It brings out patriotism that sometimes is forgotten. Democrat, Republican, Libertarian, White, Black, Blue, Green, whatever you are you are still American, and no day brings this out like the 4th of July. Fireworks, good food, family, and friends are all part of the 4th of July. This is the day our country declared its independence from England, the day we shaped the best country in the world (I am just a bit biased here). The 4th is a day to celebrate being an American. It is a day to thank those people that fight for our freedom and keep us safe.
So what does the 4th of July mean to you? I will defer to one of the greatest Americans that has ever lived. If you know me, you know I am a huge fan of John Wayne. In 1973, while the Vietnam war was still being fought, and protested against, John Wayne released an album titled, “America, why I love her.” The lyrics were written by John Mitchum, but when read by John Wayne, these lyrics become more than just words. I grew up listening to this album and still do. Its meaning is especially felt around the 4th of July. If you have not heard these lyrics in John Wayne’s voice, you are really missing out. Here are the lyrics to the title track:
America, Why I Love Her
You ask me Why I Lover Her? Well, give me time and I’ll explain.
Have you seen a Kansas sunset or an Arizona rain?
Have you drifted on a bayou down Louisiana way?
Have you watched a cold fog drifting over San Francisco Bay?
Have you heard a bobwhite calling in the Carolina pines?
Or heard the bellow of a diesel at the Appalachia mines?
Does the call of Niagara thrill you when you hear her waters roar?
Do you look with awe and wonder at her Massachusetts shore,
Where men who braved a hard new world first stepped on Plymouth’s rock?
And do you think of them when you stroll along a New York City dock?
Have you seen a snowflake drifting in the Rockies, way up high?
Have you seen the sun come blazing down from a bright Nevada sky?
Do you hail to the Columbia as she rushes to the sea?
Or bow your head at Gettysburg at our struggle to be free?
Have you seen the mighty Tetons? Have you watched an eagle soar?
Have you seen the Mississippi roll along Missouri’s shore?
Have you felt a chill at Michigan when on a winter’s day,
Her waters rage along the shore in thunderous display?
Does the word “Aloha” make you warm? Do you stare in disbelief,
When you see the surf come roaring in at Waimea Reef?
From Alaska’s cold to the Everglades, from the Rio Grande to Maine,
My heart cries out, my pulse runs fast at the might of her domain.
You ask me Why I Love Her? I’ve a million reasons why:
My Beautiful America, beneath God’s wide, wide sky.
John Wayne
So be safe, take care, and have a great 4th of July celebration!
UND Football News
Cordero Finley tracks down the Sioux Falls player. 11-5-11 by Kory Wallen
That’s right we are coming up on football season. For those of you that do not know, I spend my Saturdays in the fall on the sidelines at UND home football games with the Chain Crew. I have the best seat in the house. I am really excited for this year’s football team. UND football has a lot going for them this year. Over the summer I will be doing some player and coach profiles, so that you can get to know your 2012 UND Football team. UND opens the 2012 season on Thursday, Aug. 30th with a game against South Dakota Mines in Grand Forks at 7:00 PM.
The following is a quick look at one of the opponents UND will face in 2012 from UND Athletics Media Relations:
The North Dakota football team will hit the road for the first time on week three of the schedule, heading to San Diego State on Sept. 15.
The fact that San Diego State is a FBS school in talent-rich California, is coming off a New Orleans Bowl trip and posted an 8-5 overall record in 2011 should all, and for good reason, make the Aztecs one of the more daunting opponents for UND in 2012. But, when UND visits Qualcomm Stadium in mid-September, the visitors will carry a confidence that they can compete with the Mountain West Conference member.
For starters, that confidence comes from the last time UND played a FBS opponent in the Golden State. UND nearly upset Fresno State last season before the Bulldogs had to stave off a potential game-winning touchdown drive by the visitors late in the fourth quarter to preserve a 27-22 victory. Several UND players distinguished themselves during the game, showing UND can play with FBS teams. The Aztecs also had their hands full with Fresno State in 2011, clipping the Bulldogs 35-28 in the regular-season finale.
The next rationale for confidence comes from the last time UND played a FBS opponent that was coming off a bowl trip. The Green and White nearly pulled off another victory before once again Northern Illinois found a way to hold off the pesky visitors from the Peace Garden State. The Huskies won that day 23-17, but it was another moment during the transition to Division I that UND instilled a belief in itself that they could compete on the highest level.
Did you know?
The Aztecs share Qualcomm Stadium with the NFL’s San Diego Chargers. This will be the first time UND has played in the same stadium that also houses a professional football team.
Around Town
Sertoma 4th of July Celebration
This is a great event for the whole family! If you are downtown on the 4th, come find me at the Championship Taekwondo martial arts demonstration. There is something for everyone here at this event. The Sertoma 4th Celebration and Fireworks is an annual celebration held on the Greenway and Town Square in downtown Grand Forks. Here is a tentative list of what will be happening downtown:
11:30 AM – City Band, Food Vendors
12 PM – Patriotic Kids Parade
12 to 5 PM – ArtWise, Caricatures, Kids Games
12 to Midnight – Beer Garden
1 PM – Opening Ceremony
1 to 3 PM – Red River Pedal Pull
1 to 4 PM – Petting Zoo, Pony Rides
1 to 5 PM – Curfman Critters Mule Train, Bounce Games, Face Painting, Race Car Display
2 PM – Championship Taekwondo-Korean Martial Arts and Russian Kettlebell Demonstration
3 PM – Watermelon Feed
3 to 6 PM – Kenny & the Classics (50’s & 60’s music)
8 PM to Midnight – Billy D & the Crystals (50’s & 60’s music)
10:30 PM – 53rd Annual Fireworks Show
For more info: www.gfsertoma.org
Altru Family YMCA Firecracker Run/Walk
On the 4th of July Altru Health Systems and the YMCA will host the annual Firecracker 10k & 5K Run/Walk. Registrations will be accepted by mail or at the Grand Forks Altru Family YMCA. Race day registration will be permitted no later than 7:30 a.m. on July 4, at race site. Race starts at 8 AM near the Town Square downtown Grand Forks. Registration information can be picked up at the YMCA in Grand Forks. Also, there will be a kiddie fun run that starts at 9 AM.
GF County Historical Society Ice Cream Social
On Sunday, July 8th from 1 PM to 4 PM, the Grand Forks Historical Society will be hosting its annual Ice Cream Social at the Myra Museum and Campbell House on Belmont Road. This popular annual event is fun for the whole family. For more info contact: www.grandforkshistory.com or call: 701-775-2216