> I guess somebody should say it today, so that we don't *all* look like cynical, apathetic, unpatriotic Generation X'ers on this forum (excluding, of course, the esteemed Howard):
>
> Happy July 4th, folks! Be happy for the freedoms that we enjoy!
>
> Iss "in particular, the freedom to make big colorful explosions in the sky tonight" achar

Sorry I missed the festivities (the ones around here, at any rate)... to make up for being a day late, I'll lead us in the singing of the anthem.

"Oh, say, can you see,
"By the dawn's early light,
"What so proudly we hail
"At the twilight's last gleaming."

"Whose broad stripes and bright stars,
"Through the perilous fight,
"O'er the ramparts we watched,
"Were go gallantly streaming."

"And the rockets' red glare,
"The bombs bursting in air,
"Gave proof through the night
"That our flag was still there."

"Oh, say, does that star-spangled
"Banner yet wa-ave
"O'er the land of the free
"And the home of the brave!"