Happy 4th of July!

 This Independence Day I found myself thinking about one of my ancestors, Richard Stockton (we are directly descended through a brother of Richard Stockton), who was a signer of the Declaration of Independence.  Richard lost all his material wealth and posessions due to his commitment to freedom.   He was the only signer to be clapped in irons and imprisoned for the sole transgression of being a signer.  He lost his health while imprisoned and nearly died.  This Independence day, I found some more information about him and reflected on the cost of freedom.  I felt very grateful for all of those men and women in years past, present and future who have contritubted or fought for our freedom.   /http://www.dsdi1776.com/signers-by-state/richard-stockton/

To celebrate, this year, we went downtown and watched the Regatta briefly.  There were several free events like facepainting.  

And an impressive sand sculpture. 

But my most favorite was the re-enactment demonstrators near the Ft. Pitt Museum.   My children decided to enlist in the Revolutionary war. 

 There they are, signing their lives away.  My brave lads.

Then they received training in the infantry.  

 And checked out their new living quarters.  Ryan thought this was an enormous tent (HAhaha).

Finally, they learned how to fire the cannon.  They were a little slow on their timing, only able to fire it once in a minute.  With practice they should be able to fire the cannon six times in one minute. 

Later that night, after a brief rest and some delicious grilled food, we enjoyed the fireworks. 

Happy Independence Day!