The Fourth of July is flags, fireworks, and the Founding Fathers. Every child in grammar school can recite the tales of Paul Revere and his midnight ride, George Washington crossing the Delaware River, and the signing of the Declaration of Independence. The great names of John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, John Hancock, and Thomas Jefferson embody the ideas of liberty and justice.
[All decorations from the collection of Stephen and Celeste Dunn]
In part, the schism that afflicts America today can be attributed to the disparity between these ideals and the realities of modern life. Instead of living in a land of the free, we are faced with a dysfunctional government, controlled by vested interests, careening madly towards tyranny. Our rights, granted us by the U.S. Constitution, our privileges, and our way of life are trampled underfoot as we wave banners that say, "Don't Tread On Me!"
All I will say in this regard is to remind us of what Benjamin Franklin said when faced with his own political crisis: "He who would sacrifice essential liberty to obtain a little temporary safety deserves neither liberty nor safety."
I recently read the book The Hornet's Nest by former president Jimmy Carter. The novel tells the story of the Revolutionary War in Georgia and the Carolinas. While George Washington and the Continental Army squared off against British regulars and German Hessian mercenaries in the North, the southern colonies were left to fend for themselves. A small band of homesteaders, farmers, and backwoodsmen held off Redcoat cavalry, infantry and naval forces, renegade Indians, and Tory marauders.
The British Dragoons employed a policy of “no quarter” and executed wounded and captured militia. The Tories, Creeks, and Cherokees butchered and scalped children, raped and abused women and daughters, and slowly tortured to death anyone who did not swear an oath of loyalty to the king. The savagery in the south lasted for 10 years, starting before Concord and Lexington, and ending after Cornwallis' surrender. After reading the book, I wanted to declare war on England, load my musket, and sail on the next frigate across the pond.
What then is the meaning of liberty, justice, and the great experiment in self-determination that is America? Perhaps the meaning can best be found in the actual words of America's early patriots.
"Bless our land with honorable industry, sound learning, and pure manners. Save us from violence, discord, and confusion; from pride and arrogance, and from every evil way. Defend our liberties, and fashion into one united people the multitude brought hither out of many kindreds and tongues." -- Thomas Jefferson
"Gentlemen may cry, Peace, Peace -- but there is no peace. The war is actually begun! The next gale that sweeps from the North will bring to our ears the clash of resounding arms! Our brethren are already in the field! Why stand we here idle? What is it that gentlemen wish? What would they have? Is life so dear, or peace so sweet, as to be purchased at the price of chains and slavery? Forbid it, Almighty God! I know not what course the others may take; but as for me, give me liberty or give me death!" -- Patrick Henry
"We hold these truths to be self-evident: that all men are created equal; that they are endowed by their Creator with certain inalienable Rights; that among these are Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness. That, to secure these Rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed."
-- Thomas Jefferson
-- Thomas Jefferson
"Yesterday, the greatest question was decided, which ever was debated in America, and a greater, perhaps, never was nor will be decided among men. A resolution was passed without one dissenting colony, "That these United Colonies are, and of rights ought to be, free and independent States, and as such they have, and of right, ought to have, full power to make war, conclude peace, establish commerce, and to do all other acts and things which other States may rightfully do." You will think me transported with enthusiasm, but I am not. I am well aware of the toil, and blood, and treasure, that it will cost us to maintain this declaration, and support and defend these States. Yet, through all the gloom, I can see the rays of ravishing light and glory. I can see that the end is more than worth all the means, and that posterity will triumph in that day's transaction, even though we should rue it, which I trust in God we shall not." -- John Adams
"These are the times that try men's souls. The summer soldier and the sunshine patriot will, in this crisis, shrink from the service of their country; but he that stands it now deserves the love and thanks of man and woman. Tyranny, like Hell, is not easily conquered; yet we have this consolation with us, that the harder the conflict, the more glorious the triumph. What we obtain too cheap, we esteem too lightly; it is dearness only that gives everything its value. Heaven knows how to put a proper price upon its goods; and it would be strange indeed if so celestial an article as Freedom should not be highly rated." -- Thomas Paine
"There is the National flag. He must be cold indeed who can look upon its folds, rippling in the breeze, without pride of country. It has been called a 'floating piece of poetry,' and yet I know not if it has an intrinsic beauty beyond other ensigns. Its highest beauty is in what it symbolizes. It is because it represents all, that all gaze at it with delight and reverence. Behold it! Listen to it! Every star has a tongue; every stripe is articulate. There is no speech nor language where their voices are not heard. There is magic in the web of it." -- Robert C. Winthrop
Design by Stephen J. Dunn, crocheting by Celeste Dunn
"Men, you are all marksmen. Do not one of you fire until you see the white of their eyes." -- General Israel Putnam
"I only regret that I have but one life to lose for my country." --Nathan Hale
When the thirteen colonies unanimously voted for independence, and the representatives signed the Declaration, John Hancock, President of Congress, whose name looms largest on the page, remarked, "Very well, gentlemen, we are about to brave the storm in a skiff made of paper." For surely, their names on this treasonous document were a one-way ticket to the end of a British yardarm.
