INDEPENDENCE: We can always count on Bradford poet Donald Neal to share a patriotic word.

“Independence Day”

Two hundred forty two years ago,

A new nation came to be.

A nation blessed by the hand of God,

Where all men could be happy and free.

Today we celebrate the nation’s birth,

Where liberty and justice reign supreme.

Where people could come from any nation in our world,

And could live that American dream.

We celebrate the lives of our forefathers,

Who gave us our Constitution and bill of rights,

That gave us the freedoms, they had the right.

Today we take our freedoms for granted,

Although many would die, our freedoms to preserve,

To be honored on this day and everyday,

Is what those young men deserve.

To be born in this country America,

Is a blessing that many have known.

Whether born in the farmlands or our midwest,

Or in a large city or small town.

We celebrate with parades and fireworks,

In a land where “Old Glory” flies.

Just the sight of the “Stars and Stripes,”

Will bring tears of joy to your eyes.

Many will serve to protect America,

This is something many young people must do.

These men and women in our military,

They are there to protect me and you.

They serve our country in many ways,

Some as guards at American Embassies.

Some fly missions to far away lands,

Some on ships to protect our seas.

So when you see our flag flying high overhead,

And to our uniformed volunteers you can say;

Thank you for protecting my freedoms,

And “God Bless the USA.”