Liberty's Call - A Light to Guide U.S. By March-April AMERICA THE BEAUTIFUL 250
"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,”
“The pledge of allegiance” should be rendered by standing at attention facing the flag with the right hand over the heart. When not in uniform, men should remove any nonreligious headdress with their right hand and hold it at the left shoulder, the hand being over the heart. Persons in uniform should remain silent, face the flag, and render the military salute. Members of the Armed Forces not in uniform and veterans may render the military salute in the manner provided for persons in uniform.
500 Day Challenge Restore America
A prayer for the United States of America
Leading up to the week of April 19th, 2025 And the 250th Anniversary - Commemorating “The First Shot Heard Around The World”...
In the first battle of the American Revolution April 19, 1775 - Lexington and ConcordThe defining moment which officially set the course for the fight for American Independence.
Dear God, creator of all things, including the beacon of light this beautiful country has been to the world, we pray to You, that You would enkindle in the minds and hearts of this country’s people, Your divine words which exhort us to not conform to the pattern of this world, but to be transformed by the renewal of our minds. We thank You for our minds and the great wisdom You offer to them upon our so asking. We pray that we will not be so foolish as to not ask for this extraordinary gift You offer to U.S. upon our asking, with a tremendous faith and reliance upon You. How unwise would it be for U.S. to not seek You!
Your will is that we leave our simple ways, to instead live and walk in the way of insight. You ask U.S. to hear Your instruction and to be attentive to it, so that we can gain this precious possession of insight The beginning of wisdom, You tell us, is this: Get Wisdom; and whatever “We the People” get ... get insight.
The fear and respect of You is the beginning of wisdom and knowledge of You is insight Your call tells U.S. that Your great wisdom will not enter a deceitful soul or dwell in a body enslaved to sin. Overwhelmed by the burden of our sins and the sins of our Nation,
we cry to You from the depths of our hearts that Your mercy would be upon U.S. and that our country would be blessed with Your grace to turn back to You and to reaffirm that Your law is the foundation on which this Nation was founded and that this April 19th, will be,
“The New Heavenly Shot Heard Around The World”
We pray to You - through Your wise and faithful son, our Lord Jesus, and Your Holy Spirit, to please allow U.S. to reexperience the truth of Your Love and to flood the heart and soul of this Nation - which You established. Place this Truth in the center of every heart in the Country. Thank You for returning this Nation to its rightful place under Your sovereignty and dominion Through the magnificence of the forefathers of the United States, and those who so bravely gave their lives for U.S. (their posterity), we pray that we can reflect on the following words of George Washington and what the establishment of this country meant to him and his counterparts:
“The establishment of Civil and Religious Liberty was the Motive which induced me to the Field the object is attained — and it now remains to be my earnest wish & prayer, that the Citizens of the United
HIS GRACE
States could make a wise and virtuous use of the blessings placed before them....The foundations of our national policy will be laid in the pure and immutable principles of private morality, and the preeminence of free government be exemplified by all the attributes which can win the affections of its citizens and command the respect of the world...The preservation of the sacred fire of liberty, and the destiny of the republic model of government, are justly considered deeply, perhaps as finally, staked on the experiment entrusted to the hands of the American people...No country upon earth ever had it more in its power to attain these blessings than United America. Wondrously strange, then, and much to be regretted indeed would it be, were we to neglect the means and to depart from the road which Providence has pointed us to so plainly; I cannot believe it will ever come to pass.”
Through the same American Spirit that so moved George Washington and our nation’s forefathers, please also move U.S. today, as we invoke the indwelling of Your Spirit upon ourselves, our spouses, our children, our families, our cities, our States, our Country, our Leaders and our fellow countrymen and women, with this plea: Come Holy Spirit - Please be with U.S. todayand all these weeks leading up to April 19, in celebration of the 250th Anniversary of the first battle of the American Revolution - and the 4th of July, 2026the 250th Anniversary of American Independence. Thank You God for compelling U.S. by being our Teacher; our Guide; our Counselor; and our Friend, throughout
this new journey towards the Restoration of America. Thank you for filling us with Your heavenly gifts of Wisdom, Knowledge, Understanding, Compassion, Fortitude, Piety and awe in Your presence - all around the Spacious skies and Majestic mountains of America. We ask that In everything we think and say and do, it would be in accordance with your most Holy and Perfect Will, and a blessing to our country.
Thank you, God for blessing the United States with your gifts of Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness. Let U.S. always call to mind that the marvelous purpose of our lives is to know you, to love you, to serve you...and to be happy with you in this life and the eternal life to come Thank you for your love and care for the Awesome American Citizens of the United States. Please help U.S. to love you and our fellow man with the same regard as we are asking you to bestow upon U.S.. With Your heavenly host of Angels and Saints watching over U.S., let our yes to being Awesome American Citizens, be a fragrant offering to you in return for Your grand endowments and perfect gifts from above...which come down from heavenly lights, and through whom there is no variation or shadow due to change. Of your own will you brought U.S. forth by your word of truth, that we should be a kind of first fruits of your creatures. Please God as we ask you to bless the United States of America, help us to amend our lives so that we will be more and more worthy of your tremendous blessings. Thank you, for drawing citizens of America to turn their hearts to you.
USA
500 Day Challenge Restore America
O beautiful for patriot dream That sees beyond the years, Thine alabaster cities gleam Undimmed by human tears! America! America!
God shed His grace on thee, And crown thy good with brotherhood From sea to shining sea!
(Stanza 4 Original version)
PIKES PEAK - “AMERICA’S MOUNTAIN” - Colorado Springs, Colorado - USA
The spot of inspiration in 1893, For the Nation’s Song: America the Beautiful - Released July 4th, 1895 And source of inspiration for the Nation’s Beautiful New Patriotic USA 250th Birthday Magazine: AMERICA THE BEAUTIFUL 250
250 Celebrations Begin
Would
you
persuade, speak of Interest, not of Reason.
- Benjamin Franklin
Interested in a cool One-Hundred Dollar Bill? Well, here you go, America! It only stands to “Reason”, Ben Franklin famously stated, “Waste not, Want not.”
The first $100 bill to be printed with a portrait of Benjamin Franklin on the front was in 1914. On the reverse, were figures representing Labor, Plenty, America, Peace, and Commerce. This $100 bill was in use by the Federal Reserve until 1990. If you find one, it may be worth thousands.
“WASTE NOT WANT NOT”A WISE THOUGHT TO COMBAT U.S. FOLLY
500 Day Challenge Restore America
The 250 Celebrations Begin
“WASTE NOTWANT NOT”A WISE THOUGHT TO COMBAT
Now imagine - Benjamin Franklin, himself, handing you this $100 bill - and speaking directly to you, his sage words, “Waste Not, Want Not,” as he places it into your hand. How dear would you hold this experience, Ben’s words, and this wonderful cache?
This is an incredible word-picture of persuasion that hopefully has perked your interest...and it might also stand to reason, that you may think twice about handing over this precious possession of treasure and thought to those in government asking you to fund “their” endeavors at your expense. How prone and willing will you be to hand over the gift Ben gave you, to those who want to spend it for you - on things they deem “Necessary”? How quick will you be to speak up and say that little, yet powerful word, “NO”?
Where trillions are being ”borrowed” and “spent”, it’s easy to recognize, we live in a day where fraud, waste and abuse are unfortunately, quite prevalent You have heard we live in a throw-away society, where daily, much is discarded This is a sad and trying set of circumstances that must be addressed & weeded out.
To address the problem, it must first be identified. To weed it out properly, it must be pulled at the root. Finally, it seems, America is waking up to the problem and taking a little tighter grasp of that greatly overgrown and stubborn (hard to pull), mountainous forest of weeds that have overtaken the beauty of America Currently, the USA system of consumption and disposal of our resources (throughout the country), encourages and incentivizes tremendous waste. WE’RE USED TO IT. Most of the costs and burdens of this waste are placed on society at large instead of upon the producers and consumers who create all the waste. CHANGE IS DUE!
What a waste!
Now imagine this was a pile of trillions of dollars...
Because that what it represents
“WASTE NOT, WANT NOT”
Citizens of the United States of America, we can and must do better than this!
American Waste - by the Numbers:
• “We the People” waste around 95 billion pounds of food annually That is equal to nearly 150 billion meals - Certainly enough to feed all of America
• The U.S. throws away of over $475 billion worth food each year. That’s equates to almost 40 percent of the entire U.S. food supply (Unbelievable).
