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Historical Moments On this day

Joseph Cosgrove

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1867July 01
Canadian Independence Day

The autonomous Dominion of Canada, a confederation of Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, and the future provinces of Ontario and Quebec, is officially recognized by Great Britain with the passage of the British North America Act. July 1 becomes known as Canada Day.

During the 19th century, colonial dependence gave way to increasing autonomy for a growing Canada. In 1841, Upper and Lower Canada—now known as Ontario and Quebec—were made a single province by the Act of Union. In the 1860s, a movement for a greater Canadian federation grew out of the need for a common defense, the desire for a national railroad system, and the necessity of finding a solution to the problem of French and British conflict. When the Maritime provinces, which sought union among themselves, called a conference in 1864, delegates from the other provinces of Canada attended. Later in the year, another conference was held in Quebec, and in 1866 Canadian representatives traveled to London to meet with the British government.

On July 1, 1867, with passage of the British North America Act, the Dominion of Canada was officially established as a self-governing entity within the British Empire. Two years later, Canada acquired the vast possessions of the Hudson’s Bay Company, and within a decade the provinces of Manitoba and Prince Edward Island had joined the Canadian federation. In 1885, the Canadian Pacific Railway was completed, making mass settlement across the vast territory of Canada possible.

(possible clue to the infamous date to come in two days time)
 

Joseph Cosgrove

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And 1913 Wimbledon Men's Tennis: New Zealander Anthony Wilding wins 4th straight Wimbledon title beating American Maurice McLoughlin 8-6, 6-3, 10-8
Big deal :rolleyes:, I hear you say. However there is a cryptic clue in reference to the post # 700 (previous page).:unsure: All will be revealed after the gym session and my Excel + Word tutorials, in roughly 6 hours time (13:00 local).
 

Joseph Cosgrove

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Joseph Cosgrove

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Fourth of July: Why this Independence Day will be unlike any other


For millions of Americans, celebrating 4 July comes with certain rituals and traditions.

Parades, public fireworks displays and large family reunions are some of the most popular ways Americans mark the nation's independence from Britain in 1776.

But this year is set to look a little different. Here's why.

1) Cancelled parades
Sadly, it looks like the floats will have to stay in the garage this year.

Cities around the US have cancelled their annual parades as cases of coronavirus continue to rise. The National Independence Day Parade in Washington DC is the highest-profile casualty.

"Covid-19 infection levels will not be abated to the degree that it would be safe," its organisers said in a rather downcast statement.

Image shows the Fourth of July parade in Washington DC last year
Image copyrightGETTY IMAGESImage captionThe annual parade in Washington DC has been cancelled because of coronavirus
But others have approached things with a more creative touch.

In the small town of Montgomery, Ohio, there's set to be a "reverse parade" where motorists will drive past a stationary show featuring the usual marching band, stilt walkers and floats.

Either way, we're unlikely to see the kind of showpiece events that we're used to. There's always next year, at least.

2) Secret fireworks
Fireworks displays are synonymous with Independence Day and - while a raft of events have been cancelled - it's not all bad news.

Some organisers have come up with ingenious ways to ensure they can still go ahead without crowds gathering to watch.

Image shows the 41st Annual Macy's 4th Of July Fireworks in 2017
Image copyrightGETTY IMAGESImage captionSome cities are trying to avoid crowds gathering to watch the displays
In New York, the Macy's Fireworks Show is being held over a series of nights at unspecified locations and times. Each show will last for just five minutes to avoid crowds being able to gather.

Other cities, such as Boston and Houston, are encouraging people to watch the fireworks from home on TV or online. Which brings us nicely onto...

3) ...virtual events
It's fair to say this pandemic has pushed a lot of people to do more online, and that appears to include celebrating Independence Day.

A huge number of events will be streamed online so they can be enjoyed safely at home.

The Capitol Fourth concert in Washington DC is one of the most well-known. This year, it was pre-recorded in "iconic locations across the country" and will be shown both online and on TV.

And in Los Angeles, an arts centre is set to host an "online block party" with music and other performances being shown live on Facebook. Plenty of other cities are planning to livestream concerts of their own.

The 2019 Nathan's Famous Fourth of July International Hot Dog Eating Contest
Image copyrightGETTY IMAGESImage captionWhat better way to commemorate the birth of a nation?
Oh, and one of the quirkier Independence Day traditions - Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest - is still going ahead with various Covid-19 precautions in place.

