USA

Introduction
What is an American?
THE US CAPITOL
THE US CONGRESS
THE SUPREME COURT
THE PRESIDENCY
The Preambles to the Constitutions of the States
Judeo - Christian Heritage
BIBLE OF THE REVOLUTION
SPECIAL: Two Monuments You Probably Never Heard Of
SPECIAL: VETERANS
Other Sources
OTHER THOUGHTS
The Manhattan Declaration
Music
FIREWORKS
Links and Suggestions
World Clock

Bookmark and Share

This website was designed a decade ago
and some postings of videos, etc., have
been cancelled. In addition technology
changes have at times distorted the
original presentation.

See contents of this website
on the left hand panel.

GOVERNANCE...

"I ask that you give me
a heart that understands,
so I can rule the people
in the right way and will
know the difference between
right and wrong. Otherwise,
it is impossible to rule
this great people of yours"
--- King Solomon, I Kings 3:9



PRAYER

"I'm told that tens of thousands of
prayer meetings are being held
on this day, and for that I'm
deeply grateful. We are a nation
under God, and I believe
God intended for us to be free.
It would be fitting and good,
I think, if on each Inaugural Day
in future years it should be
declared a day of prayer."

-- Ronald Reagan, Inaugural Address 1981

usa.jpg

The purpose of this website is to remind all of us about some of the most important components of the heritage of the United States of America (and also provide a bit of patriotic music and fireworks).

SAVE AMERICA: NEW 2019 Patriotic SONG
About Faith, Hope and Inspiration for the
Troubled Times We Live In
written and sung by Gary Pecorella

First Prayer of the Continental Congress, 1774



From the archives of the Office of the Chaplain (US House of Representatives)



The Prayer in the First Congress, A.D. 1774



O Lord our Heavenly Father, high and mighty King of kings, and Lord of lords, who dost from thy throne behold all the dwellers on earth and reignest with power supreme and uncontrolled over all the Kingdoms, Empires and Governments; look down in mercy, we beseech Thee, on these our American States, who have fled to Thee from the rod of the oppressor and thrown themselves on Thy gracious protection, desiring to be henceforth dependent only on Thee. To Thee have they appealed for the righteousness of their cause; to Thee do they now look up for that countenance and support, which Thou alone canst give. Take them, therefore, Heavenly Father, under Thy nurturing care; give them wisdom in Council and valor in the field; defeat the malicious designs of our cruel adversaries; convince them of the unrighteousness of their Cause and if they persist in their sanguinary purposes, of own unerring justice, sounding in their hearts, constrain them to drop the weapons of war from their unnerved hands in the day of battle!

Be Thou present, O God of wisdom, and direct the councils of this honorable assembly; enable them to settle things on the best and surest foundation. That the scene of blood may be speedily closed; that order, harmony and peace may be effectually restored, and truth and justice, religion and piety, prevail and flourish amongst the people. Preserve the health of their bodies and vigor of their minds; shower down on them and the millions they here represent, such temporal blessings as Thou seest expedient for them in this world and crown them with everlasting glory in the world to come. All this we ask in the name and through the merits of Jesus Christ, Thy Son and our Savior. Amen.

--- Reverend Jacob Duché, Rector of Christ Church of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, September 7, 1774, 9 oclock a.m.

firstprayercontcongress.jpg

The Pledge of Allegiance

I Pledge Allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the Republic for which it stands,
one Nation under God,
indivisible, with liberty and justice for all

natanthem.jpg

The NationalAnthem
On March 3, 1931, The Star Spangled Banner was adopted by Congress as our National Anthem. Francis Scott Key wrote it more than 100 years earlier, after watching the fierce Battle of Fort McHenry during the War of 1812.
 
O! say can you see by the dawn's early light
What so proudly we hailed at the twilight's last gleaming?
Whose broad stripes and bright stars through the perilous fight,
O'er the ramparts we watched were so gallantly streaming?
And the rockets' red glare, the bombs bursting in air,
Gave proof through the night that our flag was still there.
O! say does that star-spangled banner yet wave
O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave?

On the shore, dimly seen through the mists of the deep,
Where the foe's haughty host in dread silence reposes,
What is that which the breeze, o'er the towering steep,
As it fitfully blows, half conceals, half discloses?
Now it catches the gleam of the morning's first beam,
In full glory reflected now shines in the stream:
'Tis the star-spangled banner! Oh long may it wave
O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave.