But what of the fifty-six men who pledged their "lives, their fortunes, and their sacred honor" by signing the Declaration? The Fourth of July is an appropriate time to ponder their fates. The following piece made the Internet rounds last year, and I thought it was worth sharing.
On April 8, 2013, Judicial Watch filed a request under the Freedom of Information Act, seeking from the Department of Defense: “Any and all records concerning, regarding, or related to the preparation and presentation of training materials on hate groups or hate crimes distributed or used by U.S. Armed Forces.” Under a section labeled “Extremist Ideologies” the document states, “In U.S. history, there are many examples of extremist ideologies and movements. The colonists who sought to free themselves from British rule is just one example.”
A large part of our holiday celebrating revolves around the perennial viewing of our favorite holiday movies. Although the Fourth of July is traditionally a day spent out-of-doors, you may wish to escape the heat by putting on the air, putting up your feet, and enjoying one or more of the following selections.
But what of the fifty-six men who pledged their "lives, their fortunes, and their sacred honor" by signing the Declaration? The Fourth of July is an appropriate time to ponder their fates. The following piece made the Internet rounds last year, and I thought it was worth sharing.
Twenty-four were lawyers and jurists. Eleven were merchants. Nine were farmers and large plantation owners; men of means, well educated.
Still they signed the Declaration of Independence knowing full well that the penalty would be hanging on a British gallows if they were captured.
Five signers were captured by the British as traitors, and tortured before they died.
Nine of the fifty-six fought and died from wounds received during the Revolutionary War.
Two lost their sons serving in the Revolutionary Army; another had two sons captured.
Carter Braxton of Virginia, a wealthy planter and trader, saw his ships swept from the seas by the British Navy and eventually sold his home and properties to pay his debts, and died in rags.
Thomas Nelson, Jr., lost his home to the British General Cornwallis for his headquarters. Nelson died bankrupt.
Thomas McKeam was forced to move his family almost constantly. He served in the Congress without pay, as did most others, and his family was kept in hiding. His possessions were seized, and poverty was his reward.
Twelve had their homes ransacked and burned. Francis Lewis had his home and properties destroyed. The enemy jailed his wife, and she died in captivity.
John Hart was driven from his wife's bedside as she was dying. Their thirteen children fled for their lives. His fields and his gristmill were laid to waste. For more than a year he lived in forests and caves, returning home to find his wife dead and his children vanished.
So, take a few minutes while enjoying your Fourth of July holiday and silently or not so silently thank these patriots. It's not much to ask for the price they paid.
A large part of our holiday celebrating revolves around the perennial viewing of our favorite holiday movies. Although the Fourth of July is traditionally a day spent out-of-doors, you may wish to escape the heat by putting on the air, putting up your feet, and enjoying one or more of the following selections.
If you have the time or inclination to watch only one movie for the Fourth of July, make it 1776. This lavish, award-winning Broadway musical adapted to film is an inspiring celebration of the founding of the United States of America. The story revolves around the political maneuvering that led up to the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Starring William Daniels as John Adams, Howard da Silva as Benjamin Franklin and Ken Howard as Thomas Jefferson.
Many of my and my wife's favorite quotations come from 1776. We have always styled ourselves as a modern day John and Abigail Adams. This exchange holds special meaning for us.
Many of my and my wife's favorite quotations come from 1776. We have always styled ourselves as a modern day John and Abigail Adams. This exchange holds special meaning for us.
JOHN: The entire South has walked out of Congress -- George Washington is on the verge of total annihilation -- the precious cause for which I've labored these several years has come to nothing -- and it seems -- it seems I am obnoxious and disliked --
ABIGAIL: Nonsense, John.
JOHN: -- that I am unwilling to face reality --
ABIGAIL: Foolishness, John.
JOHN: -- that I am pig-headed --
ABIGAIL: Ah, well, there you have me, John. I'm afraid you are pig-headed.
