We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights, that among these are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. That, to secure these rights, governments are instituted among men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed. That, whenever any form of government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the right of the people to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new government, laying its foundation on such principles, and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their safety and happiness.

But, when a long train of abuses and usurpations, pursuing invariably the same object, evinces a design to reduce them under absolute despotism, it is their right, it is their duty, to throw off such government, and to provide new guards for their future security

“Have you ever wondered what happened to the 56 men who signed the Declaration of Independence? Five signers were captured by the British as traitors, and tortured before they died. Twelve had their homes ransacked and burned. Two lost their sons serving in the Revolutionary Army; another had two sons captured. Nine of the 56 fought and died from wounds or hardships of the Revolutionary War. They signed and they pledged their lives, their fortunes, and their sacred honor. What kind of men were they? Twenty-four were lawyers and jurists. Eleven were merchants, nine were farmers and large plantation owners; men of means, well-educated, but they signed the Declaration of Independence knowing full well that the penalty would be death if they were captured. Carter Braxton of Virginia, a wealthy planter and trader, saw his ships swept from the seas by the British Navy. He sold his home and properties to pay his debts, and died in rags. Thomas McKeam was so hounded by the British that he was forced to move his family almost constantly. He served in the Congress without pay, and his family was kept in hiding. His possessions were taken from him, and poverty was his reward. Vandals or soldiers looted the properties of Dillery, Hall, Clymer, Walton, Gwinnett, Heyward, Ruttledge, and Middleton. At the battle of Yorktown, Thomas Nelson, Jr., noted that the British General Cornwallis had taken over the Nelson home for his headquarters. He quietly urged General George Washington to open fire. The home was destroyed, and Nelson died bankrupt. Francis Lewis had his home and properties destroyed. The enemy jailed his wife, and she died within a few months. John Hart was driven from his wife's bedside as she was dying. Their 13 children fled for their lives. His fields and his gristmill were laid to waste. For more than a year he lived in forests and caves, returning home to find his wife dead and his children vanished. So, take a few minutes while enjoying your 4th of July holiday and silently thank these patriots. It's not much to ask for the price they paid. Remember: freedom is never free! We thank these early patriots, as well as those patriots now fighting to KEEP our freedom! I hope you will show your support by sending this to as many people as you can, please. It's time we get the word out that patriotism is NOT a sin, and the Fourth of July has more MEANING to it than beer, fireworks, hot dogs, and picnics.”

Dear fellow Parents and Players:

November 11, 2023

          Today at 11:00 GMT 105 years ago, the guns of the Western Front fell silent with the signing of the armistice between the allies and the belligerent nations. With upwards of 8.5 million casualties on both sides, it was billed as the War to End All Wars.  Unfortunately, history confirms that it was anything but that.  Nonetheless, we have had our citizenry, in a truly selfless manner, continue to step forward to serve and protect our country and freedom. 

          Our World War One veterans have been “officially” recognized on November 11th since 1926, but it wasn’t until 1938 when it became a National Holiday with a congressional authorization of November 11th as Armistice Day.  Celebrated as such until 1954 when President Dwight Eisenhower authorized the name change to Veterans Day (the same year he also added “under God” to the pledge of allegiance).

          Many of our fathers fought (and died) in World War II and Korea.  Many of our contemporaries have served in Viet Nam and the Middle East.  In all cases, we have had, and continue to have, individuals willing to put themselves in harm’s way for the wellbeing and continuation of our unique democratic experiment.

          Indeed unique; we have a constitution and country that affords us the opportunity to pursue what we’d like and dissent if we care to.  A country that affords everyone the opportunity to both succeed and to fail.  We have the opportunity to choose our lifestyle and our way of life. Because of the efforts of our veterans, we enjoy liberties that are the envy of other nations throughout the world.  And we continue to have all of these freedoms because some were willing to fight and die for them. 

          Today we honor our veterans, the ranks of which are steadily declining.  At present all of our veterans represent less than 16 million, or under 7% of our population.  WWII veterans have dwindled to less than 119,000 with an estimated loss of 100/day.  For those of you who have served, we extend our heartfelt gratitude.  

          So, today, make an effort to thank our Veterans, let us never forget the last measure of devotion and sacrifice many have made and continue to make for our freedoms.

Be blessed and be thankful,

Mark R. Burnett

President, WFL

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