• The U.S. throws out nearly 300 million tons municipal solid waste (MSW), each year
• Every day, Americans throw out roughly 5 pounds trash per person - that’s equivalent to 1,800 pounds of materials per American - every year.
• America’s garbage largely consists of goods that used only briefly, without even a second thought
• In 2023, Sen. Rand Paul estimated the government wasted $900+ billion. That yearly waste alone, equivalent to almost $2,500 per citizen of the U.S
• Just to cover the interest payments on the National debt, the government spends over $659 billion year.
• Government wastes on average $683 million/day
“Easy Come, Easy Go”...
NOTWANT NOT”A WISE THOUGHT TO COMBAT U.S. FOLLY * * 5
“WASTE
“WASTE NOTWANT NOT”A WISE THOUGHT TO COMBAT U.S. FOLLY
Ever heard the expression, “Follow the Money”?
v The U.S. has given more money in foreign aid in total dollars than any other country in the world.
v Since World War II, the United States has given nearly 4 Trillion dollars in Foreign Aid to countries throughout the world.
v The United States is the largest single provider of humanitarian assistance in the world.
v U.S. humanitarian assistance each year is over $13 billion, which provides support, including food, safe drinking water, shelter, improved sanitation & hygiene, emergency healthcare services, child protection programs, and education.
v The World Bank estimates that twenty percent of foreign aid is lost to corruption each year, and that thirty percent of foreign aid fails to reach its intended target.
“Facts are stubborn things; and whatever may be our wishes, our inclinations, or the dictates of our passion, they cannot alter the state of facts and evidence.”
- John Adams
Prioritizing America’s National Interests... One Dollar at A Time
The current U.S. Department of State website states:
“Americans are a hardworking and generous people, who have sacrificed their blood and treasure to help their fellow man across the globe. But no foreign nation is entitled to those benefits, and no foreign aid program is above scrutiny.
The previously announced 90-day pause and review of U.S. foreign aid is already paying dividends to our country and our people. We are rooting out waste. We are blocking woke programs. And we are exposing activities that run contrary to our national interests. None of this would be possible if these programs remained on autopilot.
Every dollar we spend, every program we fund, and every policy we pursue must make America safer, stronger, and more prosperous. And that is exactly what we are doing right now – prioritizing America’s core national interests one dollar at a time.”
The United States is spending roughly $40 billion in foreign aid annually That is more than the GDP of multiple U.S. states and accounts for four out of every 10 dollars in global humanitarian aid. Americans deserve transparency and accountability for every dollar we spend, especially when it is spent abroad instead of here at home in the United States.
In fiscal year 2023, the United States spent $1.1 trillion on welfare, which was 18% of the federal budget...Going back to 1965, President Lyndon Johnson was the first to declare a “war on poverty. Since that time, U.S. Government anti-poverty spending has totaled more than $30 trillion - and yet today, As of January 2024, the US poverty rate was 11.5%, which is 37.9 million people. This is based on data from the US Census Bureau.
In 2024 the federal, state, and local governments spent nearly One Trillion Dollars to fund K 12 public
The USA “is now the worst-educated workforce in the industrialized world. Because our workers are among the most highly paid in the world, that makes a lot of Americans uncompetitive in the global economy ... and uncompetitive against increasingly smart machines. It is a formula for a grim future,” - 2021 Education Week Article
but I differ in opinion of the means. I think the best way of doing good to the poor, is not making them easy in poverty, but leading or driving them out of it. In my youth I travelled much, and I observed in different countries, that the more public provisions were made for the poor, the less they provided for themselves, and of course became poorer. And, on the contrary, the less was done for them, the more they did for themselves, and became richer.”
― Benjamin Franklin America, Let’s not waste it!
A LIGHT TO GUIDE U.S.
Dear AMERICA THE BEAUTIFUL 250 readers... Awesome American Citizens,
As we draw nearer to our Nation’s, July 4th, 2025249th Anniversary (five short months away), and the 250th Birthday of United States Independence, in 2026, it’s a perfect time in America to continue reflecting upon our Country’s beginnings; where we are as a Nation today; and where we are headed as a Country United with great hopes for wonderful tomorrows
It’s going to be up to all of U.S. to bring this about
In the pages to follow, we will be reminded by the words of one of our Founding Fathers’ - Patrick Henrypassionate and convincing speech to the delegates of the Virginia Convention in March 1775, in preparation for war then, “I have but one lamp by which my feet are guided, and that is the lamp of experience. I know of no way of judging of the future but by the past...”
Therefore, we follow the lead of the patriots of yesteryear, to give us a clear perspective of patriotism needed now with a renewed love of country, today! Despite the winter gloom and ominous storms that appear on the horizon...Glorious days lie ahead, as measures are underway around America, to harness the lightning bolt of energy, thundering throughout the hallowed halls of the White House and the “People’s House” of Congress. Change is certainly in the air, and it also seems the slumber of America is being shed. Indeed, America is waking up and the masses are being
aroused to a new celebration of freedom from a tyranny against common sense, fiscal responsibility, wisdom, decency, prudence, honesty, faithfulness.
As “The Golden Age of America” is being touted and ushered in, there has got to be a persuasive and welcomed sense of integrity and revival of American Goodness vs. this being a continued age of perversion, graft, greed, and excess of every form. This new “Golden Age” needs to be one of enlightenment and revival to restore America to be: “The Best U.S. We Can Be.”
This is certainly a unique and profound time in America...and like the men and women of the Country did require 250 years ago, we too today, all need a renewal of purpose and “A light to guide us by.”
The last President, prior to President Trump, who spoke of restoring American Greatness was President Ronald Reagan. He asked, “How can we not believe in the greatness of America? How can we not do what is right and needed to preserve this last best hope of man on Earth? After all our struggles to restore America, to revive confidence in our country, hope for our future - after all our hard-won victories earned through the patience and courage of every citizen - we cannot, must not, and will not turn. We will finish our job. How could we do less? We're Americans.”
Yes, Awesome Citizens...We are Americans!
And with this moniker, there is a greatly demanded responsibility to do America proud - by our lives as Americans. Our call as Americans is to be a bright and shining light to the Nation and the world. Let’s shine!
We trust this March/April issue of AMERICA THE BEAUTIFUL 250 will prove worthy of its call to inspire the citizens of this great Nation to embrace the Founding Father principles upon which this Beautiful Nation was established. We believe you will be moved to Greatness! The pages are chalked with stories of heroism of the figures of 250 years ago who valiantly stood for freedom, independence, liberty, Unity!
The story of America was founded on purpose and has been defined by this purpose ever since. America has an articulately written beginning, a well recorded past, and a transcribed historical account of the journey to provide U S all today, with the same path of purpose that will help guide U.S. along our way. The people of America are clamoring for a renewed sense of National Purpose and making their own dedication to the call of renewed American Greatness. Let’s continue as a society to be both clear and articulate about our intentions as a Nation to seek exceptionalism (in the best sense of the word), which the world will “revere.”
It was a cold and somber winter’s day - March 23, 1775, at Henrico Parish Church (soon renamed St. John's Church), in Richmond, There, on that day, amongst some 120 participants, was the leading and outspoken statesmen, Henry, who would resoundingly defend the the colonists against British tyranny. Convinced war with Great Britain was inevitable, he strong resolutions for equipping the Virginia fight against the British in his fiery speech, words would be immortalized: “Give me give me death!”
By this time, throughout the colonies, in months of 1775, word had traveled fast holding Massachusetts in rebellion against and tensions were running high. Patrick, having member of the first Virginia Committee Correspondence which promoted cooperation between the colonies, as well as a delegate Continental Congresses of 1774, certainly was apprised of the ongoing situation between the “Americans” in the colonies and those led by Great Britain.