JOHN: Yes, well... Has it been any kind of a life for you, Abby? God knows I haven't given you much.
ABIGAIL: I never asked for more. After all, I am Mrs. John Adams. That's quite a lot for one lifetime.
JOHN: Is it, Abby?
ABIGAIL: Think of it, John! To be married to the man who is always first in line to be hanged!
A film we have enjoyed immensely for many years is a 1987 made-for-TV production of Howard Fast's novel, April Morning. Starring Tommy Lee Jones, Rip Torn and Robert Urich, this is the story of the "shot heard 'round the world" at Lexington and Concord. Out of print for many years, the DVD is now available on Amazon.
Another brilliant adaptation of a Howard Fast book is the 1999 production, The Crossing. This movie tells the story of Washington's crossing of the ice-choked Delaware River on Christmas 1776 and the taking of Trenton. The scene where General Washington asks the young Alexander Hamilton to "silence" a farmhouse of German mercenaries is worth the price of admission all by itself. Starring Jeff Daniels as George Washington and Steven McCarthy as Alexander Hamilton.
For no-holds barred, big budget, Hollywood entertainment, check out The Patriot starring Mel Gibson. This violent but affecting story is about one man's reluctant fight to save his family, and ultimately his country, from ruthless British adversaries. The colonists understood only too well the sacrifice they were about to make for freedom's sake. As Benjamin Martin (Gibson) says, "Mark my words. This war will be fought not on the frontier or on some distant battlefield, but amongst us - among our homes. Our children will learn of it with their own eyes. And the innocent will die with the rest of us."
Our Fourth of July collection consists of a Warren Kimble vintage flag dinnerware service, homemade napkins and placemats, pewter five-pointed star napkin rings, and an assortment of Americana pieces picked up over the years. A few simple decorating ideas can include buying some red, white, and blue silk flowers to put in a vase, and red, white and blue votive candles placed on a small white or clear glass plate.
Design by Stephen J. Dunn, piecing and quilting by Celeste Dunn
Stars and Stripes... and Checks... and Plaids...
I must admit, I "borrowed" this idea from a popular "country style" magazine. I generally don't do 'cute,' but the finished project turned out so cute, I had to share it.
You will need:
Pinking scissors
Fabric glue stick
5 36" dowel rods
5 fabric remnants in red and blue patterns
Search your fabric stash for any remnants from prior 4th of July or other patriotic projects. In lieu of that, any combination of patterned blue and red material will work. If you do not happen to hoard fabric, go to your local fabric or craft store, and look for packets of fat quarters in appropriate colors.
Using a garden pruner, cut each dowel rod in half. With pinking scissors, cut out two 4-1/2 inch by 6-1/2 inch rectangles from each remnant (for a total of ten rectangles). Wrap one narrow end of each rectangle around dowel rod, and adhere to self with fabric glue stick.* When all are done, arrange in decorative pitcher or vase.
*[Special hint: be sure to wrap one of each of the 5 patterns to the right, and the other of the 5 patterns to the left, so that when arranged, all the flags face forward.]
This was actually my first time using a pinking scissors, and I couldn't be more tickled pink - or should I say, "red, white, and blue"?
On the Fourth of July, barbecue is king. Every American has their own particular family favorite. Whether it be ribs, dogs, brats, ribs, chicken, burgers, ribs, steaks, kabobs, ribs, shrimp, corn on the cob or ribs, we would not presume to impose our preferences on your family's traditions.
Steve's Slatherin' Sauce
We are always on the look-out for new and interesting marinades, rubs, and sauces for grilling. We recently discovered this hot, sweet, and tangy recipe for homemade barbecue sauce.
[This BBQ sauce is great on ribs, chicken, brisket, and ribs.]
Ingredients
1/2 lb. bacon (optional - substitute 3-4 T vegetable oil)
1 large, sweet onion, chopped
3 garlic cloves, minced
1/2 cup molasses
1 cup Guinness Extra Stout
1 cup packed light brown sugar
1/2 cup white vinegar
1 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. cracked black pepper
1/2 tsp. cayenne
6 oz. canned tomato paste
Directions
Chop bacon into 1" pieces and render in large frying pan just until cooked. Set bacon aside on paper towels and save for another recipe. Pour off bacon grease (making sure to save the extras) except enough to coat bottom of pan. Add the chopped sweet onions to the pan and sauté until they start to caramelize, about 15-20 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for 1-2 more minutes.
