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General Discussion => General Discussion => Topic started by: SimonShuttle on 07/04/2008 11:00 am

Title: Happy July 4th Independence Day
Post by: SimonShuttle on 07/04/2008 11:00 am
Do you all get a day off for managing to beat us? (we have excuses) ;)

Anyway, happy Independence Day, you were saved from paying taxes to the British Empire, and missed out on lots of tea and an ability to be good at football (soccer), but at least you set up cool things like NASA, which we can all admire.

I hope you manage to successfully fight off our second wave, via Simon Cowell and the imports he's sent over like Idol, America's got talent and X Factor, you got Millionaire off us. I see Coldplay are at it too ;)

As Tony Blair once said, never apologise for being American, cause we'll still love ya when other countries think it's fashionable not to, cause you're family to us.
Title: Re: Happy July 4th Independence Day
Post by: brahmanknight on 07/04/2008 11:10 am
Thanks, simon!  I'll be eating and watching TV all day. 
Title: Re: Happy July 4th Independence Day
Post by: Chris Bergin on 07/04/2008 11:12 am
Yeah, nicely said Simon - apart from daring to mention Simon Cowell on this site! ;) I believe tea is available in the US, and they are getting better at soccer too.

Happy Independence Day to the Americans.
Title: Re: Happy July 4th Independence Day
Post by: Justin Space on 07/04/2008 11:14 am
Happy July 4. The old Empire sends its best regards.
Title: Re: Happy July 4th Independence Day
Post by: Justin Space on 07/04/2008 11:20 am
Do you all get a day off for managing to beat us? (we have excuses) ;)

By the way it was their declaration, rather than the actual day they beat us. Could have been the other way around, as more Americans fought on the side of the British than Americans! Had it not been for the complete stupidity of British Military Colonial Commander Charles Cornwallis throwing the British military handbook out of the window, and allowing the eventual arrival of the French......well.

We've got a good record regardless. Britain have been in 85 wars since 1066 and have won 63 outright, and lost only two or three outright (America being one of them). Lots of on-off wars with France (some civil) make up the rest.
Title: Re: Happy July 4th Independence Day
Post by: Lawntonlookirs on 07/04/2008 12:33 pm
Thanks to all of you Brits for being active in the NASA program.  Those of us in USA are celebrating are birthday.  7/4/1776  Picture of Independence Hall in Philadelphia, PA.
Title: Re: Happy July 4th Independence Day
Post by: Orbiter on 07/04/2008 01:31 pm
I remember in 2006, STS-121 Launched on July 4th, the ultimate Fireworks display.
Happy 4th.
Title: Re: Happy July 4th Independence Day
Post by: charlieb on 07/04/2008 01:59 pm
Thanks you guys!!  We don't forget who our real friends are.  Never.   Remember - it all started years ago at a place called Roanoke Island..  I'll be thinking of you all this evening at the fireworks show after the baseball game....
Title: Re: Happy July 4th Independence Day
Post by: Captain Scarlet on 07/04/2008 02:42 pm
I see Coldplay are at it too ;)

As Tony Blair once said, never apologise for being American, cause we'll still love ya when other countries think it's fashionable not to, cause you're family to us.

Happy July 4 to the Americans!

To pick up on this comment about Coldplay, their new song is actually based on a letter from a British soldier angry with Cornwallis' tactics during the War of Independance, written as he ordered 30,000 troops to head to winter barracks while he prepared to head back to England....at which point Washington carried out a surprise attack.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IakDItZ7f7Q

"Was a long and dark December. From the rooftops I remember. There was snow. White snow.

Clearly I remember. From the windows they were watching. While we froze. Down below.

When the future's architectured. By a carnival of idiots on show. You'd better lie low.

I don't want to be a soldier. Who the captain of some sinking ship Would stow, far below."
Title: Re: Happy July 4th Independence Day
Post by: mike robel on 07/04/2008 04:46 pm
We whupped you Britsh twice as I recall!!

two people seperated by a common language

:)
Title: Re: Happy July 4th Independence Day
Post by: Space Possum on 07/04/2008 05:30 pm
Independence Day!

A great day and a great site to celebrate freedom and....
"The Rockets Red Glare!"
Title: Re: Happy July 4th Independence Day
Post by: Seattle Dave on 07/04/2008 07:03 pm
Happy Independence Day!

I think we got the raw deal with music, as while England have years and years of the best bands in the world, Coldplay being the latest biggest band on the planet, we're stuck with rappers talking about their Hos and bootys.

Can you send over some culture and we're completely lacking any.
Title: Re: Happy July 4th Independence Day
Post by: kneecaps on 07/04/2008 07:11 pm
Happy independence day!

The revolutionary war is a fine example of where tactics and strategy won the day!

The battle of Cowepens is even taught in modern military tactics.
Title: Re: Happy July 4th Independence Day
Post by: brihath on 07/04/2008 08:43 pm
Two years ago, our Christian Community Chorale in Plant City, Florida held a patriotic concert entitled "Americana".  I am going to post the introductions I wrote to two hymns that we sang in the concert.  They came to mind after reading these posts about our independence and our friendship with British brothers and sisters.  If you get a chance, check out both songs on the internet.  They are awesome.

Introduction to “I Was Glad” by Charles Hubert Hastings Parry

Throughout the history of our nation, our military sons and daughters have served in many wars and armed conflicts, facing enemies at distant locations across our globe. 
During the Revolutionary War, our young nation’s first conflict, we sought freedom from the English Crown and self-determination for all Americans.  Even though we were enemies then, we have since developed a lasting and peaceful relationship with our British brothers and sisters, with whom we celebrate a rich history of shared traditions. 
In December 1941 following the attack on Pearl Harbor, British Prime Minister Winston Churchill said “To have the United States at our side was to me the greatest joy. Now at this very moment I knew the United States was in the war, up to the neck and in to the death. So we had won after all! Hitler's fate was sealed. Mussolini's fate was sealed.”
So it has been with many other former enemies, that we have arisen from conflict to develop lasting bonds and friendships.  Such is the allure of freedom and liberty.   
In singing “I Was Glad”, we celebrate our common heritage with England.  Charles Hubert Hasting Parry wrote “I Was Glad” in 1902.  It has been sung at the coronation of every English Monarch since the coronation of King George V in 1910.  This hymn asks us to “pray for the peace of Jerusalem”.  It is with this anthem and prayer for peace that we begin our concert today.


Introduction to the “Battle Hymn of the Republic” by Julia Ward Howe

On November 19, 1863, Abraham Lincoln was an invited to “make a few appropriate remarks” at the dedication of the Gettysburg National Cemetery.  His stirring words stand as an immortal reminder of the ultimate sacrifice our military men and women may be called to make.
In his address President Lincoln said:
“We are met on a great battlefield of that war. We have come to dedicate a portion of it, as a final resting place for those who died here, that the nation might live. But in a larger sense, we cannot dedicate, we cannot consecrate, we cannot hallow, this ground. The brave men, living and dead, who struggled here, have hallowed it, far above our poor power to add or detract. The world will little note, nor long remember what we say here; while it can never forget what they did here.”
“It is rather for us the living, we here be dedicated to the great task remaining before us--that from these honored dead we take increased devotion to that cause for which they here gave the last full measure of devotion--that we here highly resolve that these dead shall not have died in vain, that this nation shall have a new birth of freedom, and that government of the people, by the people, for the people shall not perish from the earth."
Only 18 months earlier in February 1862, Julia Ward Howe’s stirring words for the Battle Hymn of the Republic were published in the Atlantic Monthly.  Exhorting us “As He died to make men holy, let us live to make men free”, we offer Peter Wilhousky’s memorable arrangement of this famous hymn. 
In countless national cemeteries across our country, from Gettysburg, to Arlington, and to Bushnell, white stone markers set against verdant green lawns tell us of the lives cut short, of dreams unfulfilled, of sorrow even in the face of victory.  In concluding our concert tonight, The Christian Community Chorale dedicates this hymn to those Americans who gave their “last full measure of devotion”.  And we, a grateful nation, give thanks and honor them.