This quiet, nonregulated, convention took place from the 20th-27th of March. The convention had been called by Peyton Randolph to elect delegates to the Second Continental Congress which was to be held on 10 May 1775. It was here where Patrick Henry delivered the speech that assured his fame as one of the great advocates of American liberty and Freedom:
“Gentlemen, you will permit me to put on my spectacles, for, I have grown not only gray, but almost blind in the service of my country”
- Patrick Henry
Patrick Henry’s Famous Speech
“No man thinks more highly than I do of the patriotism, as well as abilities, of the very worthy gentlemen who have just addressed the House. But different men often see the same subject in different lights; and, therefore, I hope it will not be thought disrespectful to those gentlemen if, entertaining as I do opinions of a character very opposite to theirs, I shall speak forth my sentiments freely and without reserve This is no time for ceremony. The question before the House is one of awful moment to this country. For my own part, I consider it as nothing less than a question of freedom or slavery; and in proportion to the magnitude of the subject ought to be the freedom of the debate. It is only in this way that we can hope to arrive at truth and fulfill the great responsibility which we hold to God and our country. Should I keep back my opinions at such a time, through fear of giving offense, I should consider myself as guilty of treason towards my country, and of an act of disloyalty toward the Majesty of Heaven, which I revere above all earthly kings.
Mr. President, it is natural to man to indulge in the illusions of hope. We are apt to shut our eyes against a painful truth and listen to the song of that siren till she transforms us into beasts. Is this the part of wise men, engaged in a great and arduous
struggle for liberty? Are we disposed to be of the number of those who, having eyes, see not, and having ears, hear not, the things which so nearly concern their temporal salvation? For my part, whatever anguish of spirit it may cost, I am willing to know the whole truth; to know the worst, and to provide for it
I have but one lamp by which my feet are guided, and that is the lamp of experience I know of no way of judging of the future but by the past And judging by the past, I wish to know what there has been in the conduct of the British ministry for the last ten years to justify those hopes with which gentlemen have been pleased to solace themselves and the House Is it that insidious smile with which our petition has been lately received?
Trust it not, sir; it will prove a snare to your feet
Suffer not yourselves to be betrayed with a kiss. Ask yourselves how this gracious reception of our petition comports with those warlike preparations which cover our waters and darken our land. Are fleets and armies necessary to a work of love and reconciliation? Have we shown ourselves so unwilling to be reconciled that force must be called in to win back our love? Let us not deceive ourselves, sir. These are the implements of war and subjugation; the last arguments to which Kings resort. I ask gentlemen, sir, what means this martial array, if its purpose be not to force us to submission? Can gentlemen assign any other
PATRICK HENRY’S
possible motive for it? Has Great Britain any enemy, in this quarter of the world, to call for all this accumulation of navies and armies? No, sir, she has none. They are meant for us: they can be meant for no other. They are sent over to bind and rivet upon us those chains which the British ministry have been so long forging And what have we to oppose to them? Shall we try argument? Sir, we have been trying that for the last ten years Have we anything new to offer upon the subject? Nothing We have held the subject up in every light of which it is capable; but it has been all in vain. Shall we resort to entreaty and humble supplication? What terms shall we find which have not been already exhausted? Let us not, I beseech you, sir, deceive ourselves. Sir, we have done everything that could be done to avert the storm which is now coming on We have petitioned; we have remonstrated; we have supplicated; we have prostrated ourselves before the throne and have implored its interposition to arrest the tyrannical hands of the ministry and Parliament. Our petitions have been slighted; our remonstrances have produced additional violence and insult; our supplications have been disregarded; and we have been spurned, with contempt, from the foot of the throne! In vain, after these things, may we indulge the fond hope of peace and reconciliation. There is no longer any room for hope. If we wish to be free-- if we mean to preserve inviolate those inestimable privileges
for which we have been so long contending - if we mean not basely to abandon the noble struggle in which we have been so long engaged, and which we have pledged ourselves never to abandon until the glorious object of our contest shall be obtained-we must fight! I repeat it, sir, we must fight! An appeal to arms and to the God of hosts is all that is left us!
They tell us, sir, that we are weak; unable to cope with so formidable an adversary. But when shall we be stronger? Will it be the next week, or the next year? Will it be when we are totally disarmed, and when a British guard shall be stationed in every house? Shall we gather strength by irresolution and inaction? Shall we acquire the means of effectual resistance by lying supinely on our backs and hugging the delusive phantom of hope, until our enemies shall have bound us hand and foot? Sir, we are not weak if we make a proper use of those means which the God of nature hath placed in our power. The millions of people, armed in the holy cause of liberty, and in such a country as that which we possess, are invincible by any force which our enemy can send against us. Besides, sir, we shall not fight our battles alone There is a just God who presides over the destinies of nations, and who will raise up friends to fight our battles for us. The battle, sir, is not to the strong alone; it is to the vigilant, the active, the brave Besides, sir, we have no election. If we were base enough to desire
it, it is now too late to retire from the contest. There is no retreat but in submission and slavery! Our chains are forged! Their clanking may be heard on the plains of Boston! The war is inevitable - and let it come! I repeat it, sir, let it come.
It is in vain, sir, to extenuate the matter Gentlemen may cry, Peace, Peace but there is no peace The war is actually begun! The next gale that sweeps from the north will bring to our ears the clash of resounding arms! Our brethren are already in the field! Why stand we here idle? What is it that gentlemen wish? What would they have? Is life so dear, or peace so sweet, as to be purchased at the price of chains and slavery? Forbid it, Almighty God! I know not what course others may take; but as for me...
“Give Me Liberty or Give Me Death”
“THE GIFT OF COMPASSION FOR
– Thomas Jefferson AMERICA IS THE MOST COMPASSIONATE AND GIVING NATION IN ALL THE WORLD... THROUGH IT’S DARKEST DAYS, THERE WILL ALWAYS BE HOPE FOR BRIGHT TOMORROWS AMERICAN COMPASSION...
"May I never get too busy in my own affairs that I fail to respond to the needs of others with kindness and compassion."
MAYFLOWER COMPACT
IN THE NAME OF GOD, AMEN. We, whose names are underwritten, the Loyal Subjects of our dread Sovereign Lord King James, by the Grace of God, of Great Britain, France, and Ireland, King, Defender of the Faith, & Having undertaken for the Glory of God, and Advancement of the Christian Faith, and the Honour of our King and Country, a Voyage to plant the first Colony in the northern Parts of Virginia; Do by these Presents, solemnly and mutually, in the Presence of God and one another, covenant and combine ourselves together into a civil Body Politick, for our better Ordering and Preservation, and Furtherance of the Ends aforesaid: And by Virtue hereof do enact, constitute, and frame, such just and equal Laws, Ordinances, Acts, Constitutions, and Officers, from time to time, as shall be thought most meet and convenient for the general Good of the Colony; unto which we promise all due Submission and Obedience. “ (52 Signers)
“THE GIFT OF COMPASSION FOR AMERICA”
At that time, back in England, localized governments were not unheard of ... but this “civic body politic” created by the “Mayflower Compact” called upon itself to do so much more than a similar group would back across the ocean. With the distance being vast between the Pilgrims and the central English government, these ordinary men found themselves in leadership positions that they would not have held otherwise. The pastor, John Robinson, of the Separatist congregation (to which many of the Pilgrims belonged), advised the company that since they were “not furnished with any persons of special eminency above the rest,” they would need to make wise decisions when selecting their leaders. He stressed that the Pilgrims choose leaders who would “diligently promote the common good and not begrudge in them quickly gained symbolic importance.” For many years. During the Pilgrims lifetimes, the Mayflower Compact was read at government meetings in Plimoth Colony.
In 1624, a ship brought the first cattle to America, and a few more settlers. By 1630 enough new settlers had arrived to bring the population of the colony to 300. By the 50-year point of the colonies, in 1670, the total population had reached 100,000 citizens. At the 100-year mark, in 1720, the population had passed 500,000 citizens. The population crossed the one million threshold in the 1740s. By 1775, the American Colonial population had grown from 53 pilgrim survivors in 1621 to nearly 2,500,000+ “Americans.”
These Americans had remembered their heritage, and the Founding Fathers were generally viewed by the Pilgrims with high-regard. The courageous pursuit of the Pilgrims leaving England to establish a new colony based on religious freedom provided a foundational principle that contributed to the later ideals of American democracy - especially the concept of self-governance as demonstrated by the Mayflower Compact. The course for American Liberty was firmly established in 1775 and plans were underway for the American Patriots gaining their own independence.
This position of individual rights held with it, a longstanding compassion for fellow citizens. Compassion was a value that had great importance to early Americans in 1775 - It was deeply rooted in religion, reason, and experience. This was an era when every community had to organize for its own defense and care for each other. Every adult male was by law a member of the militia and expected to arrive at muster with his own arms, blade, shot and powder.
