Posted by caleb on Jul 4, 2011 in
Personal 
Here in the Joplin area, we have been through a pretty rough year. A large portion of our city was destroyed. 155 citizens died and many hundreds more were injured. Thousands of homes and businesses were destroyed.
So, tonight for Independence Day, we decided we needed to relax, and Joplin threw its largest ever Fourth of July Celebration in Landreth Park.
Rush Limbaugh even made an appearance as part of his “Two if by Tea” initiative.
Flying lanterns graced the city sky at dusk – rumor has it that each represented a life lost. Chilling.
Thousands of people came out to enjoy the music and fireworks. In fact, I’m tapping this out in my car – it will be quite awhile before traffic clears up enough to where I can pull out of this parking place!
This was a cathartic, healing evening for a city in distress. It was a good night.
Happy 235th Birthday, America. May your Stars and Stripes forever wave proudly and freely. 
Tags: 4th of July, fireworks, Fourth of July, Independence Day, Joplin, Limbaugh, Rush, rush limbaugh
Posted by caleb on Jul 4, 2010 in
Personal 
I love America.
I love her for her mountains high, her prairies bright, and her beaches white.
for her freedom, her liberty, and her God-given grace.
for her willingness to accept “your tired, your poor, Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free.”
I love America because, here, one truly can become whatever he or she wishes; with dedication, nothing will stand in their way.
for her belief that her people can always be the best, her drive to make them so – to reach higher heights and deeper depths, and to explore even the surface of the moon.
I love America for her belief in the everlasting power of God’s grace and mercy – and guidance for our land.
for the trust our forefathers placed in his divine wisdom and law.
for her willingness to defend even the weakest and most desolate.
I love America for the honor she bestows on those who fight to defend her hallowed shores.
for the ingenuity and compassion that drive the world.
I love America for the great trust she places in the power of the individual to complete tasks never before thought possible.
for the kindness she shows all of mankind.
for her ability to be both the land of the free and the home of the brave.
Happy 234th, Birthday, America. We love you.
Tags: America, Fourth of July, Independence Day, July 4, Statue of Liberty poem, United States, United States of America, USA