God bless America, and Happy Birthday!!

Title: Re: Happy July 4th Independence Day
Post by: robertross on 07/04/2008 09:51 pm
I should start a poll...

Who here thinks Chris and the gang does such a great job, they need to log off and take the 4th of July long weekend off??
Title: Re: Happy July 4th Independence Day
Post by: MrTim on 07/04/2008 10:08 pm
Many thanks to our friends in the UK for those very kind birthday wishes.  :) It should be a bit of consolation to our former motherland to consider that no revolution would have meant:

1. No president Eisenhower (therefore no NASA)
2. No president Kennedy (therefore no moon landing)
3. No NASAspaceflight.com  ;)

I would like to think that the people of 1776 on both sides of the Atlantic would be proud to see what their descendants in both places have accomplished and happy to see that we enjoy such a friendly relationship today.
Title: Re: Happy July 4th Independence Day
Post by: Chris Bergin on 07/04/2008 10:15 pm
Good stuff brihath!

I should start a poll...

Who here thinks Chris and the gang does such a great job, they need to log off and take the 4th of July long weekend off??

Thanks, but not really a fan of time off. You only live once and you've got to make the most of it, etc. ;D

Thing is, I'd be on here as a hobby, nevermind actually being one of the people that gets to write the articles. Besides, I've got Army first thing tomorrow and then we've got at least four articles worth of L2 content to write up as news content (time sensitive) - would rather be doing that than being in the pub (football season doesn't start till August anyway :D)
Title: Re: Happy July 4th Independence Day
Post by: Stowbridge on 07/04/2008 10:18 pm
A good thread. People know their history and I thank them for their best wishes.

Cornwallis is very interesting, as had many enemies back home and only was in his position via support from the King and their family connections. The British expected to walk America, and should have, via an British Army that was totally invicible in previous conflicts.

It became very desperate within a short amount of time, and only an insurgancy, which the British had no experience of, made life a lot harder and bogged down. To counter the tactics, the British hired mercenaries to bolster their numbers and rotate their troops.

Cornwallis, used to a "gentleman's war" and annoyed by the lack of popular support in England, famously wrote "Soon this bloody war will be over and we will be able to restore commerce with our brothers." This key quote was practically the only factual element used by the movie "The Patriot", which was a travesty of inaccuracies, and so key as he showed he was also against a war against what was mainly a British bloodline. That is likely why he changed the routine of what was a foolproof military plan for the British.

Then, with the war all but won, and the task mainly left to hired soldiers and mercenaries, Washington's brilliance came through and turned the war. By the time the British tried to react it was too late and Washington's plan caught the British on the backfoot, just enough to keep the British cornered, with no way of escape as the French came in (finally).

Washington was an excellent military strategist.
Title: Re: Happy July 4th Independence Day
Post by: kneecaps on 07/04/2008 10:20 pm
I should start a poll...

Who here thinks Chris and the gang does such a great job, they need to log off and take the 4th of July long weekend off??

Sure but it's a labour of love!
Title: Re: Happy July 4th Independence Day
Post by: edkyle99 on 07/04/2008 11:40 pm
Happy Independence Day!

I think we got the raw deal with music, as while England have years and years of the best bands in the world, Coldplay being the latest ...
Can you send over some culture and we're completely lacking any.

My son and I had a wonderful time watching and listening to the Band of the Coldstream Guards when they visited the U.S. last winter.  Not modern popular music of course, but a truly "great" band - hands down the best brass band I've ever heard - and they marched while they played! 

 - Ed Kyle
Title: Re: Happy July 4th Independence Day
Post by: edkyle99 on 07/05/2008 12:00 am
Do you all get a day off for managing to beat us? (we have excuses) ;)

By the way it was their declaration, rather than the actual day they beat us. Could have been the other way around, as more Americans fought on the side of the British than Americans!

I suspect that the British Army was fooled by such estimates.  Consider, for example, Saratoga, fought in upstate New York where Gen. Burgoyne thought he would find help from a large supposed Tory population.  Instead, he found himself stranded in the wilderness, harassed by thousands of mostly hidden irregulars who inflicted steady attrition on his dwindling force even before the set piece battles began.  Yes, Tory regulars outnumberd the Continental Army, but when the militia, and every angry farmer with a gun, showed up to fight and augment the numbers of regulars, the balance didn't work out that way on the battlefield.  In particular, Burgoyne had horrible battlefield intelligence as he approached Albany because the supposed Tories weren't anywhere to be seen.  The irregular "rebels" controlled all ground beyond sight of the first British soldiers.

You are right about the divided nature of the Revolution.  It was much more a "civil war" than most U.S. citizens realize.  Right too, probably, about some of the British generalship, though I dare not judge sitting here at my computer 230 years on, able to type both "God Save the Queen" and "God Bless America".  :)

 - Ed Kyle
Title: Re: Happy July 4th Independence Day
Post by: Chris Bergin on 07/05/2008 12:16 am

My son and I had a wonderful time watching and listening to the Band of the Coldstream Guards when they visited the U.S. last winter.  Not modern popular music of course, but a truly "great" band - hands down the best brass band I've ever heard - and they marched while they played! 

 - Ed Kyle

Excellent Ed! And what a lot of people - not you - don't realize is they are a regiment of regular troops first and foremost. They've been involved all the way back to the Battle of Waterloo, right up to at least one tour of Iraq and certainly a tour of Afghanistan as Light Infantry with the 52nd Infantry Brigade.

So the next time one of you are in London and see a guard on sentry duty or trooping the colour as a band with the bearskin on...remember they are real troops.
Title: Re: Happy July 4th Independence Day
Post by: Andrewwski on 07/05/2008 12:57 am
and missed out on lots of tea and an ability to be good at football (soccer)

It was a blessing. ;)
Title: Re: Happy July 4th Independence Day
Post by: Paul Howard on 07/05/2008 02:23 am
Happy July 4. Interesting thread as it's turned into a history lesson!
Title: Re: Happy July 4th Independence Day
Post by: jmjawors on 07/05/2008 04:21 am
... we're stuck with rappers talking about their Hos and bootys.

Can you send over some culture and we're completely lacking any.

And country musicians.   ;)

But wait...  are you saying that The Beatles weren't American?   ;D
Title: Re: Happy July 4th Independence Day
Post by: FransonUK on 07/05/2008 01:29 pm
What I admire about the US is a lot of you have American flags flying on and outside your houses. I REALLY wish we would do that here and not just for when England are playing in the World Cup. National pride is more than just sport.
Title: Re: Happy July 4th Independence Day
Post by: NASAAN101 on 07/10/2008 07:03 pm
I agree! I can't believe to been two years-since Shuttle Discovery Launched of the 4th of july! i missed that launch but saw that night on the news..
NIKKI
Title: Re: Happy July 4th Independence Day
Post by: Gene DiGennaro on 07/11/2008 02:11 pm
I saw discovery's July 4th launch from the sands of Cocoa Beach. It was an Independence day I'll never forget. Later that night, as we stood on our hotel balcony, my family and I witnessed fireworks up and down the beach all night long!