And where is that band who so vauntingly swore
That the havoc of war and the battle's confusion,
A home and a country should leave us no more!
Their blood has washed out their foul footsteps' pollution.
No refuge could save the hireling and slave
From the terror of flight, or the gloom of the grave:
And the star-spangled banner in triumph doth wave
O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave.

O! thus be it ever, when freemen shall stand
Between their loved home and the war's desolation!
Blest with victory and peace, may the heav'n rescued land
Praise the Power that hath made and preserved us a nation.
Then conquer we must, when our cause it is just,
And this be our motto: 'In God is our trust.'
And the star-spangled banner in triumph shall wave
O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave!

flag.jpg

The American Flag
On June 14, 1777, in order to establish an official flag for the new nation, the Continental Congress passed the first Flag Act: "Resolved, That the flag of the United States be made of thirteen stripes, alternate red and white; that the union be thirteen stars, white in a blue field, representing a new Constellation.
___________________________
 
THE AMERICAN FLAG IS FOLDED 13 TIMES
 
On TV or at military funerals, the honor guard pays meticulous attention to correctly folding the American flag 13 timeswhen it is lowered or when it is folded and handed to the widow at the burial of a veteran.

The first fold of our flag is a symbol of life.

The second fold is a symbol of our belief in eternal life.

The third fold is made in honor and remembrance of the veterans departing our ranks who gave a portion of their lives for the defense of our country to attain peace throughout the world.

The fourth fold represents our weaker nature, for as American citizens trusting in God, it is to Him we turn in times of peace as well as in time of war for His divine guidance.

The fifth fold is a tribute to our country, for in the words of Stephen Decatur, "Our Country, in dealing with other countries, may she always be right; but it is still our country, right or wrong."

The sixth fold is for where our hearts lie. It is with our heart that we pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States Of America, and to the Republic for which it stands, one Nation under God, indivisible, with Liberty and Justice for all.

The seventh fold is a tribute to our Armed Forces, for it is through the Armed Forces that we protect our country and our flag against all her enemies, whether they be found within or without the boundaries of our republic.

The eighth fold is a tribute to the one who entered into the valley of the shadow of death, that we might see the light of day, and to honor mother, for whom it flies on Mother's Day.

The ninth fold is a tribute to womanhood; for it has been through their faith, their love, loyalty and devotion that the character of the men and women who have made this country great has been molded.

The tenth fold is a tribute to the father, for he, too, has given his sons and daughters for the defense of our country since they were first born.

The eleventh fold represents the lower portion of the seal of King David and King Solomon and glorifies in the Hebrews' eyes, the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.

The twelfth fold represents an emblem of eternity and glorifies, in the Christians' eyes, God the Father, the Son and Holy Spirit.

The thirteenth fold completes the folded flag and the stars are uppermost reminding us of our nation's motto, "In God We Trust."


The Declaration of Independence


IN CONGRESS, July 4, 1776.

The unanimous Declaration of the thirteen united States of America,

When in the Course of human events, it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the political bands which have connected them with another, and to assume among the powers of the earth, the separate and equal station to which the Laws of Nature and of Nature's God entitle them, a decent respect to the opinions of mankind requires that they should declare the causes which impel them to the separation.

We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness...

Click here for full text from National Archives

Click here to see an incredible patriotic painting by Jon McNaughton.

.

declind.jpg

OUR NATION'S GODLY HERITAGE
What Does the Declaration of Independence Really Mean?

This painting shows the signers of the Declaration of Independence quite literally putting their lives “on the line” at the signing ceremony. Their signatures on the document would authenticate the charge of treason for any of these men.

It was a bold move that the framers of the Declaration chose to make. But they were convinced that it was the sole choice that remained for them. Thomas Jefferson was appointed to draft the document, and it was his task to express the convictions in the minds and hearts of the American people after many years of frustration and oppression.

Because they believed that the British Crown had no right to tax them so brutally, the “self-evident truths” of which Jefferson spoke were born out of the religious views of the Founding Fathers – that God is the giver of our human rights, not a king, and that it is His intent that His people enjoy those rights, including the right to self-government and taxation as well as religious freedom.

