Independence Hall, Philadelphia PA
Happy 4th of July, all. While we celebrate our backyard BBQ's, clambakes and fireworks today, here's a brief thought for the men and women who chose so bravely, so long ago, to think for themselves yet work together to effect meaningful change in the world as they knew it. Yes, they were flawed human beings and acted from self-interest and economic concerns to establish their "liberty" as an "unalienable right" - but without their bold actions there would be no national holiday and perhaps little else to celebrate.
A Human "Liberty Bell"
comprised of 25,000 Officers and Men
at Camp Dix, NJ c. 1918
A few modern takes on the meaning of the day: E.J. Dionne's "What Our Declaration Really Said" on Truthdig, Faheem Younus tells us what it's like "Celebrating the 4th of July as a Muslim" on The Huffington Post, and The Onion reminds us "Last Time Sources Checked This Still America". Remember, y'all: it's Light Fuse THEN Get Away.
A Portrait of George Washington
made entirely of dollar bills.
Unless otherwise noted here on the blog, all photography is © 2011 Overexpose-ya Images, all rights reversed. The photo of the Liberty Bell is on display at the Liberty Bell Center, Philadelphia PA and shows a © 1918 by Mole & Thomas of Chicago. The image of George Washington is a photo of an original artwork by San Francisco artist Ray Beldner entitled E Pluribus Unum [sewn US currency] © 2005. The artwork itself is a reproduction of the well-known portrait of George Washington [oil on canvas] © 1854 by Rembrandt Peale. This image is on view at the de Young Museum in Golden Gate Park, San Francisco CA.
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