As for my Friends Across the Pond and elsewhere, thanks for the July 4th greetings. It's great to be part of a forum where all of us are from all over the world, yet we chat like we're next door neighbors! That would be spelled neighbours for all you that drive on the wrong side of the road! :)

Oh and BTW, the coolest car I ever owned was an MG Midget. Had one while I attended college back in the 80s. Handled like no other car I've driven before or since. However, girls never seemed to like riding in it with the top down, it messed up their hair!
Title: Re: Happy July 4th Independence Day
Post by: Captain Scarlet on 07/12/2008 05:46 pm
What I admire about the US is a lot of you have American flags flying on and outside your houses. I REALLY wish we would do that here and not just for when England are playing in the World Cup. National pride is more than just sport.

Totally agree. The respect for the flag is what the Americans have spot on. Our national pride seems reserved to England national team matches (football or soccer if you are American). We don't have the best anthem in the world, but 100,000 belting it out makes it special :)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-4-a-xOK90U&feature=related

Ironically, the Americans don't tend to do national anthems at their sporting events, it seems to be left to a singer?
Title: Re: Happy July 4th Independence Day
Post by: jmjawors on 07/12/2008 06:03 pm
People in the crowd sing along, but it is more of a performance for the singer(s) than a participation event.  ;)
Title: Re: Happy July 4th Independence Day
Post by: Captain Scarlet on 07/12/2008 06:11 pm
People in the crowd sing along, but it is more of a performance for the singer(s) than a participation event.  ;)

Interesting. Other way around here. The most famous being "You'll never walk alone" which is Liverpool's anthem, but adopted by Glasgow Celtic. In the case below, it was used as a condolence to Spain prior to the match against Barcelona on the night of the Madrid bombings.

You'll see how half way through the fans took over. Very moving.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fkO58XYvBN8
Title: Re: Happy July 4th Independence Day
Post by: toddbronco2 on 07/12/2008 10:43 pm
I've seen some references to Discovery's 4th of July launch, but where the love for Deep Impact???  Surely those fireworks were spectacular too...One of a kind, no less!!  don't tell me I was the only person who stayed up to watch ???
Title: Re: Happy July 4th Independence Day
Post by: jmjawors on 07/12/2008 11:07 pm
I watched.  Didn't think it would be quite as spectacular as it ended up being!
Title: Re: Happy July 4th Independence Day
Post by: Andrewwski on 07/13/2008 01:02 am
Somehow the San Jose Sharks fans (apparently they exist) sing the anthem quite often at their games.  I've heard it on TV on numerous occasions.

http://youtube.com/watch?v=DLsDI7yowXc

Here's another video I found of Edmonton's fans singing O Canada:

http://youtube.com/watch?v=meLpuF9UMvk

One thing I love about Buffalo hockey games is the playing of both anthems every game.  It's nice to see how both get so much respect (although not the singing) day after day.  Only time it gets ugly is during Leafs games (and it's always a Leaf's fan being the bad guy).
Title: Re: Happy July 4th Independence Day
Post by: Andrewwski on 07/13/2008 02:05 am
I've seen some references to Discovery's 4th of July launch, but where the love for Deep Impact???  Surely those fireworks were spectacular too...One of a kind, no less!!  don't tell me I was the only person who stayed up to watch ???

Ha...just caught your post now...you definitely weren't the only one!
Title: Re: Happy July 4th Independence Day
Post by: Maverick on 07/13/2008 02:21 am
What I admire about the US is a lot of you have American flags flying on and outside your houses. I REALLY wish we would do that here and not just for when England are playing in the World Cup. National pride is more than just sport.

Totally agree. The respect for the flag is what the Americans have spot on. Our national pride seems reserved to England national team matches (football or soccer if you are American). We don't have the best anthem in the world, but 100,000 belting it out makes it special :)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-4-a-xOK90U&feature=related

Ironically, the Americans don't tend to do national anthems at their sporting events, it seems to be left to a singer?

That is impressive!
Title: Re: Happy July 4th Independence Day
Post by: Carl G on 07/13/2008 03:05 pm
As far as national pride and sporting events, it's very hard to beat England matches (home and away - but especially at Wembley above. The video doesn't do it justice, it's deafening. I was there with Germany).
 
Notably England and Scotland's national anthems are war songs. Scotland's more so! (See lyrics) :o
 
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ybxfZoT6VHQ&feature=related
 
However, I think Wales wins for their national team games in Cardiff. Beautiful anthem (ancient hymn)
 
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZpYogExUngU&feature=related
 
Subnote, the US fans of the national team have adopted the tradition, notably at the World Cup games (this is impressive against Italy, as the US only had 20,000 fans travel to Germany for World Cup 2006) Personally, it's a 100 times better than not singing it and listening to some pop star.
 
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jUtSSGLR06E
Title: Re: Happy July 4th Independence Day
Post by: DavisSTS on 07/04/2009 12:20 pm
Bumping last year's to say Happy July 4 to the Americans from the British on here (me included).

Ironic that is just over a years time (or so), America will be giving up its independence as a space program, by outsourcing astronaut travel to Russia.
Title: Re: Happy July 4th Independence Day
Post by: robertross on 07/04/2009 01:56 pm
Good idea.

Happy 4th to all my American friends, from up here in Canada!
Title: Re: Happy July 4th Independence Day
Post by: Ronsmytheiii on 07/04/2009 02:08 pm
Thanks for the well wishes, hopefully our British friends are not too mad at us for Andy Roddick knocking out Andy Murray in Wimbledon.
Title: Re: Happy July 4th Independence Day
Post by: Chris Bergin on 07/04/2009 05:22 pm
Happy July 4th!

And yes, Roddick was awesome.
Title: Re: Happy July 4th Independence Day
Post by: pierogoletto on 07/04/2009 07:29 pm
Happy Independence Day. Best Regards from Italy.
Title: Re: Happy July 4th Independence Day
Post by: Antares on 07/04/2009 11:41 pm
Do freedom, liberty and personal responsibility (since accounts say other space programs lacked) allow a country to put men on the Moon? I'd like to think so. The current status of those 3 ideals on 7/4/09 are left as an exercise to the reader.
Title: Re: Happy July 4th Independence Day
Post by: alphas on 07/05/2009 08:05 pm
Please find my best wishes for the July 4th Independence Day weekend.

Since the post was first made yesterday July 4th night, it might not make it for everyone's day time, hence the weekend message.
Title: Re: Happy July 4th Independence Day
Post by: Chris Bergin on 07/04/2010 02:50 pm
Bump :)

Happy July 4 - sorry about all that taxation without representation ;)
Title: Re: Happy July 4th Independence Day
Post by: Orbiter on 07/04/2010 02:55 pm
Happy 4th of July everyone!

Orbiter
Title: Re: Happy July 4th Independence Day
Post by: Space Pete on 07/04/2010 03:02 pm
Happy 4th of July from Doug Wheelock via Twitter!

The caption for Image 1 reads:
Quote
To my beloved Doris Stone, and all that love peace and freedom…Grace and Peace on this blessed Independence Day! From the Node 2 ‘Harmony Module’ in the U.S. Segment, with Sonny Stone’s Congressional Medal of Honor…”No greater love…”

The caption for Image 2 reads:
Quote
In celebration of freedom and liberty…Happy 4th from the ISS Russian Segment! Photos of Tsiolkovsky and Gagarin keep a watchful eye on us in the ISS Command Post. The Congressional Medal of Honor is with us in tribute to all those that sacrifice all they know and love so people can breathe free.


