July 4, 2006 Independence Day

July 4th. The most important day in the history of the United States.

Independence was declared on this day in 1776.


A long war followed as the upstart colonists fought for independence from Great Britain and freedom.

A Nation was formed with a Constitution and a Bill of Rights--the First Ten Amendments to the Constitution.

The First Amendment to the Constitution states:

Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.

When Americans are intimidated by their government in the exercise of the right of free speech and the right to peaceably assemble, the rights of all Americans are compromised.

The pictures accompanying this post are not from some far away land or third-world country. These pictures were taken on the lawn of the Hamblen County Courthouse on June 24, 2006, as Americans sought to exercise the right of free speech and peaceable assembly.

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