In signing the Declaration of Independence, they were genuinely putting their lives at stake, for any of them could have been captured and tried for treason. But this did not hold them back from declaring their allegiance to this just cause. John Hancock is said to have signed his name in such large letters that the King could read it without his spectacles.

As the Declaration was read across the country, it was received with wild acclaim by many and outright disdain by others. But its words captured the imagination enough to compel the colonists to endure a long and hard war for independence, once they were provoked by the Boston Massacre and the first shots at Lexington. Our Founders knew their cause was being helped by God Almighty, and their efforts at independence were in response to His arm interceding on their behalf. 

founders.jpg

Did America Have a Christian Founding? by Mark David Hall, Ph.D. Click to read lecture

The United States Constitution
The Federal Convention convened in the State House (Independence Hall) in Philadelphia on May 14, 1787, to revise the Articles of Confederation. Because the delegations from only two states were at first present, the members adjourned from day to day until a quorum of seven states was obtained on May 25. Through discussion and debate it became clear by mid-June that, rather than amend the existing Articles, the Convention would draft an entirely new frame of government. All through the summer, in closed sessions, the delegates debated, and redrafted the articles of the new Constitution. Among the chief points at issue were how much power to allow the central government, how many representatives in Congress to allow each state, and how these representatives should be elected--directly by the people or by the state legislators. The work of many minds, the Constitution stands as a model of cooperative statesmanship and the art of compromise.

We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defence, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America...
.......................................................................................................................................
...Done in Convention by the Unanimous Consent of the States present the Seventeenth Day of September in the Year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and Eighty seven and of the Independence of the United States of America the Twelfth In witness whereof We have hereunto subscribed our Names,
G°. Washington
Presidt and deputy from Virginia

Click here for full text from National Archives

Founding Fathers

There are 204 unique individuals considered as "Founding Fathers" in the chart below. These are the people who did one or more of the following: 

- signed the Declaration of Independence 
- signed the Articles of Confederation 
- attended the Constitutional Convention of 1787 
- signed the Constitution of the United States of America 
- served as Senators in the First Federal Congress (1789-1791) 
- served as U.S. Representatives in the First Federal Congress

Religious Affiliation
of U.S. Founding Fathers
# of
Founding
Fathers
% of
Founding
Fathers
Episcopalian/Anglican 88 54.7%
Presbyterian 30 18.6%
Congregationalist 27 16.8%
Quaker 7 4.3%
Dutch Reformed/German Reformed 6 3.7%
Lutheran 5 3.1%
Catholic 3 1.9%
Huguenot 3 1.9%
Unitarian 3 1.9%
Methodist 2 1.2%
Calvinist 1 0.6%
TOTAL 204  

USA FOUNDING FATHERS VIDEO

Click here for brief biographical information on the Delegates to the Constitutional Convention

The Bill of Rights - The First Ten Amendments to the Constitution,

The sacred rights of mankind are not to be rummaged for, among old parchments, or musty records.
They are written, as with a sun beam in the whole volume of human nature, by the hand of 
the divinity itself; and can never be erased or obscured by mortal power.
                                                  Alexander Hamilton, 1775

 

 

Freedom of speech, freedom of the press, freedom to choose a religion, freedom of assembly, the right to a fair and speedy trial–the ringing phrases that inventory some of Americans' most treasured personal freedoms–were not initially part of the U.S. Constitution. At the Constitutional Convention, the proposal to include a bill of rights was considered and defeated. The Bill of Rights was added to the Constitution as the first ten amendments on December 15, 1791.

The Virginia Declaration of Rights

Virginia's Declaration of Rights was drawn upon by Thomas Jefferson for the opening paragraphs of the Declaration of Independence. It was widely copied by the other colonies and became the basis of the Bill of Rights. Written by George Mason, it was adopted by the Virginia Constitutional Convention on June 12, 1776.

A DECLARATION OF RIGHTS made by the representatives of the good people of Virginia, assembled in full and free convention which rights do pertain to them and their posterity, as the basis and foundation of government...

.....................................................................................................................................

...Section 16. That religion, or the duty which we owe to our Creator, and the manner of discharging it, can be directed only by reason and conviction, not by force or violence; and therefore all men are equally entitled to the free exercise of religion, according to the dictates of conscience; and that it is the mutual duty of all to practise Christian forbearance, love, and charity toward each other.