The medal belongs to Vietnam hero Lester Stone, who was killed in combat. Wheels took the medal into space with him. Full article: www.wicz.com/news2005/viewarticle.asp?a=13832
Title: Re: Happy July 4th Independence Day
Post by: GoForTLI on 07/04/2010 03:44 pm
Nice mention, Space Pete. 

Happy Independence Day!  Hope you Brits don't hold the whole 1776 thing against us. 

Nice words from STS-121 CDR Steve Lindsey 4 years ago today: "For all the folks along the Florida east coast we hope to very soon give you an up-close and personal look at the rocket's red glare."
Title: Re: Happy July 4th Independence Day
Post by: SimonShuttle on 07/04/2010 04:11 pm
Happy July 4.


Hope you Brits don't hold the whole 1776 thing against us. 


Never have, we don't see today as a defeat or a bad thing. People who think there's a few unpopular wars in modern day history need to read up on the British side of the war of independence. Now that was one very unpopular war as we literally sent troops to kill our own people.
Title: Re: Happy July 4th Independence Day
Post by: Martin FL on 07/04/2010 04:40 pm
Happy July 4th everyone!
Title: Re: Happy July 4th Independence Day
Post by: HIPAR on 07/04/2010 05:25 pm
Here's our declaration:

http://www.earlyamerica.com/earlyamerica/freedom/doi/text.html

I can't believe King George was that evil; he was a proponent of things scientific.  Scientists, generally speaking, are reasonable people.

George would have found a way to close our human launch gap if he were in charge now.   ;)

---  CHAS
Title: Re: Happy July 4th Independence Day
Post by: A_M_Swallow on 07/04/2010 10:19 pm

I can't believe King George was that evil; he was a proponent of things scientific.  Scientists, generally speaking, are reasonable people.

George III was very forward and progressive.  He was standardising how Governors were appointed.

In the lead up to the US War of Independence his courts had banned slavery in England and Scotland.  The colonies were next.  A policy that was unlikely to be popular in the 'Southern States'.
Title: Re: Happy July 4th Independence Day
Post by: cd-slam on 07/05/2010 12:33 am
True, but more to the actual "casus belli" it was the British parliament which enacted the hated Tea Act and Intolerable Acts. King George III had little or no involvement in either of these.
But the Declaration of Independence had to be directed against the head of state, hence the language.
Title: Re: Happy July 4th Independence Day
Post by: Ronsmytheiii on 07/05/2010 03:39 am
True, but more to the actual "casus belli" it was the British parliament which enacted the hated Tea Act and Intolerable Acts. King George III had little or no involvement in either of these.
But the Declaration of Independence had to be directed against the head of state, hence the language.

Actually there was an underlying thread, before the 7 years war the English government really did not exert that much influence in the colonies due to ongoing domestic in fighting and European warfare. After the seven years war the British started to reassert their power over the colonies which due to years of practically self-rule were understandably resentful.
Title: Re: Happy July 4th Independence Day
Post by: ChrisGebhardt on 07/05/2010 03:54 am
Good stuff brihath!

I should start a poll...

Who here thinks Chris and the gang does such a great job, they need to log off and take the 4th of July long weekend off??

Thanks, but not really a fan of time off. You only live once and you've got to make the most of it, etc. ;D

Thing is, I'd be on here as a hobby, nevermind actually being one of the people that gets to write the articles. Besides, I've got Army first thing tomorrow and then we've got at least four articles worth of L2 content to write up as news content (time sensitive) - would rather be doing that than being in the pub (football season doesn't start till August anyway :D)

I have to agree (even though this was first written a couple years ago). The first thing I did today was ask Chris about upcoming articles this week. :) Here because I love this site and because I want to be here. So writing continues... always. Heck... I think Chris B and I were even writing over Christmas and New Year's 2009/2010.
Title: Re: Happy July 4th Independence Day
Post by: Mark Max Q on 07/05/2010 04:10 am
Happy July 4.

What I admire about the US is a lot of you have American flags flying on and outside your houses. I REALLY wish we would do that here and not just for when England are playing in the World Cup. National pride is more than just sport.

Totally agree. The respect for the flag is what the Americans have spot on. Our national pride seems reserved to England national team matches (football or soccer if you are American). We don't have the best anthem in the world, but 100,000 belting it out makes it special :)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-4-a-xOK90U&feature=related

Ironically, the Americans don't tend to do national anthems at their sporting events, it seems to be left to a singer?

That is impressive!

VERY impressive! Been watching the World Cup and I had no idea how seriously it's taken until I started watching the games from when the teams come out and sing their national anthems.
Title: Re: Happy July 4th Independence Day
Post by: STS Tony on 07/05/2010 04:22 am

I can't believe King George was that evil; he was a proponent of things scientific.  Scientists, generally speaking, are reasonable people.

George III was very forward and progressive.  He was standardising how Governors were appointed.

In the lead up to the US War of Independence his courts had banned slavery in England and Scotland.  The colonies were next.  A policy that was unlikely to be popular in the 'Southern States'.

It's interesting to read the declaration again as it reads as if it's directed at the King, rather than the country. Lots of "He" etc.

How long, and what did it take, for us to go from enemies to allies?
Title: Re: Happy July 4th Independence Day
Post by: Justin Space on 07/05/2010 09:57 am
King George III was ahead of his time, but he liked Empire building and hated the French. A mix between Branson and Rumsfeld if you like ;D

You could probably say America was born out of Anglo-French wars, as we beat them ahead of the War of Independence, France then comes to the rescue of America (eventually and more to take out British ships than help America), and then we go over and beat them again, this time taking out Napoleon.

Then movies like The Patriot come out, which is a joke of a film as far as historically accurate.

Someone mentioned the war was unpopular with the UK public. Well initially it was highly popular. Remember, different times, we owned a third of the planet and had the best military. More so it became popular and enlistment was sky high, when word got back of British troops being murdered in New England. Lots of outrage as they lost their lives by following the rules of engagement, and the locals were acting as insurgents, otherwise the locals wouldn't of stood a chance.

The popular idea was we'd send over 250,000 troops or so into Canada, take New York, then news would get back we were massing to the north and you'd all say "sorry, please don't send in the Army". Everyone would be home in time for Christmas and the troops get paid for what was a holiday in Canada. So much for

Fast forward. The war then became very unpopular as it turned into a full on war. Tens of thousands marched to surround the Houses of Parliament in 1780 over the war, and other issues with the government, very much as depicted in V for Vendetta (although Guy Fawkes was 200 years earlier and the movie is based in the future). The writer said the scene was inspired by newspaper reports of the 1780 protest and riots.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vnPvbfogeSI

But George III gets and unfair deal from American historians, looking for a villian.

"I was the last to consent to the separation; but the separation having been made and having become inevitable, I have always said, as I say now, that I would be the first to meet the friendship of the United States as an independent power." George III to John Adams, first American minister to Britain.
Title: Re: Happy July 4th Independence Day
Post by: Evo on 07/05/2010 12:44 pm
I picked up a book titled "A History of the American People" by Paul Johnson for about $20 in a bookshop in one of the Florida malls. 

I'd highly recommend it, though it's a bit dry for something to read cover to cover.  I sarcastically call it "A Brief History of the American People" in reference to it's 1088 pages.

The prelude to peace is described in two sections chiefly - "Madison's Blunders and their Punishment" and "Jackson and the Destruction of the Indians".  If it wasn't for the human tragedy the incompetence of both sides would be hillarious.

I've summarised the main bits here.  I apologise in advance if this is a too long winded and OT.