Enlightenment thinkers and dissenting preachers of these 17th and 18th centuries, reversed the idea that kings had a divine right to rule. The connection of religion and politics had changed completely with the people finding that they had divine rights to their own life, liberty and property, with the rulers’ only function being to protect those rights. To protect this position, the citizens had to unite, care
for and protect each other While the people of 1775 lived different from us today, their motivations were the same. They had the same desire for love and care of family, for good food, nice creature comforts, and of course, freedom and opportunity.
“THE GIFT OF COMPASSION FOR AMERICA”
Interestingly, these colonists, since the time of Mayflower Compact, were not so much struggling gain liberty, but in revolt against it being taken In Massachusetts they had been running their affairs for 150 years. Then came the “Intolerable where the port of Boston was closed; Massachusetts Bay charter was revoked; the city occupied by troops; and direct rule of the Crown being strictly imposed. These and other circumstances challenged the new way of life, and the gift compassion motivated the citizens to help others need through these difficult and scary times. was a mutual feeling of deep sympathy and sorrow others who were suffering, along with a strong to help where needed.
Much of the compassion came from the women, felt very obliged to help where necessary. Amongst the list was a brave and selfless woman named Flint Hartwell, whose life is not well known but whose example of virtue and duty during the revolution a witness for generations to come. Hers was continuation of the much well-known story of Revere, which never gets much mention but deserves to be made known. On the night of that famous midnight ride, Revere’s counterpart, Dr. Samuel Prescott, pounded on the farmhouse door of Hartwell’s home to alert the town folks of Lincoln, the British were on their way. Mary’s husband Minuteman Samuel Hartwell Mary quickly helped
Mary Hartwell’s thoughts went out to the wives, parents, and children across the Atlantic, who would never see their loved ones again, so she personally saw to it that these young soldiers were buried respectfully.
husband prepare and then, herself (leaving her three young children at home with a helper) rushed out to alert neighboring William Smith, who was captain of the Lincoln Minutemen. Mr. Smith then rang the town bell, rousing the rest of the town's troops. Thanks to the compassion and quick will of Mary Hartwell, Lincoln's Minutemen were the first to arrive at the North Bridge in Concord and assist that town's militia.
Back at home, Mary huddled quietly with the children, knowing that the British soldiers were now right outside their door.
The following day Mary’s compassion made history again. After that long night’s scurry, Mary that next day, was riding behind a cart led by colonists that was filled with the bodies of five British soldiers who had been killed just hours earlier. She followed the cart to the Lincoln cemetery where these soldiers were going be buried. Mary, reflecting on the events of the night before, and seeing these dead soldiers now, thought to herself, how cruel it seemed to put them all into one large trench without any coffins. Her thoughts went out to the wives, parents, and children far away across the Atlantic, who would never see their loved ones again, so she personally saw to it that these young soldiers were buried respectfully. And now her kindness lives on as example of the gift of compassion for America (and our friends abroad).
Now 250 years later, let U.S. also embrace the gift of compassion which is a force that requires action and which our Country is so much in need of today.
“THE GIFT OF COMPASSION FOR AMERICA”
Lincoln Historical Society
“A LETTER FROM A FOUNDING FATHER AND PRESIDENT TO HIS SON”
"I have myself for many years, made it a practice to read through the Bible every year... It is essential, my son, in order that you may go through life with comfort to yourself, and usefulness to your fellow creatures, that you should form and adopt certain rules or principles, for the government of your own conduct and temper It is in the Bible, you must learn them, and from the Bible how to practice them. Those duties are to God, to your fellow-creatures, and to yourself. Let us, then, search the Scriptures...The Bible contains the revelation of the will of God. It contains the history of the creation of the world, and of mankind; and afterward, the history of one peculiar nation, certainly the most extraordinary nation that has ever appeared upon the earth. It contains a system of religion, and of morality, which we may examine upon its own merits, independent of the sanction it receives from being the Word of God... I shall number separately those letters that I mean to write you upon the subject of the Bible. I wish that hereafter they may be useful to your brothers and sisters, as well as to you. As you will receive them as a token of affection for you, during my absence.
From your affectionate Father, John Quincy Adams"
tomorrows
Suppose a nation in some distant region should take the Bible for their only law book ... every member would be obliged in conscience, to kindness, and charity towards his fellow men” - JOHN ADAMS
The 2nd USA President - John Adams and his son, the 6th US A President - John Quincy Adams were also descendants of the Mayflower Pilgrims - John Alden and Priscilla Mullins.
“ONE NATION UNDER God,”
“WITH LIBERTY...”
“AND
“Whatsoever you do for the least of my people, this you do unto me.” Matthew 25:40
“America stands armed with resolution and virtue, but she still recoils at the idea of drawing the sword against the nation from whence she derived her origin.”
- Mercy Otis Warren
250 years ago, in the months of March and April, the threat of war was the talk of the towns All up and down the sea-coast and villages throughout the Colonies, news was being spread that trouble was brewing and preparations for war should be made.
Preparations had been underway for months, as American colonists had been gathering arms, stockpiling powder and training a militia to fight the British, if it became necessary. The towns people were getting prepared so that at a moment's notice, they would be ready to go to war if it came to that. The Continental Congress had already made its approval and established defensive fighting preparations should the British make an aggressive first move.
On the British side, there was also growing caution. The British commander, General Thomas Gage, felt as thought his army was too small to act without ample reinforcements, while at the same time, the British officers and soldiers regarded the colonists as as unworthy fighters not to worry about. They would soon learn, opposite to their thought of the colonial’s wherewithal, that the colonial militia would not flee from a fight with the British forces. in Early March, General Gage received orders to arrest Sam Adams and John Hancock, who were rumored to be hiding out near Lexington. learning also that the colonists had stockpiled guns and powder in Concord, he decided it was his time to act, and on the night of April 18, 1775, he dispatched nearly 1,000 troops from Boston.
“What do we mean by the Revolution? The war? That was no part of the revolution; it was only an effect and consequence of it. The revolution was in the minds of the people, and this was effected rom 17601775, in the course, of fifteen-years, before a drop of blood was shed at Lexington.”
– John Adams, Letter to Thomas Jefferson, 24 August 1815
MacKerr Associates Inc. and its president Kathy Kerr are pleased to bring the contemporary art of Theo Fabergé to AMERICA THE BEAUTIFUL 250 readers and the United States. Created especially with the past 248-year history of the United States and England, and their restored friendship in mind, the late Fabergé has captured the essence of his renowned grandfather Peter Carl Fabergé, in Theo's own designs including the exclusive Mayflower 400 Egg. Handcrafted in England and imported by MacKerr, the Mayflower400 Egg combines Theo's own talent and imagination - with the craftsmanship of specialists working in precious metals, enamels, gemstones, fine porcelain and lead crystal, to create this masterful art piece. This special creation continues the egg art tradition, with a miniature Mayflower story framed within the ovoid shape. This is a limited-edition series of 100.
“ALL AMERICAN” ART LOVERS
AWESOME AMERICAN ART COLLECTORS
The Ship is Sailing – Don’t Miss the Boat!
In the United States, Theo has received commissions from notable collectors of Carl Fabergé and from museums such as the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts. The Collection is now shown in major outlets throughout the world. Other eminent museums such as the San Diego Fine Arts Museum have catalogued Theo Fabergé‘s creations within their collections. Each creation is a Limited Edition of as little as 6 pieces. In 1999 Theo was commissioned to create the White House Egg for the United States President in celebration of 200 years of the building of the White House - with sales proceeds going to charities throughout America. Father Flanagan’s Boys Town commissioned the “Brotherhood Egg”, for it’s 75th anniversary in 1991. Actor Mickey Rooney, who starred in the movie Boys Town, visited the famous village to help unveil the limited-edition egg designed by Theo Faberge, featuring the famous “He ain’t heavy, he’s my brother” symbol. The Boys Town Faberge Egg is on display in the Hall of History Museum. And of curse there is the Mayflower 400 Egg, which was onboard the Mayflower II for the 65th Anniversary of its gifting to the United States from the people of England, as a Thank you gift to America for saving England in WWII. Today, in the United States there are around 30,000,000 descendants from the Mayflower’s arrival in 1620 – 404 years ago. That number is 10 times more than the entire population of the United States’ 13 Colonies, 250 years ago in 1774. Especially for those of Pilgrim descendant, the Mayflower 400 Egg would be a memorable and cherished family heirloom and historical keepsake. Your Beautiful Christmas Gift is here!