The century-old competition will be shown on TV where it's previously attracted almost two million viewers. Some traditions are sacred, after all.

4) 'Sorry, we're closed'
While some events organisers are finding innovative ways to keep things on track, there's no getting around the fact that a lot of public spaces will be closed this weekend.

Bars and restaurants will be shut in many states, as officials continue to pull back on plans to reopen after the recent spike in coronavirus cases.

And beaches in states such as Florida and California, which would normally be packed with holidaymakers, will be closed to the public.

Image shows protesters converged on Huntington Beach in May
Image copyrightGETTY IMAGESImage captionThere have been protests over beach closures - such as this one in California
But there's some consolation if you had planned a trip to see a major attraction.

A fair few offer some form of online tour, including the USS Constitution which is one of the world's oldest warships. It's set to stream virtual tours as well as a live 21-gun salute to mark Independence Day on Saturday.

5) Protests and politics
Beyond the pandemic, the US has also been rocked by another major news event this year.

The death of African American George Floyd in police custody in May triggered nationwide protests and led to renewed demands for an end to institutional racism. Many of these protests targeted statues of controversial historical figures.

Now, some officials are concerned that Independence Day could see further clashes at monuments and sites.

Protesters gather at a statue of Confederate Gen Robert E. Lee earlier this year
Image copyrightGETTY IMAGESImage captionMemorials to the Confederacy, a group of southern states that fought to keep slaves, have been targeted
President Donald Trump's administration has put "rapid deployment teams" in place to guard federal monuments around the country ahead of the long weekend.

"While the department respects every American's right to protest peacefully, violence and civil unrest will not be tolerated," Acting Homeland Security Secretary Chad Wolf said in a statement announcing the move.

There are also plans for Black Lives Matter protests on 4 July in a swathe of cities including Orlando, Newark and Washington DC.

6) The start date
While the majority of this year's events will take place on 4th, the celebrations will actually kick-off on 3rd.

That's when President Trump will travel to the Mount Rushmore National Monument in South Dakota for the first firework display there in more than a decade.

It's proved to be a controversial plan for a few reasons. Firstly, there are environmental concerns as some fear the display could set off wildfires in the surrounding forest.

And Native American groups are planning to protest against Mr Trump's visit as the monument to former US presidents was built on land sacred to the Sioux tribe.

Image shows the Mount Rushmore National Monument in South Dakota
Image copyrightGETTY IMAGESImage captionPresident Trump will bring fighter jets and fireworks to Mount Rushmore on 3 July
The event has also attracted criticism because social distancing will not be enforced and masks will not be mandatory. "We told those folks that have concerns that they can stay home," the Republican governor said.

Mr Trump has promised a "special evening" back in Washington DC, too, where 10,000 fireworks will be set off as part of the "Salute to America" event which is still going ahead.

But the city's Mayor Muriel Bowser has expressed concern and urged people to stay at home. "Ask yourself, do you need to be there?" she said. "Do you know if you'll be able to social distance?"

Their disagreement points to the fraught political backdrop that is likely to make this year's Independence Day - in more ways than one - unlike any other.

(Nb because of the time difference the 4th of July will be tomorrow. With it falling on a weekend, it will be hard to keep people indoors)
 

mark wake

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Fourth of July: Why this Independence Day will be unlike any other


For millions of Americans, celebrating 4 July comes with certain rituals and traditions.

Parades, public fireworks displays and large family reunions are some of the most popular ways Americans mark the nation's independence from Britain in 1776.

But this year is set to look a little different. Here's why.

1) Cancelled parades
Sadly, it looks like the floats will have to stay in the garage this year.

Cities around the US have cancelled their annual parades as cases of coronavirus continue to rise. The National Independence Day Parade in Washington DC is the highest-profile casualty.

"Covid-19 infection levels will not be abated to the degree that it would be safe," its organisers said in a rather downcast statement.

Image shows the Fourth of July parade in Washington DC last year
Image copyrightGETTY IMAGESImage captionThe annual parade in Washington DC has been cancelled because of coronavirus
But others have approached things with a more creative touch.

In the small town of Montgomery, Ohio, there's set to be a "reverse parade" where motorists will drive past a stationary show featuring the usual marching band, stilt walkers and floats.

Either way, we're unlikely to see the kind of showpiece events that we're used to. There's always next year, at least.

2) Secret fireworks
Fireworks displays are synonymous with Independence Day and - while a raft of events have been cancelled - it's not all bad news.