During the 1812 war, Madison thought the French Canadians would welcome him and his militias with open arms but instead they feared being converted from Catholic to Protestant and strongly resisted.  Madison also felt that the British Canadians would be too weak and thinly distributed to form any resistance.  Again this was wrong.  The final nail was that his own militias spent more time fighting amongst themselves than seizing Canada.

"The generals blamed each other.  General Peter B. Porter accused General Alexander Smyth, in the pages of the Buffalo Gazette, of arrant cowardice.  They fought a comic-opera dual on Grand Island: no one was hurt but their buffoonery disgusted their men."

"The militias often fought each other with more enthusiasm than they tackled the British.  In the camp at Black Rock, Irish Greens from New York waged a pitched battle with the Southern Volunteers, and both turned on the regular troops sent to separate them.  The civilian public jeered.  The US Light Dragoons, raised in 1808 with the initials USLD on their caps, were branded Uncle Sam's Lady Dogs.  By the end of 1813 the invasion of Canada had been effectively abandoned."

Madison's sea forces fared much better though.  A mixture of American Navy (ironically chiefly crewed by British crews) and privateers wrecked havoc on the Royal Navy in the Western Approaches.

"By 1813, when stories of the American attack on Canada and the burning of towns and villages reached Britain, there was outrage and calls for revenge."

Poet Laureate Robert Southey said:

"I would run down the [American] coast, and treat the great towns with an exhibition of rockets... [until] they chose to put a stop to the illuminations by submission, or till Philadelphia, New York, Baltimore etc were laid in Ashes."

"Southey's suggestion, coming from a man not normally bloodthirsty, reflected the exasperation of the British people with war."

"Armstrong sent an order to General William Harrison, the future President, with instructions to conciliate the Indians, turn them loose on the Canadians, and convert the British settlements on the Thames River into a Desert.  He also gave General McClure discretion to burn Newark.  Madison commanded the Thames order be revoked, and he disavowed the burning of Newark.  Terror was never officially White House policy, and one colonel was court-martialled for a town-burning.  Nevertheless, many setttlers were murdered and their houses torched.  Bearing in mind that Britain was free to retaliate, with an enormous army of ninety-nine battleships and numerous smaller vessels, and a with a large army of Peninsular War veterans, Madison's conduct makes no sense."

When the British did eventually land on the Chesapeake in 1814, everyone seemed to be surprised.  5000 troops were landed and then removed a month later essentially unscathed.

"The British entered Washington, which was now undefended, on Wednesday, August 24.  There was a good deal of cowardice as well as incompetence."

"The Middle States, like the West and South, had been strongly for the war.  Yet their resistance to invasion was pitiful.  As one American historian put it, 'In Maryland, Virginia and Pennsylvania there were living not far from 1.5 million of whites.  Yet this great population remained in its towns and cities and suffered 5000 Englishmen to spend five weeks in its midst without once attemtpting to send the invaders from its soil.'  Hence the British were able to take their time about humiliating Washington."
 
Up steps Andrew Jackson.  The book talks about his well known early life but this bit tickled me:

"'Great God!' responded Jackson, 'do you dare mention her sacred name?'  Pistols were drawn - the men being aged fifty-eight and thirty-six respectively - and shots were fired but only a passer by was injured."

He then led his troups to clear the South of the Indians.  In no small part because:

"The British pursued a systematic policy of organizing and arming minorites against the United States..."
"... British major Edward Nicholas, with four officers and 108 Royal Marines, armed and to some extent trained over 4,000 Creeks and Seminoles, distributing 3,000 muskets, 1,000 carbines, 1,000 pistols, 500 rifles, and a million rounds of ammunition."

So, when the 1812 war broke out, the millitant Creeks joined in enthusiastically, some of them travelling as far north as Canada, to massacre the demoralised Americans.

Time for some British incompetence... Jackson and many troops had New Orleans strongly defended.

"Even so, it could have been outflanked.  And that was the British intention.  Jackson's main defence was behind Rodriguez's Canal, a ditch 4 feet deep and 10 feet wide, which was reinforced by a high mud rampart.  The British land commander, General Sir Edward Pakenham, a stupendously brave but impatient man - 'not the brightest genius', as his brother-in-law the Duke of Wellington put it, planned a two-pronged assault, up the almost undefended left bank of the Mississippi, to take the rampart from the rear, while his troops in the front kept the defenders occupied.  But the force landed in the wrong place and fell behind schedule.  Pakenham decided he could not wait and, relying on the sheer professionalism of his veterans, decided on a frontal assault alone and fired the two congreves, which were the signal for attack.  A frontal assault against a strongly defended position not enfiladed from the rear was a textbook example of folly that would have made Wellington dispair.  It became even more murderous when the leading batallion failed to bring up the fascines to fill the ditch and the ladders to scale the rampart.  The result was a pointless slaughter of brave men."

"... Jackson lost only 13 killed, the British 291, with another 484 missing and over a thousand wounded."

"Three days later the first rumours arrived that Britain and America had made peace."

It had taken both sides 6 months to negotiate the terms of the peace.  The book attributes this to Maddison puzzlingly chosing a negotiating team filled with people who disagreed with each other on almost everything.  However, the Treaty of Ghent was signed in 1814 and, as John Quincy Adams hoped, this proved to be the last treaty of peace needed between Great Britain and the United States.
Title: Re: Happy July 4th Independence Day
Post by: zerm on 07/05/2010 02:18 pm
Can anyone honestly imagine this happening today?


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GtO_xMvQmpA
Title: Re: Happy July 4th Independence Day
Post by: GoForTLI on 07/05/2010 02:35 pm
Can anyone honestly imagine this happening today?

Lots of enthusiasm for spaceflight on that day.  A crowd estimated at 45,000 watched the landing.
Title: Re: Happy July 4th Independence Day
Post by: HIPAR on 07/05/2010 09:28 pm
Can anyone honestly imagine this happening today?


That's leadership!

---  CHAS
Title: Re: Happy July 4th Independence Day
Post by: HappyMartian on 07/07/2010 10:41 am
Can anyone honestly imagine this happening today?


That's leadership!

---  CHAS



Not likely!



Happy July 4th and have a great summer!

Cheers!
Title: Re: Happy July 4th Independence Day
Post by: SimonShuttle on 07/04/2011 09:30 am
Can anyone honestly imagine this happening today?


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GtO_xMvQmpA

I wonder if Obama would start singing as Dragon or Orion is towed out on the back of a truck today? ;)

Happy July 4 ;D
Title: Re: Happy July 4th Independence Day
Post by: saturnsky on 07/04/2011 10:15 am
Happy 4th to all,,,,thanks for posting a great memory,,,I was at Ellington field here in Houston when she landed on the way to the Cape,,,what a great day that was.....
Title: Re: Happy July 4th Independence Day
Post by: DavisSTS on 07/04/2011 11:12 am
Happy J4. Don't forget the flagwaving ;)
Title: Re: Happy July 4th Independence Day
Post by: Chris Bergin on 07/04/2011 11:16 am
Heh, nice bump, as we didn't want to go over the war again, did we ;)

Happy July 4 and that STS-4 video is so epic.
Title: Re: Happy July 4th Independence Day
Post by: Olaf on 07/04/2011 12:42 pm
Happy July, 4th to all U.S. guys.
Title: Re: Happy July 4th Independence Day
Post by: Lee Jay on 07/04/2011 01:21 pm
I predict more rockets will be launched today in the US than on any other day of the year, as long as you account for all rockets of any mass.

