Happy Independence Day

I'm in Cleveland, Ohio and nearing the end of my trip.  It's really fitting that this journey is ending on the 4th of July weekend, the date our country declared independence from Britain.  Just thinking about what that meant to the colonial Americans when they heard "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."  Not only were they free from tyranny, but when Thomas Jefferson used the phrase "their Creator" he and the founding fathers ensured that we are all free to worship God, Mohamed, Budda, or the Deity of our choosing.  We are at Liberty to speak our minds, work in the professions we choose, love the person we choose, obtain an education.  Vote!  And so much more.

It took time for the country to ensure that all men and women are created equal, but obtain those freedoms we did!  I am profoundly proud to live in a country that values the rights ensured by the Constitution and the Bill of Rights.  Although we learned about the Rights in school, we don't give them a second thought as to what it means to live in a free society.  We take them for granted until we are faced with injustice. There is too much vitriol coming from politicians towards minority groups today.  The freedom to hate Gays, Muslims, or anyone and act on that hate is NOT a right.  That is a "hate crime."  I believe inciting hate in others is a crime too.  Our founding fathers and mothers fought hard to guarantee our Rights.  Thousands of American soldiers sacrificed their lives on battlefields the world over to ensure freedom for all Americans.   

I truly love this country.  When I was walking in downtown Cleveland I noticed the smaller flag under the America flag on top of city hall and I was reminded of what it means to be an American.   Let us stand together this weekend and remember that all our brothers and sisters are created equal.  Kindness and love is the message we can send to lift up the disenfranchised or those who are being discriminated against.  Together we can let it be known that we won't tolerate discrimination.  We won't take freedom for granted.  We will exercise the Right to voice our opinion.  Thank God we are free to make that choice.  Happy Independence Day!  

Lucy and Desi Studios / Museum

This place is a real treat for Lucy fans.  I enjoyed all the photos, the TV monitors playing the shows, the actual TV sets with all the props, and the gift shop.  In August they have a Lucille Ball Comedy Festival in Jamestown, New York.  Sounds like fun!

The Hollywood set above and New York set below

Fort George, Canada

This fort built between 1796 and 1799 is directly across the river from Fort Niagra in New York.  It was a critical supply station for the British forces.  The surrounding area was full of apprehension with the upcoming invasion by the Americans.  There were several towns people who had deep alliances with America, some were Americans born settlers.  

1812 was not a war Canada wanted to fight.  Fort George and Fort Niagra fired artillery at each other and both sides suffered losses.  In May 1813 the Americans volleyed a massive bombing campaign leaving Fort George in ruins.  The Americans invaded the northern point of Ontario, including the town of Niagra and held the fort for the next seven months.  In December, the Americans left by burning the fort and the town to the ground in their wake driving the Canadians out into a cold winter storm.  The fort was abandoned in the 1820s.  

View of Fort Niagra from Fort George Canada

Fort Niagra, New York

For more than 300 years this site has been a critical gateway to the great lakes.  First the Indians occupied it, then the French and finally the Americans.  It is located in New York across the Niagra River from the town of Niagra on the Lake.  It played a role in the French and Indian War, the American Revolution, and the War of 1812.  The redoubt above was built by the British with a fortified gateway and a room above for 20 soldiers.

The first building built - the French Castle.  It was called a "peace castle," but the windows on the  third floor  opened up over the ground below so soldiers could pour hot tar on the their enemy.  The windows on the second floor had holes for guns.

Entry way with a draw bridge

The draw bridge mechanism

Built by the British for storage and provisions.

The perimeter of the fort is a "ravelin" small earth mounds and a dry ditch.

This oven was built to heat cannon balls to shoot at the enemy.  It was never used since they could not move the fiery balls into the cannons without setting fires.

View of Fort George in Canada from Fort Niagra