Happy Fourth All G-A

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Happy Independence Day!

My birth certificate has "Live Free or Die" printed directly on it, and I'm grateful for all who have served in so many ways to create and sustain the Freedom, freedoms, and quality of life we enjoy as Americans.

My oldest son, an Officer Candidate with the USMC, leaves Sunday for his second boot camp. Both his grandfathers served in the military in WWII, but he will be the first in our family since that generation to do so. I love what the pursuit has already been producing (and revealing) in him, even as this mother's heart trembles on his behalf.

If I'm chosen, I'll give the knife to my son. I couldn't be prouder of him, and he'd be deeply honored to carry a current example of such fine American craftsmanship-- and the hearts behind the same-- as he makes his way forward.

~ P.
 
Great idea for a give away!

This nation gave me a home when I could no longer live in my country of birth, since moving here I have moved in leaps and bounds in a direction I never though possible! I even own my own home now in the first year being here. From history I like this letter that John adams wrote his wife, 2 days off with his prediction but still the sentiment is there.

"The second day of July, 1776, will be the most memorable epoch in the history of America. I am apt to believe that it will be celebrated by succeeding generations as the great anniversary festival. It ought to be commemorated as the day of deliverance, by solemn acts of devotion to God Almighty. It ought to be solemnized with pomp and parade, with shows, games, sports, guns, bells, bonfires, and illuminations, from one end of this continent to the other, from this time forward forever more"

Heres some photos I've taken since immigrating that I like:

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Flag on my front porch.

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On the drive back to my house after work.

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A 1921 morgan dollar i've carried for over 5 years now.

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Part of my wifes family farm.

Have an enjoyable and safe day guys, remember the sacrifice that has happened in the building of this great nation.
 
I'm proud to be an American, and there's so much to appreciate and be thankful for in this great country that it is hard thinking about where to start. I guess I'm thankful for the little things that are so easy to take for granted. Being a knife nut here, it is easy to forget that some locales aren't as understanding of our affliction. I can own and learn to fight with a bowie, I can go hiking with a khukuri strapped on my pack, I can even go about my everday business with a locking folder in my pocket. I might raise some eyebrows doing so, but I have the freedom to do this and shouldn't receive any official guff over it. I don't even need to justify it to anyone; wanting to is reason enough.

Being able to do so is a freedom that not everyone enjoys. This point was driven home a couple of years ago when my younger sister went to study abroad for a semester. Prior to her departure I conducted some research into the knife laws of her host country. Being a protective older brother, I wanted to send her off with a knife or two (or three), including one she could use for self-defense if the need arose. The results of my research were discouraging. Carrying knives is frowned upon over there and is well on the way to becoming illegal. Given these restrictions, I sent her off with a Victorinox Deluxe Tinker (given the near ubiquitous acceptance of SAKs) and instructions to stop by a grocery store to procure a good-sized kitchen knife that she could stow under her mattress. Fortunately she finished her term without incident and is now back home, where she EDCs a nice Buck framelock in her purse.

I find it difficult to imagine living in a place that outlaws the use and carry of man's oldest tool. Thankfully I don't have to. The freedom to use a knife, even for self-defense, is one of the things that makes this country so wonderful.
 
The first of Robert's gorgeous photos reminded me of a post I made on June 14 (Flag Day in the U.S.A.), halfway through stockman TOTM. Seems appropriate to fly the flag again today.

Again, light duty so far today for the Craftsman small stockman: released our new U.S. flag from it's hard plastic bondage to float freely in the air. Our previous flag was so faded I was ashamed to fly it on this day of tribute.

Hard to see it, but the stockman is down at the end of the flag pole where it fits into the holder.

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Hi Guys!

Thank you for the GA - this is NOT an entry. I think it´s somekind of wrong for me to enter here. I have nothing to tell.

But thank you guys for your nice stories. It was great to read them. Please go on with this GA!

Kind regards
Andi
 
The 4th is a great time to reflect on all that liberties that we as free Americans have. Religion, marriage, speech, voting just to name a few. I am proud to be an American and proud to show off my pride with my keyring lanyards and a very cool knife.

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Sent from Ash forum mobile
 
pertinux said:
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Happy Independence Day!

My birth certificate has "Live Free or Die" printed directly on it, and I'm grateful for all who have served in so many ways to create and sustain the Freedom, freedoms, and quality of life we enjoy as Americans.

My oldest son, an Officer Candidate with the USMC, leaves Sunday for his second boot camp. Both his grandfathers served in the military in WWII, but he will be the first in our family since that generation to do so. I love what the pursuit has already been producing (and revealing) in him, even as this mother's heart trembles on his behalf.