Happy Independence day from those evil (now our best friends) Brits!  I guess all's well that ends well. ;)
Title: Re: Happy July 4th Independence Day
Post by: Space101 on 07/04/2011 01:32 pm
Happy July 4 to the Americans. Crazy to think we went to war with technically our own people. Turned out well in the end.

And we even sent you Simon Cowell by way of our friendship :D
Title: Re: Happy July 4th Independence Day
Post by: Terry Rocket on 07/04/2011 01:51 pm
Independence Day Americans!

Big day off, lots of flag waving and stuff? You don't go around burning Union Jacks I take it ;D
Title: Re: Happy July 4th Independence Day
Post by: mikegi on 07/04/2011 02:11 pm
Humorous take on the Declaration of Independence if modern technology was available back then:

http://www.zdnet.com/photos/independence-day-how-did-they-survive-the-1770s/6255248

Love the email to [email protected], social media icons next to the signature, and Jefferson's twitter feed.
Title: Re: Happy July 4th Independence Day
Post by: Jorge on 07/04/2011 08:16 pm
Independence Day Americans!

Big day off, lots of flag waving and stuff? You don't go around burning Union Jacks I take it ;D

Our schools are so terrible, I'd wager a majority of our graduates don't remember which nation we won independence *from*... much less know what their flag looks like...
Title: Re: Happy July 4th Independence Day
Post by: Justin Space on 07/04/2011 08:36 pm
Independence Day Americans!

Big day off, lots of flag waving and stuff? You don't go around burning Union Jacks I take it ;D

Our schools are so terrible, I'd wager a majority of our graduates don't remember which nation we won independence *from*... much less know what their flag looks like...

They teach it reasonably well in UK schools, as much as it's par for the course for the bloody history of the British Empire. It's always "we were the bad guys", so no false pretenses, before concentrating how you celebrate it with fireworks, like we do for November 5.

Certainly no animosity and I think the Queen even apologised (well she isn't allowed to apologise as monarch as she's got no political power to do so, but she noted regrets, during a visit to Georgetown I think).

The biggest problems are Hollywood movies, with the historically wobbly Mel Gibson film for this war and those crap Pirates of the Caribbean movies which make the Royal Navy look stupid, when they dominated the planet for goodness how long.
Title: Re: Happy July 4th Independence Day
Post by: robertross on 07/04/2012 02:14 am
Just a bump to wish all my American friends a happy 4th of July.
Title: Re: Happy July 4th Independence Day
Post by: kirghizstan on 07/04/2012 02:17 am
may we all remember that the tea party was a protest to a tax cut.
Title: Re: Happy July 4th Independence Day
Post by: Mark S on 07/04/2012 04:42 am
Just a bump to wish all my American friends a happy 4th of July.

Thanks Robert! Just got back from a fireworks show with the family. The 4th is America's special day to get even more wrapped up in ourselves than normal, which is no small feat.

Cheers to our northern neighbors, too!

Mark S.
Title: Re: Happy July 4th Independence Day
Post by: Chris Bergin on 07/04/2012 12:43 pm
Wow, that year went a bit fast!

Happy July 4! ;D
Title: Re: Happy July 4th Independence Day
Post by: Longhorn John on 07/04/2012 04:24 pm
Happy Independence Day!

Ironic that we beat the Brits, but now have to rely on one for news on our own program! :D
Title: Re: Happy July 4th Independence Day
Post by: Rocket Science on 07/04/2012 04:38 pm
Happy Birthday America! And to many more rocket’s red glare… ;D
Title: Re: Happy July 4th Independence Day
Post by: SimonShuttle on 07/04/2012 08:07 pm
Happy July 4, Americans.

Good day all round, as it changed things for the better over here too. Although we're a bit out of money, so if you do want to pay any back taxes, don't let us stop you! ;D
Title: Re: Happy July 4th Independence Day
Post by: KEdward5 on 07/04/2012 08:11 pm
Happy July 4, Americans.

Good day all round, as it changed things for the better over here too. Although we're a bit out of money, so if you do want to pay any back taxes, don't let us stop you! ;D

Sorry, our we're out of money too! ;D
Title: Re: Happy July 4th Independence Day
Post by: Jester on 07/04/2012 08:40 pm
Happy 4th !

And remember folks, watch your fingers and toe's !

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WH2uifOWP-k
Title: Re: Happy July 4th Independence Day
Post by: notsorandom on 07/04/2012 09:37 pm
Today is also the 15th anniversary of Mars Pathfinder landing, 7th of Deep Impact's smashing encounter with Comet Temple 1, and the largest 4th of July rocket ever lit Discovery on mission STS-121.
Title: Re: Happy July 4th Independence Day
Post by: wolfpack on 07/04/2012 09:57 pm
Happy 4th, everyone! :)

Now the iPad will be secured such as to prevent beer posts!  :P
Title: Re: Happy July 4th Independence Day
Post by: FinalFrontier on 07/04/2012 10:28 pm
Happy 4th everyone.


Here's to hoping that we are all still here to do it again next year.



Title: Re: Happy July 4th Independence Day
Post by: Chris Bergin on 07/04/2013 02:41 am
Happy July 4 2013 to the Americans!
Title: Re: Happy July 4th Independence Day
Post by: kch on 07/04/2013 02:45 am
Happy July 4 2013 to the Americans!

Thanks, Chris!   :D
Title: Re: Happy July 4th Independence Day
Post by: QuantumG on 07/04/2013 02:56 am
Woohoo, four day weekend!

(It's a complicated timezone thing, but trust me, it's awesome.)
Title: Re: Happy July 4th Independence Day
Post by: Elmar Moelzer on 07/04/2013 04:20 am
Happy 4th from me as well!
Title: Re: Happy July 4th Independence Day
Post by: notsorandom on 07/04/2013 05:03 am
Happy 4th everyone.


Here's to hoping that we are all still here to do it again next year.




A year later it would seem like we are! Happy 4th everyone!
Title: Re: Happy July 4th Independence Day
Post by: Jester on 07/04/2013 09:36 am
Happy 4th USA, enjoy that freedom and remember those that served to bring you that.
Title: Re: Happy July 4th Independence Day
Post by: ChrisGebhardt on 07/04/2013 07:50 pm
Independence Day is not just a U.S. holiday. For us here in the United States, and for many others, it symbolizes the day when we decided to change our form of government to something that the majority wanted. As we here in the U.S. remember that anniversary today, it is very important that everyone remember those around the world who still fight for the same right to do so.
Title: Re: Happy July 4th Independence Day
Post by: Star One on 07/04/2013 07:57 pm
From across the Atlantic I wish you all a happy Independence Day.

You can tell the iPad is an American gadget as it automatically capitalised Independence Day for me. :)
Title: Re: Happy July 4th Independence Day
Post by: ClaytonBirchenough on 07/04/2013 08:02 pm
Happy Independence Day to all of my fellow Americans! Hope you have good weather where you are!
Title: Re: Happy July 4th Independence Day
Post by: rcoppola on 07/04/2013 08:13 pm
From my family to yours, Happy 4th to all the troops around the world who make this day continually possible.

And thanks to all those brilliant engineers who design and build the equipment they use. There is no substitute.

And as I gaze up towards the sky tonight as the colors burst, I'll think of our flag on that far away moon. May we raise another flag on another moon some day soon!

Title: Re: Happy July 4th Independence Day
Post by: Rocket Science on 07/04/2013 10:00 pm
Happy birthday America! :)
Title: Re: Happy July 4th Independence Day
Post by: bubbagret on 07/04/2013 10:08 pm
And 1 from the SpaceX people...

