Happy Independence Day!! 

Independence Day (colloquially the Fourth of July) is a federal holiday in the United States commemorating the Declaration of Independence, which was ratified by the Second Continental Congress on July 4, 1776, establishing the United States of America.

The Founding Father delegates of the Second Continental Congress declared that the Thirteen Colonies were no longer subject (and subordinate) to the monarch of Britain, King George III, and were now united, free, and independent states. The Congress voted to approve independence by passing the Lee Resolution on July 2 and adopted the Declaration of Independence two days later, on July 4.

Independence Day is commonly associated with fireworks, parades, barbecues, carnivals, fairs, picnics, concerts,baseball games, family reunions, political speeches, and ceremonies, in addition to various other public and private events celebrating the history, government, and traditions of the United States. Independence Day is the national day of the United States.

It is our challenge to preserve the freedoms, honor the heritage our founding fathers envisioned, correct the injustices and corrosive tendencies and divisions that plague our wonderful country today and to take responsibility to move forward allowing opportunity and dignity to all regardless of their economic, racial, religious, or ethnic standing. May we be more understanding of our differences, to try to see others as our Heavenly Father sees them and to love them.

Juneteenth has become a day to remind ourselves that ALL men should be free to vote, to be protected, educated, to be seen and heard.

On “Freedom’s Eve,” or the eve of January 1, 1863, the first Watch Night services took place. On that night, enslaved and free African Americans gathered in churches and private homes all across the country awaiting news that the Emancipation Proclamation had taken effect. At the stroke of midnight, prayers were answered as all enslaved people in Confederate States were declared legally free. Union soldiers, many of whom were black, marched onto plantations and across cities in the south reading small copies of the Emancipation Proclamation spreading the news of freedom in Confederate States. Only through the Thirteenth Amendment did emancipation end slavery throughout the United States.

But not everyone in Confederate territory would immediately be free. Even though the Emancipation Proclamation was made effective in 1863, it could not be implemented in places still under Confederate control. As a result, in the westernmost Confederate state of Texas, enslaved people would not be free until much later. Freedom finally came on June 19, 1865, when some 2,000 Union troops arrived in Galveston Bay, Texas. The army announced that the more than 250,000 enslaved black people in the state, were free by executive decree. This day came to be known as "Juneteenth," by the newly freed people in Texas.                                         

June has been "cousin time". Elise, Stephanie and Phoebe Carlston spent a few days with me, much of that time at the Provo Recreation Center with its many indoor and outdoor pools (with slides, waves, rivers, climbing rocks, etc.)  One day cousins Lucie Taylor and Cordelia de Schweinitz joined us.

Kelly Taylor's friend Ryan shared his BYU robotics projects with them

We went to the park and checked out the raging Provo River at a record high level

Aaron Taylor (to the left of the blond girl)attended a select BYU music camp. With only 4-5 days of practice the full orchestra beautifully performed some amazingly challenging classical pieces, including Smetna's Moldau, Strauss' Thunder and Lightning Polka, selections from West Side Story, and more.

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The Scera outdoor shell theater in Orem has wonderful summer shows. Mary Poppins was fabulous. Rebecca and Cordelia de S. and Lucie and I thought the music and choreography was supercalifragelistic!

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Our ward (congregation) has a total of about 85 11-18 year olds, who sang so well in church (only some of the young men are pictured). My grandsons George and Andrew Taylor are in the back row on the left.

                               

We hear from grandson Elder de Schweinitz once a week. He is pictured with his outgoing mission leaders,the Nye's (who have served the usual 3 years, and finish July 1st). They will be "replaced" by Bob and Patti Brigham from my California stake. The missionaries work hard but don't seem to lack for fun     ********

And the June weddings still abound. The reception for Adam Holman and Aubrey Ellis was held at the Springville Museum of Art, a perfect venue for artist Aubrey. I really enjoyed the art exhibits as well as the celebration! Here are a few pieces by Utah artists I especially liked....

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                   July 1st at the hot air balloon ascent in Provo

Barbecue in Pete and Julie's backyard with Fernanda and Marc (arm in sling with broken collarbone and shoulder from mountain biking accident, after surgery. The kids enjoyed the above ground pool.

Ken and George win the "Codfather award" for the most codfish caught in Alaska (this week??)

It's about 90 degrees in Provo today. Hard to believe it was 13 years today that I was wishing I were in this pool in the DR (a missionary excursion to escape much hotter and more humid Santo Domingo!)

Happy memories! May you make happy memories this summer. And especially appreciate the efforts and sacrifices of those who have preceded us. Most of us have so much going for us. And for those who struggle, may we help in any way we can.