Some organisers have come up with ingenious ways to ensure they can still go ahead without crowds gathering to watch.

Image shows the 41st Annual Macy's 4th Of July Fireworks in 2017's 4th Of July Fireworks in 2017
Image copyrightGETTY IMAGESImage captionSome cities are trying to avoid crowds gathering to watch the displays
In New York, the Macy's Fireworks Show is being held over a series of nights at unspecified locations and times. Each show will last for just five minutes to avoid crowds being able to gather.

Other cities, such as Boston and Houston, are encouraging people to watch the fireworks from home on TV or online. Which brings us nicely onto...

3) ...virtual events
It's fair to say this pandemic has pushed a lot of people to do more online, and that appears to include celebrating Independence Day.

A huge number of events will be streamed online so they can be enjoyed safely at home.

The Capitol Fourth concert in Washington DC is one of the most well-known. This year, it was pre-recorded in "iconic locations across the country" and will be shown both online and on TV.

And in Los Angeles, an arts centre is set to host an "online block party" with music and other performances being shown live on Facebook. Plenty of other cities are planning to livestream concerts of their own.

The 2019 Nathan's Famous Fourth of July International Hot Dog Eating Contest's Famous Fourth of July International Hot Dog Eating Contest
Image copyrightGETTY IMAGESImage captionWhat better way to commemorate the birth of a nation?
Oh, and one of the quirkier Independence Day traditions - Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest - is still going ahead with various Covid-19 precautions in place.

The century-old competition will be shown on TV where it's previously attracted almost two million viewers. Some traditions are sacred, after all.

4) 'Sorry, we're closed'
While some events organisers are finding innovative ways to keep things on track, there's no getting around the fact that a lot of public spaces will be closed this weekend.

Bars and restaurants will be shut in many states, as officials continue to pull back on plans to reopen after the recent spike in coronavirus cases.

And beaches in states such as Florida and California, which would normally be packed with holidaymakers, will be closed to the public.

Image shows protesters converged on Huntington Beach in May
Image copyrightGETTY IMAGESImage captionThere have been protests over beach closures - such as this one in California
But there's some consolation if you had planned a trip to see a major attraction.

A fair few offer some form of online tour, including the USS Constitution which is one of the world's oldest warships. It's set to stream virtual tours as well as a live 21-gun salute to mark Independence Day on Saturday.

5) Protests and politics
Beyond the pandemic, the US has also been rocked by another major news event this year.

The death of African American George Floyd in police custody in May triggered nationwide protests and led to renewed demands for an end to institutional racism. Many of these protests targeted statues of controversial historical figures.

Now, some officials are concerned that Independence Day could see further clashes at monuments and sites.

Protesters gather at a statue of Confederate Gen Robert E. Lee earlier this year
Image copyrightGETTY IMAGESImage captionMemorials to the Confederacy, a group of southern states that fought to keep slaves, have been targeted
President Donald Trump's administration has put "rapid deployment teams" in place to guard federal monuments around the country ahead of the long weekend.

"While the department respects every American's right to protest peacefully, violence and civil unrest will not be tolerated," Acting Homeland Security Secretary Chad Wolf said in a statement announcing the move.

There are also plans for Black Lives Matter protests on 4 July in a swathe of cities including Orlando, Newark and Washington DC.

6) The start date
While the majority of this year's events will take place on 4th, the celebrations will actually kick-off on 3rd.

That's when President Trump will travel to the Mount Rushmore National Monument in South Dakota for the first firework display there in more than a decade.

It's proved to be a controversial plan for a few reasons. Firstly, there are environmental concerns as some fear the display could set off wildfires in the surrounding forest.

And Native American groups are planning to protest against Mr Trump's visit as the monument to former US presidents was built on land sacred to the Sioux tribe.

Image shows the Mount Rushmore National Monument in South Dakota
Image copyrightGETTY IMAGESImage captionPresident Trump will bring fighter jets and fireworks to Mount Rushmore on 3 July
The event has also attracted criticism because social distancing will not be enforced and masks will not be mandatory. "We told those folks that have concerns that they can stay home," the Republican governor said.

Mr Trump has promised a "special evening" back in Washington DC, too, where 10,000 fireworks will be set off as part of the "Salute to America" event which is still going ahead.

But the city's Mayor Muriel Bowser has expressed concern and urged people to stay at home. "Ask yourself, do you need to be there?" she said. "Do you know if you'll be able to social distance?"

