My first memory of a 4^th of July celebration was in 1951. My family had gathered together at my uncle’s home. Everyone was there, and we ranged in age from five-years-old to the mid-seventies. We ate barbecued food, potato salad, and of course apple pie with vanilla ice cream; both homemade of course. Unlike today, I was included in the conversation. I knew that this was a celebration of our country.

In the evening there were fireworks which were legal then. I didn’t know then but this exhibition was a celebration of our victories in far too many wars. Regardless, the day honored our country, and my uncles, all but one, who had returned from WWII.

I must admit that for me it was a dual celebration. My birthday is July 7^th. You will likely not read this until the 4^th is actually here in just a few hours. This will be the first ‘Independence Day, which will have less meaning for me and likely millions of other patriots than at any other time in our lives. The government in Washington today is not American. It does not represent the meaning of what July 4, 1776 has for real Americans.

There is no doubt that Donald Trump and his circle of sinners are not Americans. Personal gain is their only reason to be members of the White House staff. This group of greedy and ambitious men have no interest in the future of our nation’s people.

The next time I celebrate July 4^th will be when Trump has been evicted from the White House and hopefully incarcerated in federal prison, convicted of Treason.

Please tell others about my blog and the truth it offers to everyone; thank you.

Op-ed by James Turnage

Photo courtesy of D T

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