The Articles of Confederation

The Articles of Confederation and Perpetual Union, commonly referred to as the Articles of Confederation, was the first constitution of the thirteen United States of America. The Second Continental Congress appointed a committee to draft the 'Articles' in June 1776 and proposed the draft to the States for ratification in November 1777. The ratification process was completed in March 17.

 

To all to whom these Presents shall come, we the undersigned Delegates of the States affixed to our Names send greeting.

Articles of Confederation and perpetual Union between the states of New Hampshire, Massachusetts-bay Rhode Island and Providence Plantations, Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina and Georgia.

I.

The Stile of this Confederacy shall be "The United States of America".

II.

Each state retains its sovereignty, freedom, and independence, and every power, jurisdiction, and right, which is not by this Confederation expressly delegated to the United States, in Congress assembled.

III.

The said States hereby severally enter into a firm league of friendship with each other, for their common defense, the security of their liberties, and their mutual and general welfare, binding themselves to assist each other, against all force offered to, or attacks made upon them, or any of them, on account of religion, sovereignty, trade, or any other pretense whatever...

..............................................................................................

...And Whereas it hath pleased the Great Governor of the World to incline the hearts of the legislatures we respectively represent in Congress, to approve of, and to authorize us to ratify the said Articles of Confederation and perpetual Union. Know Ye that we the undersigned delegates, by virtue of the power and authority to us given for that purpose, do by these presents, in the name and in behalf of our respective constituents, fully and entirely ratify and confirm each and every of the said Articles of Confederation and perpetual Union, and all and singular the matters and things therein contained: And we do further solemnly plight and engage the faith of our respective constituents, that they shall abide by the determinations of the United States in Congress assembled, on all questions, which by the said Confederation are submitted to them. And that the Articles thereof shall be inviolably observed by the States we respectively represent, and that the Union shall be perpetual.

In Witness whereof we have hereunto set our hands in Congress. Done at Philadelphia in the State of Pennsylvania the ninth day of July in the Year of our Lord One Thousand Seven Hundred and Seventy-Eight, and in the Third Year of the independence of America.

Agreed to by Congress 15 November 1777

America Your Father's Call Out to You!

This Burden of Life

 

"Perfect happiness, I believe, was never intended by the Deity to be the lot of one of his creatures in this world; but that He has very much put it in our power the nearness of our approach to it, is what I have steadfastly believed.

 

"The most fortunate of us, in our journey through life, frequently meet with calamities and misfortunes, which may greatly afflict us; and to fortify our minds against the attacks of these calamities and misfortunes should be one of the principal studies and endeavors of our lives.

 

"The only method of doing this is to assume a perfect resignation to the Divine will, to consider that whatever does happen must happen, and that by our uneasiness we cannot prevent the blow before it does fall, but we may add to its force after it has fallen.

 

"These considerations, and others such as these, may enable us in some measure to surmount the difficulties thrown in our way, to bear up with a tolerable degree of patience under this burden of life, and to proceed with a pious and unshaken resignation till we arrive at our journey's end, when we may deliver up our trust into the hands of Him who gave it, and receive such reward as to Him shall seem proportionate to our merits."

                       ...Thomas Jefferson

americanleaderspainting.jpg

CLICK HERE TO VISIT THE NATIONAL ARCHIVES EXIBIT
charters_main_page_charters_box_header.gif

"..think how great a portion of mankind consists of weak and ignorant men and women, and of inexperienced, inconsiderate youth of both sexes, who have need of the motives of religion to restrain them from vice, to support their virtue, and retain them in the practice of it till it becomes habitual, which is the great point for its security..."
                                    Letter from Benjamin Franklin
                                                             to Thomas Paine

Click here for 50 historical quotes about the Declaration of Independence, July 4th and America

AMERICA THE BEAUTIFUL: Click here to see all US State Flowers

"The Star-Spangled Banner" – June 24, 2018 10:50am Celebration Worship from First Dallas on Vimeo.

.

rgn_capitolhill_1006.jpg

.

 
 We have staked the whole of all our political institutions upon the capacity of mankind for self-government, upon the capacity of each and all of us to govern ourselves, to control ourselves, to sustain ourselves according to the Ten Commandments of God.' -  James Madison
 
So give your servant a discerning heart to govern your people and to distinguish between right and wrong. For who is able to govern this great people of yours? — I Kings 3:9

Bookmark and Share

a jimwes website