"An American flag flies high atop SpaceX’s new transporter erector at Vandenberg. #HappyFourthofJuly! pic.twitter.com/3mKA7QU7gJ


5:29 PM - 4 Jul 2013"
Title: Re: Happy July 4th Independence Day
Post by: Overflow on 07/07/2013 05:43 pm
Sorry I'm late.. But happy 4th!
Title: Re: Happy July 4th Independence Day
Post by: Justin Space on 07/04/2014 09:37 am
Bump for day. Congrats for one of the best World Cup games I've seen. Brilliant fighting performance.
Title: Re: Happy July 4th Independence Day
Post by: Space Pete on 07/04/2014 01:09 pm
Happy 4th July!

Down with the British and all that! ;) ;D
Title: Re: Happy July 4th Independence Day
Post by: Robert Thompson on 07/04/2014 01:23 pm
Happy July 4th.
Title: Re: Happy July 4th Independence Day
Post by: JazzFan on 07/04/2014 03:01 pm
Time to prep the backyard Launchpad for night time launches.  Countdown begins after the beer gets cold and the smoker is done.
Title: Re: Happy July 4th Independence Day
Post by: Chris Bergin on 07/04/2014 03:13 pm
Happy July 4! And speaking of the World Cup, check out this nonsense they showed on US Telly during half time in the game against England in the 2010 World Cup! ;D

I mean, honestly? ;)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xqWxgCZ1TQE
Title: Re: Happy July 4th Independence Day
Post by: Lee Jay on 07/04/2014 03:23 pm
Maybe you'll like this better, Chris.  It's the middle one on the revolutionary war.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9MGYoCNU5es&sns=em
Title: Re: Happy July 4th Independence Day
Post by: Rocket Science on 07/04/2014 04:02 pm
I feel the need for some “rocket’s red glare”... Happy 4th!! ;D
Title: Re: Happy July 4th Independence Day
Post by: Chris Bergin on 07/04/2014 04:11 pm
Oh I do love this:

(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/BrtlG91CIAA6UTH.jpg)
Title: Re: Happy July 4th Independence Day
Post by: robertross on 07/04/2014 04:59 pm
Wishing my American friends a wonderful & safe 4th of July holiday weekend
Title: Re: Happy July 4th Independence Day
Post by: nlec on 07/04/2014 09:22 pm
Neil Armstrong's granddaughter sings The Star Spangled Banner

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o7UjEg5P2DU&list=PL2aBZuCeDwlT56jTrxQ3FExn-dtchIwsZ&feature=share&index=2
Title: Re: Happy July 4th Independence Day
Post by: RocketStudent on 07/04/2014 09:35 pm
And the national anthem has deep roots with our British friends.

Quote
"The Star-Spangled Banner" is the national anthem of the United States. The lyrics come from "Defence of Fort M'Henry",[1] a poem written in 1814 by the 35-year-old lawyer and amateur poet Francis Scott Key after witnessing the bombardment of Fort McHenry by British ships of the Royal Navy in the Chesapeake Bay during the Battle of Fort McHenry in the War of 1812.

The poem was set to the tune of a popular British song written by John Stafford Smith for the Anacreontic Society, a men's social club in London. "The Anacreontic Song" (or "To Anacreon in Heaven"), with various lyrics, was already popular in the United States. Set to Key's poem and renamed "The Star-Spangled Banner", it would soon become a well-known American patriotic song.
Title: Re: Happy July 4th Independence Day
Post by: Burninate on 07/04/2014 09:57 pm
If we're going to be discussing The Star Spangled Banner's history, best use all four verses, instead of just the first:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YqvNYfeaYuI
Title: Re: Happy July 4th Independence Day
Post by: SimonShuttle on 07/04/2014 10:25 pm
Bump for day. Congrats for one of the best World Cup games I've seen. Brilliant fighting performance.

Yep! Same from me too. And that was a brilliant USA performance.

Now to those extra verses of Star Spangled Banner...

"Down down with the traitor that dares to defile"

Blimey! ;D

Or was that aimed at Americans who swapped sides?
Title: Re: Happy July 4th Independence Day
Post by: Robotbeat on 07/04/2014 11:06 pm
Nice listicle in Buzzfeed: http://www.buzzfeed.com/erinchack/america-fuck-yeah
Title: Re: Happy July 4th Independence Day
Post by: Paul Howard on 07/04/2014 11:45 pm
Hey Robot that URL is more offensive than Quantum Gs!

And any time you use the Super bowl, in any context, to people not from America, it backfires. I guess you need a sport for the obese, but allow me to introduce you to Rugby. You're welcome America! What? You dare not play without protection? Oh shame! ;D

PS

(http://cdn.someecards.com/someecards/filestorage/china-debt-america-independence-day-ecards-someecards.png)
Title: Re: Happy July 4th Independence Day
Post by: D_Dom on 07/05/2014 03:17 am
Thanks Chris! Been using this new laptop for entirely too long waiting for a good desktop wallpaper. Couldn't ask for better!
Title: Re: Happy July 4th Independence Day
Post by: rayleighscatter on 07/05/2014 03:54 pm
Happy July 4! And speaking of the World Cup, check out this nonsense they showed on US Telly during half time in the game against England in the 2010 World Cup! ;D

I mean, honestly? ;)
It's ok. This is what we got this week:  ;D
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UceS6lY9ers
Title: Re: Happy July 4th Independence Day
Post by: Chris Bergin on 07/05/2014 04:25 pm
HA! That's not even a British accent. Lots of bollocks ;D
Title: Re: Happy July 4th Independence Day
Post by: Chris Bergin on 07/04/2015 12:25 pm
Happy Independence Day, 2015 - to our American visitors (which is most of you!) :)

From KSC's Twitter, and I've probably said it before, but it really is a good looking flag you've got there.
Title: Re: Happy July 4th Independence Day
Post by: Orbiter on 07/04/2015 12:44 pm
Looks even better here! :)

Happy Independence Day!
Title: Re: Happy July 4th Independence Day
Post by: Rocket Science on 07/04/2015 01:02 pm
Is it ok if I watch the British GP qualifying this morning out of protest? Nah, we're all best friends now. Happy 4th! :)

EDIT:Hamilton just got the pole, nice!
Title: Re: Happy July 4th Independence Day
Post by: ClaytonBirchenough on 07/04/2015 03:21 pm
Happy Independence Day!

Careful with the fireworks now haha.
Title: Re: Happy July 4th Independence Day
Post by: kch on 07/04/2015 03:37 pm
... and the band played on ...   ;D

Title: Re: Happy July 4th Independence Day
Post by: SimonShuttle on 07/04/2015 05:33 pm
Happy July 4 ;D

My cricket team just celebrated it by pretending to be a baseball team by swinging the bat everywhere.

All out for 47  :o

The sooner the football season starts next month the better. Been a long football-less summer, although I've been enjoying the only thing that's been on, MLS! Thank you America!
Title: Re: Happy July 4th Independence Day
Post by: pierogoletto on 07/04/2015 07:21 pm
Happy 4th July to all American people on this forum and to all those who love USA
Title: Re: Happy July 4th Independence Day
Post by: D_Dom on 07/04/2015 10:15 pm
Been enjoying Football on the big screen, Germany and England scoreless at the half!
Title: Re: Happy July 4th Independence Day
Post by: Ronpur50 on 07/04/2015 11:08 pm
Stay safe with those rockets tonight!
Title: Re: Happy July 4th Independence Day
Post by: Davp99 on 07/03/2016 08:33 pm
to All my American Family and friends and to  those in other countries that Values Freedom as we do.. :)
Title: Re: Happy July 4th Independence Day
Post by: SimonShuttle on 07/04/2016 10:44 am
And bump for 2016! Happy July 4, you lovely Americans! :)
Title: Re: Happy July 4th Independence Day
Post by: Chris Bergin on 07/04/2016 12:25 pm
Happy 4th of July to all the Americans on here (that's most of you!) :)

Title: Re: Happy July 4th Independence Day
Post by: Rocket Science on 07/04/2016 12:43 pm
Celebrating the 4th with the "rocket's red glare" burn for JOI! :)
Title: Re: Happy July 4th Independence Day
Post by: Chris Bergin on 07/04/2016 01:38 pm
This got hijacked by the EU debate....let's bring it back to its correct context ;)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QoLywiaM6PA
Title: Re: Happy July 4th Independence Day
Post by: RonM on 07/04/2016 02:02 pm
Happy 4th of July!

