Dear Family,

You’re just in time for a little Independence Day fun.

Today we’re skipping the questions and articles... and tossing out a bit of 4th of July trivia and silliness.

Starting with the pledge of allegience.

Let’s stand up.

Place your left hand over your heart and let's make the pledge.

" Eqo wexillo, unitorum statuum americae, quam refert ipsum fidelitatem voveo, uni nationia sub deo indiwisibli cum libertate atque justitia omnibus. "

Opps – I used to take first period Latin – sorry – in American it goes - “I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, and to the Republic for which it stands. One nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.”

Star Spangled Banner - the text – did you know there were 4 verses?

Oh, say can you see, by the dawn's early light, What so proudly we hailed at the twilight's last gleaming? Whose broad stripes and bright stars, through the perilous fight, O'er the ramparts we watched, were so gallantly streaming? And the rockets' red glare, the bombs bursting in air, Gave proof through the night that our flag was still there. O say, does that star-spangled banner yet wave O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave?

Isaac Asimov did. He was particularly fascinated with the Star Spangled Banner. He wrote an entire essay about it in a column for the magazine that bears his name, in 1991, with his usual wit and flair – that I know you will enjoy.

For the history of the flag http://americanhistory.si.edu/ssb/

For a celebration of America, with links to historic documents, Government and even a tour of the Senate. visit http://www.usacitylink.com/usa/

The history of Independence, starting with the Magna Carta http://wilstar.com/holidays/july4.htm

Best wishes,
Eva Rosenberg, EA
Your TaxMama is watching...out for you.

President Bush and Social Security
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