Today marks the 240th year of our countries Independence and the beginning of the United States of America. Of course today is also a day of celebration when families and friends get together and cook out, shoot fireworks and maybe get some target practice in. I’ve noticed in the last few years it’s all about the long weekend, food, time off from work and not so much about the real reason for our celebration.

We seem to forget that all those years ago our founding fathers risked everything to create this republic. They certainly did pay. Of the 56 men who signed the Declaration of Independence none had any idea just how successful their endeavor would become.

“We mutually pledge to each other our lives, our fortunes, and our sacred honor” is Jefferson’s final sentence; for over 20 of the signers, that pledge would take on a woeful meaning in the years after 1776. 9 of the signers paid the ultimate sacrifice forfeiting their lives on the altar of freedom while 17 lost all of their property, funds and homes in the ensuing war. Several also lost wives, fathers, husbands and brothers. Not one person that signed that historic document ever backed down to save their lives or property. Their courage was mightily tested but none ever betrayed their oath to the Republic or their oath to the Declaration of Independence.

Many of the founding fathers spent their fortunes to equip our army, purchase food and other essentials of war. Of these brave men Robert Morris lost the most and spent all of his considerable fortune to keep Congress from bankruptcy as well as paying blockade runners to bring provisions back from Europe. Morris died impoverished in 1806. The new government never paid him back for his total dedication to Freedom!

So as we celebrate the birthday of the United States of America today lets not forget those known founding fathers as well as those extraordinary citizen soldiers long forgotten who paid the price for our freedom today. We have faced many challenges over the past 240 years and no doubt will face more trials in the future. As we celebrate this day lets not forget those who gave so much for our liberty. Let us always be grateful and may God bless America.

From all of the staff here at TFB we wish you a wonderful holiday and thank you very much for your continued support of TFB!

Some gear for the 4th full auto fun