As an American, I appreciate the warm regards from the Brits.

However, I wonder if everyone in the UK feels the same?  :)
Title: Re: Happy July 4th Independence Day
Post by: Justin Space on 07/04/2016 02:09 pm
Happy July 4!

Happy 4th of July!

As an American, I appreciate the warm regards from the Brits.

However, I wonder if everyone in the UK feels the same?  :)


Yep.

And don't worry about Royal Navy nuclear sub at Port Canaveral. Nooooothing to worry about at all. ;)





(OK lads, I've distracted them. We can now send in the rest of the fleet into Boston Habour. We'll make them pay!!! ;D)
Title: Re: Happy July 4th Independence Day
Post by: Maverick on 07/04/2016 02:31 pm
Happy 4th of July!

As an American, I appreciate the warm regards from the Brits.

However, I wonder if everyone in the UK feels the same?  :)


Yeah, there's never any negativity around this. As noted in the thread, the surprise defeat (and it was a real surprise as we thought we had an unbeatable army) helped shake things up at home, so it worked out well for both of us.

Besides, you're more than an ally, or a friend. You're family. Happy July 4!
Title: Re: Happy July 4th Independence Day
Post by: Rocket Science on 07/04/2016 02:48 pm
Happy July 4!

Happy 4th of July!

As an American, I appreciate the warm regards from the Brits.

However, I wonder if everyone in the UK feels the same?  :)


Yep.

And don't worry about Royal Navy nuclear sub at Port Canaveral. Nooooothing to worry about at all. ;)





(OK lads, I've distracted them. We can now send in the rest of the fleet into Boston Habour. We'll make them pay!!! ;D)
Better keep an eye on you tea then... ;D
Title: Re: Happy July 4th Independence Day
Post by: the_other_Doug on 07/04/2016 02:59 pm
Happy 4th of July!

As an American, I appreciate the warm regards from the Brits.

However, I wonder if everyone in the UK feels the same?  :)

You have a point -- no one in the UK right now could possibly feel it's anything except treasonous "for one people to dissolve the political bands which have connected them with another"... ;)  :D

(Sorry for the Brexit reference, not meant to encourage discussion, it just presented a lovely irony I had to toss out there... :) )
Title: Re: Happy July 4th Independence Day
Post by: Chris Bergin on 07/04/2017 10:37 am
Happy July 4 to the Americans on here, which is most of you! ;D <---yes, we like thread reusability too.

Time to post rocket launches with American flags in view again!
Title: Re: Happy July 4th Independence Day
Post by: SimonShuttle on 07/04/2017 02:05 pm
My thread, recyling! :)

Happy July 4.

I'll avoid the obvious jokes. ;D
Title: Re: Happy July 4th Independence Day
Post by: Hobbes-22 on 07/04/2017 05:29 pm
Happy 4th of July!

As an American, I appreciate the warm regards from the Brits.

However, I wonder if everyone in the UK feels the same?  :)

British friends of mine refer to it as 'Good Riddance Day'  :P
Title: Re: Happy July 4th Independence Day
Post by: RonM on 07/04/2017 05:37 pm
Happy 4th of July!

As an American, I appreciate the warm regards from the Brits.

However, I wonder if everyone in the UK feels the same?  :)

British friends of mine refer to it as 'Good Riddance Day'  :P

How about Brexit 1776?  ;)
Title: Re: Happy July 4th Independence Day
Post by: yokem55 on 07/05/2017 01:46 am
I for one shall be conducting tests of  glass silo guided sub orbital solid rockets with auto fts features. Unfortunately these units are not suitable for reusability research.
Title: Re: Happy July 4th Independence Day
Post by: Lar on 07/05/2017 04:29 am
Time to post rocket launches with American flags in view again!

Not sure of the original source or which launch, but from the Seattle Times.

https://static.seattletimes.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/74e981060aaf4a9ea7b34fa30240ec93-780x1228.jpg

Title: Re: Happy July 4th Independence Day
Post by: QuantumG on 07/05/2017 04:33 am
I was honestly more excited about Canada Day this year.
Title: Re: Happy July 4th Independence Day
Post by: Hog on 07/06/2017 10:14 am
I was honestly more excited about Canada Day this year.

Me too,  it was our 150th on the 1st.
Title: Re: Happy July 4th Independence Day
Post by: Chris Bergin on 07/04/2018 11:48 am
It's bump time for this thread!

Happy July 4 to the Americans (and belated happy birthday to the Canadians!) of NSF. :)
Title: Re: Happy July 4th Independence Day
Post by: darkenfast on 07/04/2018 07:49 pm
I'll have to have a cup of Tetley's in celebration of our Trans-Atlantic relationship (it's the only tea I drink)!
Title: Re: Happy July 4th Independence Day
Post by: eric z on 07/04/2018 08:27 pm
 It's also the great Louis Armstrong's ceremonial birthday, and WKCR has got 7.5 hours to go in their annual celebration of his great Jazz!  8)
Title: Re: Happy July 4th Independence Day
Post by: Eric Hedman on 07/04/2018 08:37 pm
It's also the great Louis Armstrong's ceremonial birthday, and WKCR has got 7.5 hours to go in their annual celebration of his great Jazz!  8)
His greatest song that says it all for optimists:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CWzrABouyeE  (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CWzrABouyeE)
Title: Re: Happy July 4th Independence Day
Post by: RotoSequence on 07/04/2018 08:47 pm
Can't go wrong with
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4motzZmZtUo

 ;D
Title: Re: Happy July 4th Independence Day
Post by: scienceguy on 07/04/2018 11:12 pm
Happy fourth of July to my American fellow space fans!
Title: Re: Happy July 4th Independence Day
Post by: joeym on 07/05/2018 10:49 am
It's also the great Louis Armstrong's ceremonial birthday, and WKCR has got 7.5 hours to go in their annual celebration of his great Jazz!  8)
His greatest song that says it all for optimists:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CWzrABouyeE  (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CWzrABouyeE)
greatest song ever!
Title: Re: Happy July 4th Independence Day
Post by: Chris Bergin on 07/04/2019 01:24 pm
It's the bump of this thread time!

Happy Fourth of July to our US followers!

https://twitter.com/NASASpaceflight/status/1146768618258149377
Title: Re: Happy July 4th Independence Day
Post by: Johnnyhinbos on 07/04/2019 01:36 pm
Four years ago today I had a _really_ bad 4th. Here's to a much better one!
Title: Re: Happy July 4th Independence Day
Post by: Scylla on 07/04/2019 02:49 pm
Happy 4th of July from the Space Station Crew

https://youtu.be/jX_1equIOpU
Title: Re: Happy July 4th Independence Day
Post by: QuantumG on 07/05/2019 04:23 am