annual Appleton Wisconsin 2009 Flag Day Parade featured the U.S. Navy. The largest Flag Day parade is held annually in Troy, New York, which bases its parade on the Quincy parade and typically draws 50,000 spectators.
Perhaps the oldest continuing Flag Day parade is at Fairfield, Washington. Beginning in 1909 or 1910, Fairfield has held a parade every year since, with the possible exception of 1918, and celebrated the “Centennial” parade in 2010, along with some other commemorative events.
Military Band Summer Concert Schedule 2011
Washington, DC Military Band Concerts
Altissimo is pleased to provide information on the summer concert series of the Washington Based Service bands. Just a reminder that we have great recordings of all of the bands listed below in our NEW SUMMER CATALOGUE
ENJOY
Washington, DC has enjoyed a tradition of live military band concerts since 1863. The Army, Navy, Marine Corps, and Air Force bands perform on alternating days throughout the summer. Concerts are free and no tickets are required. These performances honor those who have served our country and seek to inspire American patriotism. Read more about Military Bands.
U.S. Navy Band – Mondays 8 p.m.
On the West Front of the U. S. Capitol Building
June 6, 13, 20
July 25
August 1, 8, 15, 22, 29
Special Concert: Memorial Day – Sunday, May 29 at 7 p.m.
and on Tuesdays, 8 p.m.
at the Navy Memorial
June 7, 14, 21, 28
July 5, 19, 26
August 9, 16, 23, 30
U.S. Air Force Band – Tuesdays, 8 p.m
on the West Front of the U. S. Capitol Building
June 7, 14, 21, 28
July 5, 12, 19, 26
August 2, 9, 16, 23, 30
U.S. Marine Band – Wednesdays 8 p.m.
On the West Front of the U. S. Capitol Building
June 1, 8, 15, 22, 29
July 6, 13, 20, 27
August 3, 10, 17, 24, 31
and on Thursdays, 8 p.m.
at the Sylvan Theater on the grounds of the Washington Monument
June 2, 9, 16, 23, 30
July 7, 14, 21, 28
August 4, 11, 18, 25
and on Fridays, 8:45 p.m.
at the Marine Barracks Washington, 8th and I Streets, SE
June 3, 10, 17, 24
July 1, 8, 15, 22, 29
August 5, 12, 19, 26
U.S. Army Band – Fridays 8 p.m.
On the West Front of the U. S. Capitol Building
June 3, 10, 17, 24
July 1, 8, 15, 22, 29
August 5, 12
Twilight Tatoo – Wednesdays, 7 p.m.
At Fort Lesley J. McNair, 4th Street and Maine Avenue, SW.
May 4, 11, 25
June 1, 8
from Jack Kopstein
Patriotic Music for All Occasions: Patriot Tunes Developed by Altissimo
The great sacrifice that helped to win the war
The Normandy landings, also known as Operation Neptune, were the landing operations of the Allied invasion of Normandy in Operation Overlord during World War II. The landings commenced on Tuesday, 6 June 1944 (D-Day), beginning at 6:30 AM British Double Summer Time (GMT+2). In planning, D-Day was the term used for the day of actual landing, which was dependent on final approval.
The assault was conducted in two phases: an airborne assault landing of 24,000 British, American, Canadian and Free French airborne troops shortly after midnight, and an amphibious landing of Allied infantry and armoured divisions on the coast of France commencing at 6:30 AM. There were also decoy operations mounted under the code names Operation Glimmer and Operation Taxable to distract the German forces from the real landing areas.
The operation was the largest amphibious invasion in world history, with over 160,000[5] troops landing on 6 June 1944. 195,700[6] Allied naval and merchant navy personnel in over 5,000[5] ships were involved. The invasion required the transport of soldiers and material from the United Kingdom by troop-laden aircraft and ships, the assault landings, air support, naval interdiction of the English Channel and naval fire-support. The landings took place along a 50-mile (80 km) stretch of the Normandy coast divided into five sectors: Utah, Omaha, Gold, Juno and Sword.
Due to a high demand, Altissimo! Recordings developed Patrotic Music for All Occasions, complete with 23 patriotic songs suitable for any occasion. Appropriately titled, Patriotic Music for All Occasions features many fantastic songs that represent America and its citizens’ love of country, and it’s the perfect patriotic summer holiday soundtrack. Songs like “Yankee Doodle” and You’re a Grand Old Flag” bring back memories of Fourth of July celebrations, while other songs such as “Amazing Grace” and “Taps” round the album out in an inspirational and moving way. This album contains over 50 minutes of classic, stirring patriotic music. Each piece is performed by one of the many great Military Bands of this country, including the United States Army Band, The United States Marine Band, The United States Coast Guard Band, and the United States Air Force Heritage of America Band. Patriotic Music for All Occasions is the ultimate collection of all the patriotic music we have come to know and love.