Prices subject to change without notice. Theo Faberge used by permission. All rights reserved.
A TRUE GIFT FOR THOSE OF MAYFLOWER AND PILGRIM/EARLY AMERICAN DESCENT
The British were on the march and General Gage had hoped bloodshed could be avoided by catching the colonists by surprise. Unbeknownst to he and the British troops, the American Patriots were secretly watching every British move and ready to sound the alarm That night (the night of the famous midnight ride), they did - when Paul Revere and his compatriot, William Dawes, rode out to warn the people throughout the countryside that, “The British are coming, The British are coming!!!”
In modern day, we Americans would be sure to ask, “What was he driving?” Since they didn’t have cars back then, the answer is, Paul Revere was riding a lightning-fast mare with great stamina, named Brown Beauty. Revere borrowed Brown Beauty from his friend John Larkin, who was a Charleston merchant and fellow patriot. This was the “Rebel” Paul Revere’s and Brown Beauty’s moment of history. 10 years earlier, Revere had joined the Sons of Liberty, and who, after the Tea Act, had become one of the ringleaders for the Boston Tea Party. He was a “RebelRouser” ever since, producing many anti-British engravings, which he circulated widely to help strengthen anti-British sentiments throughout the American colonies As a courier for the Committee of Safety, Revere also traveling to other colonies with news of the British occupying Boston with his fast horses, Revere realized the importance of the quick and accurate spread of information, and these prized horses were essentially Paul Revere’s “Pony-Express.”
“Listen, my children, and you shall hear
Of the midnight ride of Paul Revere, On the Eighteenth of April, in Seventy-five...” - Henry Wadsworth Longfellow
“A hurry of hoofs in a village street, A shape in the moonlight, a bulk in the dark, And beneath, from the pebbles, in passing, a spark Struck out by a steed flying fearless and fleet: That was all! And yet, through the gloom and the light, The fate of a nation was riding that night; And the spark struck out by that steed, in his flight, Kindled the land into flame with its heat”
- Henry Wadsworth Longfellow (from the poem - Paul Revere’s Ride)
* * 27
“The Fate of A Nation Was Riding That Night”
500 Day Challenge Restore America The 250 Celebrations Begin
In March 1774, after the quasi-government of the Massachusetts Provincial Assembly (which had been established as a protest of the Intolerable Acts), was disbanded and Boston became occupied by British command, Revere and his fellow couriers (along with Sons of Liberty members), began meeting at the Green Dragon Tavern, a tavern and coffee house nicknamed "Headquarters of the Revolution.” The tavern was a popular & welcomed spot of anti-British sympathizers. At the time, The Green Tavern was the spot where Revere and company, would learn about and could spread word of British activities. The couriers closely monitor British soldier’s movements around Boston and then would relay this information to Patriot leaders throughout the colonies.
In September of that year, British soldiers had been ordered to seize gunpowder the militia had stored in the town of Somerville. The alarm system that Revere helped establish was implemented but by the time the Massachusetts militias were able to thwart this, the seizure mission had already been accomplished. This stepped up the need for a more robust use of the alarm system and in March 1775, the now outlawed Massachusetts Provincial Congress issued a resolution making the alarm system a critical resource to resist British forces actions. Sharper eyes were on the British and military force within the Province was ordered to be implemented. The “army of observation” was immediately formed and the defense justified on the principles of reason and self-preservation.”
The Green Dragon Tavern & Museum is in existence still to this day in Boston, Massachusetts
On April 18, 1775, the alarm system was tested and proved effective, as it was learned the British had planned yet another search and destroy mission - this time with the orders to remove arms and supplies from the much farther away, countryside village of Concord - which was a hotbed of anti-British patriots and a storehouse of major weaponry and supplies. The intelligence gathering squad in Boston was quick send word to Patriot leader Dr. Joseph Warren - who then gave the order to sound the alarm - Paul Revere and William Dawes were off to alert the people Little did they know then, this event would be the spark that would light the fuse t of the American Revolution. Revere, who knew the dangerous water route well, would ride like lightning to rouse the prepared militia.
The time was 10pm and the famous ride was on!
Out from Boston, across the harbor to Charlestown, Revere rowed in a small boat and slipped in the dark, past the British warship HMS Somerset. He landed safely on the Charlestown side and then quickly alerted the local Sons of Liberty about the British troop movements. He would then borrow, the horse “Brown Beauty” from his friend John Larkin, and away he rode. The famous midnight ride of Paul Revere was on and soon, so was the famous 1st Revolution Battle.
Dawes rode along the Neck of Boston, and both men were trying to quickly reach Lexington, to alert John Hancock and Samuel Adams - who had earlier fled there and who were prime targets of the British troops. Word needed to get to them before the British soldiers did...Thanks to Reveres warning system, news
traveled even faster than Revere did. His system. The prearranged signal system Revere had designed to alert the colonial network across the Harbor worked marvelously. The system was activated with one or two signal lanterns being briefly lit from the steeple of the Old North Church. Arriving in Charlestown, Revere awaits the signal. His friend had climbed the tower and spotted the British coming by sea and lights the lanterns. The famous phrase “One if by land and two if by sea”, was initiated that night when two lanterns were lit. Paul seeing the two lights, jumps on his horse stealthy horse and reached the town of Medford at midnight, Lexington at one, and Concord at two.
As Revere passed through the towns of Somerville, Medford, and Menotomy, church bells rang; signal guns were fired; and more alarm riders rode out to alerting the countryside villages to the coming threat. Minutemen and Militia throughout, grabbed their weapons and headed for town greens - Ready to fight.
“In Medford, I awaked the Captain of the Minute Men; and after that, I alarmed almost every house, till I got to Lexington” - Paul Revere
OFF LIKE LIGHTNING TO SOUND THE
The British reached Cambridge and were unloading troops and supplies. By this time, the “patriot alarm” had already reached Concord and Revere’s network had worked wonderfully. As the British column moved out, they could hear the signals sounding across the countryside. At the early morning hours, these sounds were trepidating, and the feeling of hostility was in the air throughout the countryside.
At some point Revere had met up with William Dawes and Samuel Prescott. They continued to raise the alarm at homes along their route, until they were spotted by several British officers. Trying to elude them Dawes and Prescott slipped away, but Revere was caught and held at gunpoint; interrogated; and forced to give up his horse. Then on foot, he ran to try to assist Hancock and Adams. When he arrived at the outskirts of Lexington, sounds of fighting between the militia and British troops were ringing out on the famous green, which he would later depict the scene of in his drawings. Fortunately for history’s sake, the Massachusetts Provincial Congress had required depositions from Paul Revere (and the others), describing the ride and the eyewitness accounts of the battles.
Fortunately, during the course, of that fateful night, Revere and Dawes were able to make it to the house where John Hancock and Samuel Adams were staying to alert them that the British troops were not far behind and that the Patriot leaders should find safety
“The fate of a nation was riding that night”
- Paul Revere
Captain John Parker had been elected as the militia captain for the town of Lexington, due to his military experience with the British during the French and Indian war, in 1758-59. But at this point on April 19, (now nearly 2o-years later), the 46-year-old, John Parker was in Lexington on his death bed, suffering from tuberculosis. However, when word arrived to him that the British were marching from Boston to rid the Patriot military supplies in Concord, John gathered all his strength and walked two miles to Lexington Green to take command of the many dozen, militiamen awaiting the British regulars. When the British Troops arrived at 5am, the first shots of the skirmish on Lexington Green rang out and eight of Parker's men were killed with another ten seriously wounded. The British troops seemed unphased.
The collection of 200+ men, continued their march to Concord - arriving there around 8:00am. The British commanders, Francis Smith and John Pitcairn, ordered several companies to secure the North Bridge across the Concord River and then other companies to proceed to Barrett Farm, a mile away, where the cache of arms and powder was thought to have been stockpiled. The British troops did not find the supplies, however what they were startled to find was an assembly of hundreds of Militiamen from Concord advancing towards them from higher ground. As the Minute Men marched down the hill in an orderly advance, the British soldiers retreated to the opposite shore and prepare to defend themselves.
