Happy 4th of July

Our church has a 4th of July party just about every year and in the past few, we've added a talent show.  This year I was asked to do something.  In years past I've done some poetry readings (don't think I'm too pretentious, most of them were my favorite Shel Silverstein poems--gotta love 'em) but this year I thought I'd do something a little different.

Having traveled quite a bit out of this country, I've seen how different countries and different cultures live and, despite of the hardships and controversies the U.S. is facing, I still believe the foundations of our government are solid and strong.

So, with less than 5 minutes of your time, you can reflect on two great historical moments, both written after times of trial and war; years apart but still powerful and meaningful today.

*disclaimer--I'm an amateur and this is my simple salute as a citizen of our nation, the United States of America.

**also note that there is not a lot a background noise because this is a recording of my practice session in case I punked out from nerves at the talent show (this is my first solo a cappella performance)

*** update:  I did it and it was well-received by my church family :)