Meanwhile, in a large bowl, whisk the molasses, Guinness, brown sugar, vinegar, salt, pepper and cayenne together until evenly combined. Pour into the pan with the caramelized onions and garlic and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Add the tomato paste and let the sauce simmer for 20 minutes, stirring every few minutes. Remove from heat and allow to cool. Puree in blender or food processor. Guaranteed to set off Roman candles in your mouth.
Meanwhile, in a large bowl, whisk the molasses, Guinness, brown sugar, vinegar, salt, pepper and cayenne together until evenly combined. Pour into the pan with the caramelized onions and garlic and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Add the tomato paste and let the sauce simmer for 20 minutes, stirring every few minutes. Remove from heat and allow to cool. Puree in blender or food processor. Guaranteed to set off Roman candles in your mouth.
For many years, before I got sick, I worked as a cheesemonger in the Gourmet Grocery department of an upscale wine and liquor store. The Grocery featured an open-air, floor-to-ceiling, cheese case. We hand-cut to order from the finest artisanal domestic and international cheeses. Some of our best-selling cheeses came from England.
Popular favorites included Stilton, a rich, creamy, strong-flavored blue; Cotswold, made by blending chives and spring onions into bright-orange Double Gloucester; clothbound Cheddar, a crumbly, sharp, pale-yellow cheese, originating in the eponymous English village in Somerset; and Stinking Bishop, a semi-soft, washed-rind cheese, made exclusively from the milk of Gloucester bred heifers, that lived up to its name every time we unwrapped it.
Starting the week before the Fourth of July, as soon as I clocked-in in the morning, I took all of our English cheeses out of the case, and moved them to our Sub-Zero refrigerator in the back of the Grocery. When my manager, Josette, an absolutely delightful and wonderful woman from Quebec, ten years my senior, came in, she said, in her heavy French accent, "What happened to all the cheeses?"
"I put them in the fridge," I said.
She blinked her eyes, with those incredibly long lashes, and said, "Why?"
"I refuse to sell English cheeses this close to the Fourth of July," I answered.
She slapped me on the arm. (It seemed like she did that a lot.) "Get those cheeses right back on the shelf, mister!"
"No," I replied. "The British committed all kinds of atrocities during the Revolutionary War. I won't sell English cheeses. It's an affront to me as an American. At least the French were our allies."
"Steeeve, that's goofy." She abruptly turned away from me, walked over to the refrigerator, and started to move the cheeses back out to the front of the shop.
"I won't sell them," I said emphatically.
"Fine. If someone asks for any, I'll wait on them," she said over her shoulder.
And that's where we left it - until she took a bathroom break, a lunch break, or when she came in the next day - only to find the English cheeses removed from the shelves.
Vive la liberté!
When we lived closer into the city, one of our favorite places to eat was White Fence Farm. The sprawling farmhouse restaurant showcases a somewhat bizarre collection of antiques - from vintage dolls to classic cars, penny arcade games to funhouse mirrors. White Fence Farm is an all-American institution located on historic Route 66.
Although there are a few other entrees on the menu, the big draw is the pressure-cooked fried chicken. The sides are simple but delicious - pickled beets, cottage cheese, corn fritters, and a creamy kidney bean salad we would shovel in by the bowlful. The recipes are closely guarded secrets, and this recipe is recreated from memory, but if you're looking for a quick and refreshing summer side dish, look no further.
Steve's White Fence Farm Creamy Bean Salad
Makes 4 1-cup servings
16 ounce can red kidney beans
16 ounce can white kidney beans (Cannellini)
2.25 ounce can sliced black olives
2 stalks celery, chopped
1/2 large Vidalia onion, chopped
2.5 teaspoons sweet relish
2.5 to 3 tablespoons mayo
Dash of salt (my wife says a pinch is not enough)
Make early in day. Mix all ingredients in medium sized mixing bowl. Cover and let sit in fridge for several hours to let flavors blend.
Ice cream socials hearken back to a simpler time, when Fourth of July festivities centered around band concerts in the gazebo, picnic blankets spread out on the village green, and fireworks displays after sunset. I am right by their side as Tom Sawyer and Becky Thatcher sneak off to explore MacDougal's Cave for the best drink of water in Missouri.
Ice cream refers to the hard-packed constellation of flavors available at grocery stores and retail outlets. Add to these choices the variety of toppings on the market and any gathering becomes an ice cream social. Ice cream takes the shape of floats, shakes, malts, cones, sundaes, parfaits, splits, cakes, pies and novelties. Purchase several flavors of syrups, chopped nuts, a can of crushed pineapple, whipped cream, which now comes in regular and chocolate, and a jar of Maraschino cherries.
