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July 4, 2008
PATRIOTISM, FAMILY, & HOT DOGS
Although we are struggling in the crazy world of a gasoline marketlace, and it seems we are fighting a never ending uphill battle, we still have much to be thankful for. We live in the greatest country on earth and this is a great opportunity celebrate this fact. I had the pleasure of reciting the Red Skelton rendition annually at a scholarship awards dinner I chaired. It has been several years since I have chaired that awards dinner, and have not had that pleasure since.
I would like to share with you the Red Skelton rendition as I have edited it. Consider sharing this at your July 4th BBQ. I: Me, an individual, a committee of one. Pledge: A solemn promise to dedicate all of my worldly goods and give them without self pity. Allegiance: My love, my loyalty, my devotion. To The Flag: Our standard, Old Glory, a symbol of freedom, wherever she waves there’s respect, because your loyalty has given her a dignity that shouts “Freedom is everybody’s Job.” Of The United: That means we have all come together. States: Individual communities that have united into fifty great States. Fifty individual communities with their own pride, their own dignity, and their own purpose. All divided with imaginary boundaries - yet united to a common purpose – and that is “Love for Country.” Of America: The identification, the name given this great land – known throughout the planet for its beauty and bountiful resources, and its wonderful and caring people. And To The Republic: A state in which sovereign power is invested in representatives chosen by the people to govern. And government is the people. And it is from the people to the leaders, not from the leaders to the people. For Which It Stands: To hold our position. To assume and maintain our attitude, our conviction, and our course. To remain stable, valid, and intact. One Nation: Meaning so blessed by God. Because we share common customs, common failures, common pain, and common joys. Under God: The omnipotent and supernatural being that bestows our blessings. Indivisible: Incapable of being divided. With Liberty: Which is freedom, the right of power to live one’s own life without threats, fear, or some sort of retaliation. Free of tyranny. And Justice: The principle or qualities of dealing fairly with others. For All: Which means my friends and fellow citizens, it is as much your country as it is mine. 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. Hot dogs and BBQ have been a traditional theme for Americans on our national holiday. BBQ aficionados who are serious about their hot dogs and burgers have a commitment to grilling with excellence. A serious Hot Dogger keeps his BBQ handy and working thru the winter. For those of you amateurs, who first fire up the grill on July 4th, please heed some words of advice. Only skinless hot dogs should be placed on a grill. If you are planning to use hot dogs with natural casings, please cook them properly by boiling them to 160 degrees so the natural casing has a delightful snap when you bite into it. For the professional griller, place your skinless hot dogs on the grill and gently roll them from side to side-using tongs. Do not poke or prod the hot dogs to roll them over. Doing so will cause the release of the savory juices meant to make your taste buds dance. The hot dog is cooked when the color turns light brown. Do not over cook, as this tends to make the outer side of the hot dog crusty. If you have cooked the hot dog until you have achieved the color of black, please consider discarding the dog and starting over. Have a safe and happy 4th of July! Thanks for reading. See you next week!
Regards, IN THIS WEEK’S NJGCA ROAD WARRIOR:
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