When the head of the Militia column, led by Capt. Isaac Davis, was within range, the British troops open fired, killing Davis and two others “For God’s sake, fire!” shouts Major Buttrick of Concord...to which the Minute Men do, killing three British soldiers and wounding nine others. This volley of gunfire is considered “the shot heard round the world.” The battle sends the British troops retreating, back to Boston. As they marched back on the same road from wince they came, this devolves into wild confusion and a disorderly retreat, as the British are attacked for miles, from all sides by an onslaught of angry Minute Men along what is now known as Battle Road. When they finally reached Lexington, they were also fully unprepared for Parker’s men (the Lexington militia), who were ready to take further revenge for the violence suffered earlier that morning. Under Parker’s orders the Lexington militia had regrouped along the road, hiding behind rocks and trees, ready to ambush the approaching British column When ordered, they fired in a single group of attacks along the road that would inflict heavy casualties on the British as they retreated. This came to be called ”Parker’s Revenge.”
“Stand your ground. Don’t fire unless fired upon, but if they mean to have a war, let it begin here.”
- Capt. John Parker
April 19, 1775, marks the historic day of the first battle for American Freedom. This April 19th, 2025, America will celebrate the 250th Anniversary of the historic battles of Lexington & Concord which began the war for American Independence. By the numbers: 393 men died that day - 93 Americans and 300 British
While John Parker lived through the day, he died a few months later, on September 17, 1775, and was buried in Lexington’s Old Burying Ground. The Lexington Minuteman statue was created by Henry Hudson Kitson in 1900 and stands at the town green of Lexington, Massachusetts. Today it is commonly said to honor Captain John Parker and the Minutemen of Lexington - April 19, 1775
The Lexington Minuteman statue Erected in 1900, today honors Captain John Parker
There is much talk today about “struggles” if for no other reason than just trying to find a dozen eggs at a decent price. As of January 2025, the average price for a dozen eggs in the U.S. is $4.95. 250-years ago in 1775, eggs would have cost around 10-15 cents a dozen in the American colonies (depending on the region and availability). Shocking? Well, get this: 10-15 cents in 1775 prices, would be equivalent to about $4.10-6.15 in today’s prices. And that was before the war when prices soared. Same price in 1775 as today!
Feel any better? No! Well, they didn’t either...And they couldn’t just jump in the car or hop on the bus to run to the store, at any hour of the day. There was no no refrigeration section, nor isles and isles of produce and everything else you can imagine. Heck, they couldn’t ever have imagined all that we have todayincluding running water with the turn of a knob; lights
that turn on with the flip of a switch; indoor toilets that self-flush; daily showers; sinks to wash up; cold water; hot water; refrigerators; air conditioning; heating; TV’s; radios; telephones (with cameras); computers; radios; microwaves; stoves; ovens; and every other modern-day convenience you can think of WOW - theirs’ were “STRUGGLES” - and then they had to prepare for war - right in their back yard.
WOW, WOW, WOW - how lucky we are that our struggles are we can’t find cheep eggs. Know what we mean? We’re certainly not making light of the prices of eggs, or the struggles America faces today. However, to encourage America, we hope the next time you do go to the grocery store to pick up a dozen eggs, you will give thanks for the “struggles” of eggs at five-bucks. This is really to say, “We get you.” Times are difficult - and we all need to kick-in to help America be, “The Best U.S. We Can Be.” And we really all need to be reflective on what we can do to make things better rather than hoping the government will - even though extraordinary efforts are underway to fix so much that has been broken for quite some time.
As a means of inspiration, please allow us to share the story of a young girl in 1775, who really had it hard but who also did everything she could to make life better. We pray that through her story (and hopefully her American Spirit shining from above), there will be a heavenly smile and nod of thanks from her soul for the recognition of her fortitude; grit; and
500 Day Challenge Restore America
her will to rise above her “REAL STRUGGLES” with determination and grace. Please allow AMERICA THE BEAUTIFUL 250 to introduce a true and beautiful American Patriot who fought the best fight and exemplified being “The Best American One Could Be”
Meet: Phillis Wheatley Peters
Phillis was an American Author of poetry who was born sometime in 1753. By the early age of 12, she was an avid reader of Greek and Latin classics (in their original languages). At 14, she wrote her first poem, entitled "To the University of Cambridge [Harvard], in New England,” as encouragement to the students. At the age of 20, in November 1773, Phillis’s first book was published. Two years later, she sent a copy of a poem she had written, entitled "To His Excellency, George Washington," to George Washington, who was at that time a military general. So impressed was General Washington, that he invited Phillis Wheatley to visit him at his headquarters in Cambridge, Massachusetts. The poem was also shared with Thomas Paine who republished it in the Pennsylvania Gazette in April of 1776.
“Impressive” one might say It sounds like she had things going well, so what about her “struggles?” And how does this relate to our American Struggles of today? Great Question - You see, things don’t always appear as they seem until further understanding and perspective is given. Diving a little deeper into the life of this young girl, we believe you’ll
Wheatley Peters
Whileanintrinsicardorpromptstowrite, Themusespromisetoassistmypen; ’TwasnotlongsinceIleftmynativeshore The land of errors, andEgyptiangloom: Fatherof mercy,’twasthygracioushand Broughtmeinsafetyfromthosedarkabodes. Students,toyou’tisgiv’ntoscantheheights Above,totraversetheetherealspace, Andmarkthesystemsof revolvingworlds. Stillmore,yesonsof scienceyereceive Theblissfulnewsbymessengersfromheav’n, HowJesus’bloodforyourredemptionflows. See him with hands out-stretchtuponthecross; Immensecompassioninhisbosomglows; He hears revilers, nor resents their scorn: WhatmatchlessmercyintheSonof God! Whenthewholehumanracebysinhadfall’n, Hedeign’dtodiethattheymightriseagain, And share with him in the sublimest skies, Lifewithoutdeath,andglorywithoutend. Improveyourprivilegeswhiletheystay, Yepupils,andeachhourredeem,thatbears Orgoodorbadreportof youtoheav’n.
Let sin, that baneful evil tothe soul, Byyoubeshunn’d,noronceremityourguard; Suppressthedeadlyserpentinitsegg. Yebloomingplantsof humanracedivine, AnEthioptellsyou’tisyourgreatestfoe; Itstransientsweetnessturnstoendlesspain, Andinimmenseperditionsinksthesoul.
"To the University of Cambridge [Harvard], in New England” Phillis
more fully understand and appreciate how her story relates to ”our struggles” & the “plight” we face today.
You see, Phillis was a small, sick slave girl who caught the attention of John and Susanna Wheatley. She was captured and sold into slavery as a child at the age of 8; sent to Boston, arriving on July 11, 1761; and named, by the Wheatleys, after the slave ship that brought her to the colonies. How’s that for a start? For Phillis, that was pretty good, as John Wheatley was a wealthy Boston merchant who with his wife Susanna, cared well for Phillis and taught her how to read and write. Within sixteen months of her arrival in America she was able to read the Bible, Greek, Latin, and British literature. Recognizing her great potential, the Wheatleys continued her formal education, which was rare for both a slave and a woman (a young woman who had exceptional faith and who deeply loved America).
Thee,firstinpeaceandhonors - we demand, Thegraceandgloryof thymartialband.
Fam'dforthyvalour,forthyvirtuesmore, Heareverytonguethyguardianaidimplore! Onecenturyscarceperform'ditsdestinedround, WhenGallicpowersColumbia'sfuryfound; Andsomayyou,whoeverdaresdisgrace, The land of freedom's heaven-defended race!
A crown, a mansion, and a throne that shine, Withgoldunfading,WASHINGTON!Bethine.
In 1770, at the age of 17, Phillis wrote a poem as a tribute to George Whitefield, who was the minister that played a leading part in the Great Awakening of religious life in the British American colonies. This poem brought her significant acclaim in both the colonies and Britain. Her poetry addressed religion, celebrated America and spoke out against slavery. The Wheatley’s took Phillis to London, where she met with dignitaries and found a publisher for her book, and where she received medical treatment for a health ailment that she had been battling. In 1773, Phillis Wheatley’s Poems on Various Subjects, Religious and Moral became the first book of poetry published by an enslaved Black woman. Phillis returned to America with the promise of the Wheatleys, that they would grant her freedom, which they did one month after she returned in 1774.
