u/jprennquist

My 20s aged daughters were getting amped up for the holiday listening to a variety of patriotic tunes this afternoon. I suggested *Sojourner's Battle Hymn* to add to the playlist. Sweet Honey in the Rock recorded it in 1993 and (I did not know until today) that it is a variation on a song that was sung by one of the African American regiments. You can immediately hear the influence of Battle Hymn of the Republic, also a banger for your holiday playlist.

Sweet Honey in the Rock really get the patriotic blood pumping here.

I just offer it as consideration for anyone else preparing your own holiday playlist today.

Happy Independence Day from Minnesota to the rest of you all out there. Enjoy yourselves, stay safe. Keep calling out treachery when you see it.

I honestly never noticed this until today. But there is a lovely, respectful Veterans Memorial Statue and parklet in Rice Lake Township (edit City of Rice Lake) next to the Kwik Trip and Boomtown Bar. Surely someone will know more about it and can add some insight in the comments.

They had it done up with flags and a sign for America's 250th today.

I walked through with my daughter (and dog on a leash) and paid my respects. I am one who finds protest and dissent to be patriotic but I still consider myself a patriot. Even in times like now where I so deeply disagree with many of the policies and leaders of our government.

And, I come from a family where until the last few generations, every able bodied man and certainly the women on the home front served our nation in war and peace. We were taught to honor veterans for their heart and commitment to service, even though we may disagree with a particular conflict or war itself.

I have relatives who have served in every one of the conflicts listed here since at least the US Civil War and as far back as the Revolutionary War or so I am told by the ancestry enthusiasts in my family tree. I guess maybe they are already missing one for the current war in Iran (currently under a ceasefire). As long as there are wars there will be veterans of wars and I appreciate their sacrifices as well as the contributions of the families they leave behind.

Happy Independence Day everyone. Thanks to all who contributed to this lovely monument to our veterans.

For Your Consideration: Sojourner's Battle Hymn

Veterans Memorial in Rice Lake Township