If I'm chosen, I'll give the knife to my son. I couldn't be prouder of him, and he'd be deeply honored to carry a current example of such fine American craftsmanship-- and the hearts behind the same-- as he makes his way forward.

~ P.
Click to expand...

smiling-knife said:
I'd like to transfer my entry to Pertinux's son if that's OK.
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If you can pick the knife & get your address to me today,I can Express mail it tomorrow & maybe he'll have it with him w/ he shoves off Sunday. You're the second place winner.
 
Thank you for the kind gesture, Vince.

Today my lady and I got put of bed extra early and headed out to one of the local hiking trails at Topanga State Park. It was an amazing day for it; heavy blanket of fog over chaparral covered hills, the strong scent of sage and damp earth present everywhere, the sounds of jackrabbits, quail and lizard scuttling through the underbrush. There were a few other fellow hikers out this morning, all of them had a cheerful greeting and a friendly smile. Many wished up a happy 4th, and in turn we wished a good holiday on others. There was even a small family on horseback threading their way along the trail, each with a tough of the traditional cowboy to them, real friendly folks and beautiful horses. As my partner and I trekked along the trail I reflected on what a great resource we have available to us in the park system, how it brings Americans together and really connects people back to the land. It was a good day to be out, and we celebrated our freedom out on the trail today. Happy 4th to you all. I invite you all to get outside and enjoy the American parks, the trails, and the beautiful wilderness today.

Here's one section of the trail we were on this morning:
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Here's a photo from a previous hiking trip out to Joshua Tree nat'l park. It's an amazing place, like walking on the moon in some sections.
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Excellent posts so far Thank You all,great job
Perhaps this G-A will bring some good Karma to John,last I spoke the "bite" in Belize was off. Maybe tomorrow morning he'll catch more tarpon in a day than he has in many moons .
 
A wonderful giveaway...(not an entry)....We do not celebrate the 4th here in New Zealand as we fall under the doctrine of Commonwealth countries..It must be noted though that the ANZACS have fought alongside USA in in both worldwide conflicts and that NZ had numerous American forces bases here in WW2..May your country always remain proud,staunch and free (like ours)............FES

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Vince and John, Awesome giveaway guys. Thanks for all you do for BladeForums and the good people here.

Here's a picture I took a few years ago, on Veterans Day. It was taken in Skaneateles, NY, on the north shore of this lovely Finger Lake. Each flag representing a local veteran.
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We celebrate the birth of our nation today. We also recall all those who fought for, and especially those that laid down their lives, to insure that the freedom we celebrate continues.

Thanks to all you veterans and your families for your sacrifice.

Happy 236th Birthday America!
(not an entry please)
 
Happy independence day to all forum members and the people of the USA, may god bless all of us in peace and good health.

Mike

(not an entry)
 
smiling-knife said:
I'd like to transfer my entry to Pertinux's son if that's OK.
Click to expand...

Oh, wow. You're too kind!

VCM3 said:
If you can pick the knife & get your address to me today,I can Express mail it tomorrow & maybe he'll have it with him w/ he shoves off Sunday. You're the second place winner.
Click to expand...

Oh wow oh wow oh wow.

I don't know how to thank you gentleman! I hadn't told my son of the giveaway, or what I'd written. After seeing that we'd been chosen, I found him in our living room (sorting and re-packing his gear-- talk about timing) and read him your first post, and my response-- admittedly through a few tears.

We've now been to the listings, to marvel and to choose.

Thank you so much.

(PM sent with choice and address.)

~ P.
 
Vince,
Very kind of you!

pertinux,
What goes around comes around. :thumbup: Congrats!



NOT AN ENTRY
 
Thanks for the giveaway Vince! It's good to have you back in these here parts. :)
These photos are from this morning. Its been brutal hot here for Minnesota so I was on the water by 5am.
Bagged enough to make the frying pan stink and had fish and eggs with the folks by 8am.
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Awesome giveaway!
Congrats to Pertinux & son -- obviously he raised his son right!
I were still in uniform, this is part of what I'd be defending, so thanks to all who currently serve or have in the past!
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and no, this is not an entry -- I was already gifted the below forged 52100 utility knife today.
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Vince and John, happy 4th to you both, and thanks for the opportunity! Let freedom ring!

Charlotte Motor Speedway, North Carolina
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Waimea Canyon, Hawai'i
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Overlooking Lihue, Kaua'i
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We are indeed priviledged to live in this great land. Thanks to all service men, past and present.

My Son-in-Law and granddaughter, Fort Bragg
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