And just to make any of these taste-tempting preparations more memorable, top them with red, white, and blue candy sprinkles. You can get a 1 lb package from Amazon. (I should disclose that Amazon does NOT subsidize my blog.)
Although there are a few other entrees on the menu, the big draw is the pressure-cooked fried chicken. The sides are simple but delicious - pickled beets, cottage cheese, corn fritters, and a creamy kidney bean salad we would shovel in by the bowlful. The recipes are closely guarded secrets, and this recipe is recreated from memory, but if you're looking for a quick and refreshing summer side dish, look no further.
Steve's White Fence Farm Creamy Bean Salad
Makes 4 1-cup servings
16 ounce can red kidney beans
16 ounce can white kidney beans (Cannellini)
2.25 ounce can sliced black olives
2 stalks celery, chopped
1/2 large Vidalia onion, chopped
2.5 teaspoons sweet relish
2.5 to 3 tablespoons mayo
Dash of salt (my wife says a pinch is not enough)
Make early in day. Mix all ingredients in medium sized mixing bowl. Cover and let sit in fridge for several hours to let flavors blend.
Ice cream socials hearken back to a simpler time, when Fourth of July festivities centered around band concerts in the gazebo, picnic blankets spread out on the village green, and fireworks displays after sunset. I am right by their side as Tom Sawyer and Becky Thatcher sneak off to explore MacDougal's Cave for the best drink of water in Missouri.
Ice cream refers to the hard-packed constellation of flavors available at grocery stores and retail outlets. Add to these choices the variety of toppings on the market and any gathering becomes an ice cream social. Ice cream takes the shape of floats, shakes, malts, cones, sundaes, parfaits, splits, cakes, pies and novelties. Purchase several flavors of syrups, chopped nuts, a can of crushed pineapple, whipped cream, which now comes in regular and chocolate, and a jar of Maraschino cherries.
And just to make any of these taste-tempting preparations more memorable, top them with red, white, and blue candy sprinkles. You can get a 1 lb package from Amazon. (I should disclose that Amazon does NOT subsidize my blog.)
One of my fondest childhood memories was ordering chocolate phosphates with my dad at the Hungarian Kosher Deli on the north side of Chicago. How a little chocolate syrup and seltzer water could taste so good is still a mystery. These concoctions are also called egg creams in New York, although they contain no eggs and no cream. I recommend trying this updated version for a unique and refreshing treat.
[To recreate the authentic experience look for Fox’s u-bet Original Chocolate Flavor Syrup. If you cannot find it locally, it is available from Amazon.]
Ingredients
2 Tbsp Fox's u-bet Original Chocolate Flavor Syrup
2 Tbsp milk
1 cup seltzer
1 scoop vanilla ice cream
whipped cream
Directions
Pour chocolate syrup into tall glass. Add milk on top. Add seltzer. Using a spoon, stir chocolate syrup, milk and seltzer vigorously. It will be foamy on top. Add scoop of ice cream and top with whipped cream. Serve with long-handled soda spoon and straw.
For pure ice cream flavor, you can't beat homemade. Purchase any good hand-cranked or electric ice cream churn and follow manufacturers instructions and recipes. For many years, I avoided home made ice cream because the instructions called for 2 to 3 pounds of rock salt. Now, of course, I realize that the salt does not go in the ice cream.
Remember that this truly American dessert was introduced to us by Thomas Jefferson, who brought it over from our Revolutionary War ally, France. So crank up the John Philip Sousa and toast summer's grandest day with summer's coolest treat. (www.youtube.com/watch?v=-mRn9chmRAY&feature=kp)
Although American independence was long in coming, and the Revolutionary War lasted the better part of ten bloody years, peace did come. The following quote by General Washington's chief of intelligence, aptly describes the mood of the new nation.
The people had determined that they would celebrate the occasion by some public demonstration of their joy. They therefore concluded to have public notice given, that on a day near at hand, they would have an ox roasted whole on the public green, to partake of which all were invited to attend. When the ox was well roasted, the noble animal on his spit was removed to a proper place, and after a blessing from the God of Battles had been invoked by my honored father, I began to carve, dissect, and distribute to the multitude around me. The aged and the young, the male and the female, rejoiced to receive a portion, which, from the novelty of the scene, and being in commemoration, of so great an event, obtained a particular zest. All was harmony and joy, for all seemed to be of one mind. --Benjamin Tallmadge
Maybe that's what makes us American.
