This Fourth of July, why patriotism is worth defending

New York Post, by Kyle Smith — July 3, 2019

Excerpts:

For the haters, it’s open season on the American ideal.

Colin Kaepernick doesn’t like today’s American flag because it reminds him of police brutality and he doesn’t like Betsy Ross’ O.G. flag because it reminds him of slavery. I’m starting to think maybe Colin Kaepernick is not so fond of the flag, or of the country that made him rich.

Nike supported him by withdrawing the Betsy Ross-flagged sneaker. That’s right, the American flag, in any form, is now apparently a toxic symbol. The governor of California, Gavin Newsom, actually praised Nike.

Meanwhile, the Charlottesville City Council just voted to stop celebrating Thomas Jefferson’s birthday in the city where he died on the 50th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence he wrote. American patriotism has just reached a record low entirely because of Democrats, of whom only 22% say they’re “extremely proud” of their country. To celebrate the Fourth, America’s most prominent newspaper is bidding for the trolling Hall of Fame by running a video, titled “Please stop telling me America is great,” that argues how America is “just OK.”

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America didn’t complete the project of freedom on that broiling day in Philly, but that’s like saying your kid’s first day of school is no big deal because your kids can’t do algebra yet. On July 4, 1776, we began setting up the greatest opportunity for human flourishing the world has ever known, and our example continues to be the world’s beacon. The United States of America isn’t perfect. We’re merely the best.

View the complete article including images and links at:

https://nypost.com/2019/07/03/this-fourth-of-july-why-have-we-lost-our-patriotism/

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What to Expect at This Year’s Annual Fourth of July Celebration

PRESS RELEASE, U.S Department of the Interior

Schedule of Events

Excerpt:

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National Independence Day Parade – Constitution Avenue NW from 7th Street to 17th Street NW
11:45 a.m. – 2 p.m. 
Marching bands, fife and drum corps, floats, military units, giant balloons, equestrian, drill teams and more celebrate Independence Day in this patriotic, flag-waving, red, white and blue celebration of America’s birthday! Visit the National Independence Day Parade for more information.  

Salute to America – Lincoln Memorial 
6:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. 
President Donald J. Trump honors America’s armed forces with music, military demonstrations, flyovers and much more. Participants include the Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps, the U.S. Army Band (“Pershing’s Own”), the Armed Forces Chorus, the United States Marine Corps Silent Drill Team, and many others. Gates open at 3 p.m.

A Capitol Fourth Concert – West Lawn the U.S. Capitol 
8 p.m. – 9:30 p.m. 
Co-sponsored by the National Park Service and the National Symphony Orchestra, join host John Stamos for an all-star salute to America’s 243rd birthday with performances by Grammy Award-winning music legend Carole King, multi-platinum recording artist Vanessa Williams, Grammy Award-winning singer-songwriter Colbie Caillat, the National Symphony Orchestra, a special appearance by the Sesame Street Muppets, and much more! Gates open at 3 p.m. Visit A Capitol Fourth for more information.  

Fireworks Display
9:07 p.m. – 9:42 p.m. 
Independence Day celebrations culminate with a spectacular fireworks display over the National Mall. The fireworks will be launched from West Potomac Park and behind the Lincoln Memorial. They will be visible from locations throughout D.C. and Northern Virginia.

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View the complete post at:

https://www.doi.gov/pressreleases/what-expect-this-years-annual-fourth-july-celebration