Their disagreement points to the fraught political backdrop that is likely to make this year's Independence Day - in more ways than one - unlike any other.

(Nb because of the time difference the 4th of July will be tomorrow. With it falling on a weekend, it will be hard to keep people indoors)
Thank you Joseph. it put a smile on my face when I saw the fireworks and an American top hat on every members name! there will always be a part of me that belongs to England and France for obvious reasons! But what can one say about the United States? in my view they are a good people. But are too polarized with their two party political system. and sadly it’s splitting the country in two. Enough waffle about politics! I wish everyone a safe and happy weekend no matter where you live!
 

Joseph Cosgrove

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Hi Mark, it's always good to hear from you. BTW I've given you the thumbs UP.
I found something interesting here:

1826 Past presidents Thomas Jefferson and John Adams* both die on the 50th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, President John Quincy Adams calls "visible and palpable remarks of Divine Favor"
*John Adams my main man. (click to read more)
The mutineer from the bounty!

The first Independence Day wasn't celebrated until 1796, 20 years later.
 

Joseph Cosgrove

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And no there isn't a second page, like one dedicated to the missing country.
In case you cannot read all the national day's taking place here in Thailand:
Tomorrow, 5th of July is National Bikini day { Dusa Rant Day} (and surprisingly enough Buddhist lent day, no beer for two days).

July 7th =tell the truth day :rolleyes: :oops: Thailand ???!! :ROFLMAO::LOL::ROFLMAO:.

11th July =Cheer up the Lonely day.

23rd July = National Hot dog day

24th July = Tell an old Joke day

28th July =H.M. The King Rama X's Birthday Anniversary (although not on here, it is on my Outlook calendar).

29th July = National Lasagna day.
 
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Joseph Cosgrove

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1895 Katherine Lee Bates publishes "America the Beautiful"
"America the Beautiful" is an American patriotic song. The lyrics were written by Katharine Lee Bates, and the music was composed by church organist and choirmaster Samuel A.

 

Joseph Cosgrove

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1593834142729.png
In the United States this photograph has become one of the most significant and recognizable images of World War II.

Later, it became the only photograph to win the Pulitzer Prize for Photography in the same year as its publication.

The image was used by Felix de Weldon in 1954 to sculpt the Marine Corps War Memorial located adjacent to Arlington National Cemetery just outside Washington, D.C. The memorial is dedicated to all Marines who died for their country past and present.

And on the same day in 1959 America's new 49-star flag honoring Alaska statehood unfurled.*
A year later on the 4th July 1960 America's new 50-star flag honoring Hawaiian statehood unfurled.

*Unfurled:
make or become spread out from a rolled or folded state, especially in order to be open to the wind.
 

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Joseph Cosgrove

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1976 Israel launches rescue of 103 Air France crew and passengers being held at Entebbe Airport in Uganda by pro-Palestinian hijackers

 

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LOL, Dusa's all pissy pants about the overtly Yankee decor. hence the thumb down.


Truth be known, I hate the damn Yankees too. So here you go, Dusa. from Dixie with love:

Thanks my friend! Thank you very much for saying that!
I had many things going through my mind, but I would decide to stay silent (for now).

For now I have only one question. Why the F is there that stupid uncle Sam's hat over my avatar head?!? I would understand that if I want join US marines, or anything related with USA, but this way... No

In meantime now members can't join from!!! But someone had enough time to put this "pretty" theme on.... What to say?

I would really like to wish happy Independence Day for all our American friends (and I do that for all those good folks out there). But why forum management decided to do this? If American (good and honest American) point that this isn't right ...what should I say?
Unfortunately media showing to people only that completely different America. And many people hate them without knowing any American. I'm not buying into that mainstream media B shit!

Thanks once again Crawdad!
 

dusaboss

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Truth be known, I hate the damn Yankees too. So here you go, Dusa. from Dixie with love:
Mate, there's so many people out of America don't realizing that and many other things in American history (I didn't too until recently) Believe me, if people in my country would know your history ... Southern states would get all sport from here!

But no, officially you only fought to keep the black slaves! Yeah right! :) Same as Serbs are cause of all evil in Balkans. Once you feel Yanky politics on your back ... than you know!
 

Joseph Cosgrove

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Take it easy Dusa, let the members from the US enjoy their day and tomorrow we'll slot in a Thai National Dusa rant Day; between the bikinis and the Monks.
Edit : It's done !
 
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