"In every human Breast, God has implanted A Principle, which we call Love of Freedom”
- Phillis Wheatley Peters
The following year, Susanna Wheatly (the woman who had raised her), died. Two years following, so did John Wheatley... And then came more struggles! That year1778 - shortly after John’s death, Phillis married John Peters - a free but poor, African American man from Boston. Without proper funds, Phillis was unable to secure another publication or sell her writings The couple had three children, the first two who died in infancy. To make matters worse, John Peters was shortly thereafter, placed in debtor’s prison - leaving Phillis alone with their new infant child Phillis continued writing on faith and slavery but was unable to support herself through her writings, so she took a job as a maid at a local boardinghouse - possibly making 50-cents per day, and really “struggling” to buy even a dozen eggs. At the age of 31, she died on December 5, 1784, and her third sick, child also joined her in death, later that very day. “Struggles?” American, we have much to learn from this young lady who fought for freedom and who spoke of slavery being the issue which was preventing colonists from achieving true American heroism. Phillis, “YOU LIFT U.S. UP” today! Please think of Phillis the next time buy a dozen eggs or think of your struggles!
'Twas mercy brought me from my Pagan land, Taught my benighted soul to understand That there's a God, that there's a Saviour too: Once I redemption neither sought nor knew. Some view our sable race with scornful eye, "Their colour is a diabolic die."
Remember, Christians, Negros, black as Cain, May be refin’d and join th' angelic train.
Captain Samuel Whittemore, the oldest of the soldiers (80), in the heralded battle that day, was shot in the face, bayoneted six times, beaten with clubs and left for dead...Despite the wrathful onslaught, Samuel recovered with American Grit and lived on to the fine old age of Ninety-eight (with his own stories to tell) -
Long enough to see the Colonies gain their Independence and become the United States of America.
500
Day Challenge Restore America
The 250 Celebrations Begin
Is there any God like you, forgiving iniquity, passing over transgressions by the survivors who are your heritage? He is not angry forever, because he delights in gracious love. You will again have compassion on us; you will tread our sins underfoot and hurl all our iniquities into the depths of the sea.
Micah 7:18-19
Every so often, It’s good for America To have a VIRTUE ALL BACK TO REALITY check.
We’ve all seen the so-called “Reality” shows where Virtue seems to have been thrown out the window. How edifying is that really for ourselves, our children, our citizens of ”America the Beautiful.” In watching, what do we gain, and what do we lose, besides the time we spend staring at and promoting “Virtue’s End?”
It might be wise instead, to take a moment to reflect on advice from a President, asking U.S. all - to become “Virtue’s Friend.”
John Adams was a scholar - Harvard Grad; Teacher; Lawyer, Patriot - Wonderful Dad; Founding Father, Diplomat - every turn he had Lover of the Constitution - yes it made him glad! Signer of the Declaration - making the British 1st VP - and then the wonderful - President’s Pad; Opponent to Slavery - he very staunchly forbad; Man of good faith, to which - good fortune, it did add.
From the words of this man, noted in this lyrical rhyme, we trust you’ll appreciate his thoughts - to U S this time
"To My Grand-daughter E C AdamsVirtue and Happiness are so intimately connected and so mutually dependent, that neither can exist without the other. Study therefore and practice the Decalogue and the Sermon on the Mount, and you can never be unhappy in this world or the other.
From your affectionate GrandfatherJohn Adams”
The only foundation of a free Constitution, is pure Virtue... and if this cannot be inspired into our People, in a great measure than they have it now, They may change their Rulers, and the forms of Government, but they will not obtain a lasting Liberty.
- John Adams
Conformity to a standard of right behavior. Showing high moral standards.
HAPPINESS
Contentment and positive well-being. A good and worthwhile life of meaning.
It was Aristotle, who first spoke of ”The Friendship of Virtue and Happiness.” True and lasting happiness, he felt, was one being deeply intertwined with living out a virtuous life.
A life where one’s activities would cultivate good moral character, wholesome values, and would seek to bring out the best qualities in oneself and others. John Adams would have agreed and adding, that the “Pursuit of Happiness” would best achieved for America, through meaningful friendships with each other, with a shared goal of virtue. The more virtuous we “The United States” become, the closer “We the People” will experience true happiness for ourselves and as “One Nation Under God.” Let U.S. all then best support our friendships by joining Virtue and Happiness in mutual encouragement to become, “THE BEST U.S. WE CAN BE” as “AWESOME AMERICAN CITIZENS!”
America - Here’s a thought that might ring the bell...
Right is right, even if everyone is against it, and wrong is wrong, even if everyone is for it”
- WilliamPennFounder of
Pennsylvania.
Dear American Citizens...
William Penn also said: "Speak properly, and in as few words as you can, but always plainly"
Are we listening?
It’s time for U.S. to repair the cracks and set things right! What’s wrong with that? ...How plain is that?
Well okay, then... Let’s get cracking! (In a good way, USA) 500 Day Challenge
AMERICA NEEDS
The war is on!
How are we going to pay for all of this?
Funny thing, that matter of warSomebody’s got to pay for it.
During the American Revolution, things were no different from today. Our wannabe-nation then, who just got into its first scrap, was cash-strapped and somehow needed to be boot-strapped. And sure enough, the cost of Liberty wasn’t gonna be free. To know how much it was going to take though, was like looking into a crystal ball - and keep in mind, the call for Independence in 1776, was still a year and a half away. Considering all you’ve just read...This was a ragtag group of colonial farmers, silversmiths, gunsmiths, cabinet-makers, carpenters, cobblers, lawyers, wigmakers, printers, saddlers, apothecaries, shopkeepers, innkeepers, butchers, and bakers, all looking to put together a part-time Militia to take on the greatest fighting force in the world. This was going to require some thinking and some mighty big favors. So, like the government of today does, the Continental Congress took out some big loans, printed lots and lots of cash and of course - called on those “Darn Rich Guys.”
Paying off U.S. war debts and all the other debts incurred, was going to be a major challenge of the prerevolutionary war which just got started. The new “U S Government” had a tiger by its tail and this beast was going to require the Big-Game money-handlers.
Hey, I Know...Let’s call Haym!
That proved to be an outstanding idea, as Haym was game... Haym Solomon, was a 35-year-old, Polish-born, Jewish businessman who had just arrived in America, in 1775. Instantly, he embraced the Patriot cause - and being that he was new in New York, he quickly joined the Sons of Liberty there. Haym opened a brokerage house for international trade and was almost instantly established in the community - and it was Haym, who the Patriot community turned to for help. With his savvy business acumen, Haym was asked and agreed to be a principal financier of the fledgling American republic and “founder” of the cause. Haym jumped in and the financing was on! For much of the he worked alongside Robert Morris (the richest America at the time), to help finance the Patriot for Freedom! (More on Robert Morris in issues to come
After the Lexington and Concord outbreak, helped procure arms and ammunition for the revolutionary effort. And he dove in deep! getting ahead of ourselves here, but have you yourself yet, “How much are we talking?” Before get startled by the answer, consider this: The cost of the Revolutionary War from April 19, 1775 September 3, 1783 (8 years), was over $100 Million today’s dollars that would be nearly $1.5 Billion addition to all the work he did and the funds he to secure, Haym kicked in roughly $700,000 of cash, as a loan to help support “The America Cause
and while we’re at it...
let’s get those seven-Dollar Bank notes flowing!
Now That's Commitment... However, there’s more! - Way more!
Keep in mind, $700,000 then was equivalent to nearly $25,000,000 in today’s dollars. His personal cash contribution was about 1-2% of the total USA war bill.
In 1776, Hyam was arrested and put in prison for 18months by the British, who had accused him of being an American spy. While imprisoned, he continued to market the American Cause - even convincing some British soldiers to defect. He was arrested again in 1778, and this time his sentenced was execution. By some luck or providential intervention, Haym managing to escape. He gather up his family, and make his way to Philadelphia, where he was soon able to set up shop. Haym once more started a new brokerage house. With his knowledge of world finance, he found firm footing in the American capital markets in Philadelphia. It was there he also established Mikveh Israel, Philly’s first Jewish Synagogue.
In 1781, George Washington had the British Army trapped in Yorktown and was seeking to make the final blow...but his war chest was completely empty. So were the coffers of Congress The Continental Troops were cold, tired, and hungry and had yet to be paidThey were close to mutiny! Without the needed $20,000 for food, uniforms and supplies, Washington’s war was sure to be lost. In a dire and desperate situation, Washington wrote Robert Morris, with the orders: “Send for Haym Solomon”
Next time you get jealous of the rich Guys it might be good to ask the question: “Why”?
Haym Solomon, once again put to work his exceptional financial skills, securing the necessary loans for the cash Washington was in urgent need of. With these quicklysecured funds, Washington and his French allies were able to defeat the British at Yorktown, Virginia and finally the eight years of battles and war came to an end Haym had done it...But
oh, what a cost!
Haym had played a huge part in America securing its Independence and four years later, he made his most significant contribution to the American cause of all. Unbelievably, Haym had lost his personal fortune and became a pauper in a debtor’s prison, where at 44, he died. WOW - The government he had helped financially shore up, could never repay the debts it owed to him. America still owes a huge debt of Gratitude to this American Hero who gave his all
Thank you, Haym for a debt the usa, can never repay!
”What
a Glorious Morning for America”
- Samuel Adams to John Hancock
(On hearing the fire of the British Troops - April 19, 1775)
If the Patriotic men and women of 1775, were able to fight the “Good Fight” then, to establish the amazing United States of America, for us today (which they fought so long and hard to do) - then certainly we can fight the “Good Fight” today, to keep it that way!
”What a Glorious Morning for America” it will be when millions of “Awesome American Citizens” jump shouts of rejoicing for the Nation’s revival, rather than to continue to curse the darkness that has been methodically cast upon our Beautiful America. Come On America...“Our American Cause” is not a lost one, but rather one of awakening our citizens from the deep slumber of
“ Neither the wisest constitution nor the wisest laws will secure the liberty and happiness of a people whose manners are corrupt.”
- Samuel Adams
complacency, wickedness, denial, and unwillingness to address the perverseness all throughout our government and within society - to a point of properly addressing and correcting the awful plight that has befallen our great land. To cast off this drowsy spirit...
Let’s start with this recognition: Then and Now
THEN: The American Revolutionary War was expensive. Very expensive. It drained economic resources in the country and depreciated the new nation’s currency, which as Ben Franklin put it, was essentially a gradual tax upon the citizens. And keep in mind, this was a citizenry who had been used to a life of light taxation between 1-3% (before war broke out), to nearly 10x that throughout the eleven years of fighting for freedom. Yes, with this and tens of thousands of lives lost, the colonist paid a very high price for their freedom...but it was worth it.
Our Founding Forefathers made it a call to action They put it all on the line and were willing to pledge their lives, their fortunes and sacred honor to the cause. They did this for themselves and for all of U.S.
NOW: Certainly for U.S. today, their fight was worth it - because we didn’t have to pay the cost. We trust, in reading AMERICA THE BEAUTIFUL 250, you will recognize what the “Awesome American Citizens" of 1775 were ready to engage in fighting for. The quotes throughout the magazine are clear to their intent. Our fight for freedom and liberation from all the ills that have infected U.S., may be costly too. However, when you really stop to think about it, it already has cost usgreatly. We really don’t have a better choice than to make it a top-priority to Restore America! The time is now ours, and this is a clarion call to the best action.
“Bad men cannot make good citizens. It is impossible that a nation of infidels or idolators should be a nation of freemen”
- Patrick Henry
THE EXTRAORDINARY AMERICA MAKEOVER
LIBERTY’S 2025 CALL HAS BEEN SHOUTED OUT, AND WE TRUST AMERICA THE BEAUTIFUL 250 HAS BEEN A BEACON OF HOPE
“A LIGHT TO GUIDE U.S. BY”
Now’s your chance to shout the call to get your families, friends , neighbors, associates and townsfolk on board: The U.S. Regulars are coming!, The U.S. Regulars are coming!, and we are taking America back, by a storm of goodness and righteousness. “AWESOME AMERICAN CITIZENS” are on the move, with a pitch-perfect sound of RIGHTNESS in the USA!
This is the ideal time for all of U.S. to get it right, so join in the excitement of getting your town geared up for the THE EXTRAORDINARY AMERICA MAKEOVER
In Your House, Neighborhood, Community, City, & State! Think if Ben Franklin was prompting you, because he is...
“To succeed, jump as quickly at opportunities as you do at conclusions.”
- Benjamin Franklin
“Do you want to know who you are? Don’t ask. Act! Action will delineate and define you.”
- Thomas Jefferson
If you hear of a shout of war, know that it’s ideals. America has once again got to principles or we as a Nation may not again stand at all That’s what the message was in 1775, and our Forefathers message carries forth from 249-years ago to today. America, are we listening - and ready for the best kind of action that will delineate and define U.S. as AWESOME AMERICAN CITIZENS looking to become the “BEST U.S. WE CAN BE”? Yes, Then this time around, let’s join that other group of Brit’s and together let the United Sates of America sing in Unity,
“LET IT BE”!
When I find myself in times of trouble, Mother Mary comes to me
Speaking words of wisdom, let it be
And in my hour of darkness, She is standing right in front of me
Speaking words of wisdom, let it be
Let it be, let it be, let it be, let it be
Whisper words of wisdom, let it be
And when the broken-hearted people Living in the world agree There will be an answer, let it be
For though they may be parted, there is still a chance that they will see
There will be an answer, let it be
Let it be, let it be, let it be, let it be
There will be an answer, let it be
Let it be, let it be, let it be, let it be
Whisper words of wisdom, let it be
Let it be, let it be, let it be, let it be
Whisper words of wisdom, let it be, be
Let Your Light Shine “AWESOME AMERICAN CITIZENS”
As of April 19th, 2025, there is 441 days Until our Nation’s 250th
“Do not put off until tomorrow, that which you can do today”
- Benjamin Franklin
And when the night is cloudy there is still a Light that shines on me
Shinin' until tomorrow, let it be
I wake up to the sound of music, Mother Mary comes to me
Speaking words of wisdom, let it be
And let it be, let it be, let it be, let it be
Whisper words of wisdom, let it be
And let it be, let it be, let it be, let it be
Whisper words of wisdom, let it be
- The Beatles -
Katharine Lee BatesAMERICA THE BEAUTIFUL 250 salutes you
Born and buried in Falmouth, MA - next to the gravesite of the father, Rev. William Bates, whom she really, never knew, but who was at least able to be cuddled by him for a few weeks before his deathKatharine Lee Bates was a woman, who (like her father), did everything she could to lift-up America
Katharine’s grand-lineage traced back to her ancestors who were a part of the landed gentry in the very early history of England (1240), and whose, multiple-times great-grandfather was a a Judge in the King’s Court, in Canterbury, Kent England. Given that the Bates family
was steeped in early English and American history, Bates well-knew that her lineage in America began in the Plimoth Colony, with her 6 and 7X Great Grandfathers, Joseph and Clement Bates, who made their voyage to America on the “Elizabeth”, in the Great Migration of 1634-35. Katharine, herself being born in Falmouth, only 30-miles away from Plymouth, grew up in and was drawn to love history, politics, writing and poetry.
After the Civil war, Katharine tool advantage of the new educational opportunities available to women and took her $700 prize winnings from her poem Rose and Thorn, and made her first trip to England, where she studied at Oxford, and traced her family heritage.
Having witnessed firsthand, the devastating poverty and misery the industrial revolution had brought on both America and England, Katharine wished deeply for a better society. This desire of hers for an equitable and Beautiful America, helped her outline the majestic, 100word poem, which she wrote during the throes of the economic depression in 1883 Her song lives on (96 years since her death), and along with Pikes Peak, it’s also the inspiration for AMERICA THE BEAUTIFUL 250.
500 Day Challenge Restore America
“OnedaysomeoftheotherteachersandIdecidedtogoonatripto 14,000 footPikesPeak.Wehiredaprairiewagon.Nearthetopwe hadtoleavethewagonandgotherestofthewayonmules. I was verytired.ButwhenIsawtheview,Ifeltgreatjoy.Allthewonder ofAmericaseemeddisplayedthere,withthesea likeexpanse.”
KatharineLee Bates
Oh, Beautiful...
AMERICA
"We have staked the future of American civilization upon the capacity of each and all of us to govern ourselves according to the Ten Commandments of God."
Should “We The People” Forget...
If you fully obey the Lord, your God and carefully follow all his commands I give you today, the Lord your God will set you high above all the nations on earth. All these blessings will come on you and accompany you if you obey the Lord Your God Deuteronomy 28:1 2
