Hello, and welcome to my web page dedicated to my country, The United States of America. This page is especially meant for those of you who are visiting on the web from other parts of the world, and may be interested in learning a little more about this country. Because of the sheer length of the Founding Documents (The Declaration of Independence, Articles of Confederation, The U.S. Constitution and The Bill of Rights), I have put each one of them on a separate page for your viewing pleasure. Each page is linked to this main page. Look below to find the particular document you wish to view or, look at them all if you like.
On July 4, 1776, we claimed our independence from England and Democracy was born. Every day thousands leave their homeland to come to the "land of the free and the home of the brave" so they can begin their American Dream. The United States is truly a diverse nation made up of dynamic people. Each year on July 4, Americans celebrate that freedom and independence with barbecues, picnics, and family gatherings. Through the Internet we are learning about and communicating with people of different nations, with different languages and different races throughout the world. Bringing the world closer with understanding and knowledge can only benefit all nations.
The United States shares the North American continent with the countries of Canada and Mexico. There are approximately 269 million people living in the United States in this year of 1997 AD, with an expected population of some 276 million in the year 2000. The United States covers a land area of some 3, 679, 192 square miles (6, 131, 987 square kilometers.), considering only territory within the North American continent. This does not include the overseas territories administered by the United States Government. Our population ranks third in the world, only following the super-populated countries of China and India; while, in land area, the United States ranks fourth in the world, behind China (third, barely), Canada, (second) and Russia, the largest country in the world. Sadly, our country needs to work on educating our people better, because our literacy rate is an embarrassing 96%, which may seem pretty good; except many nations in Europe are claiming a literacy rate approaching 100%. While our economy is still one of the most affluent in the world, we suffer with massive inflation problems and devaluation of our currency. This leads to high unemployment, at least 7% to 9%; a high incidence of crime (which our government continuously claims has nothing to do with the economy -- a famous quote which crosses many people's lips in this country: "It's the economy, stupid!") as well as our infamous claim to the world's largest percentage of people living in poverty (among indutrialized nations), particularly in many of our largest cities. So, you see, we, like many other countries, must continue to strive toward bettering ourselves as a country and a people; but that isn't what this site is about. I have decided to concentrate on some of the brighter points of our country. No, there will be NO discussion of the wars we have fought in, that subject is well-known and has been beaten to death. So, enjoy my little U. S. history lesson and e-mail me with your comments and suggestions, the link is at the bottom of the page, as well as the link back to my home page, where you can sign my guest book (please!?).
The National Anthem
of The United States of America The Defense of Fort McHenry (alternate title)
by Francis Scott Key
20 September 1814
Set to the tune of an old British pub
song, "Men of Harlech"
Note: Usually, during
public events when the Anthem is sung, you will only hear the
first verse of the song being recited.
Oh, say can you see, by the dawn's
early light,
What so proudly we hailed at the
twilight's last gleaming?
Whose broad stripes and bright stars,
through the perilous fight,
O'er the ramparts we watched, were so
gallantly streaming?
And the rockets' red glare, the bombs
bursting in air,
Gave proof through the night that our
flag was still there.
O say, does that star-spangled banner
yet wave
O'er the land of the free and the home
of the brave?
On the shore, dimly seen through the
mists of the deep,
Where the foe's haughty host in dread
silence reposes,
What is that which the breeze, o'er the
towering steep,
As it fitfully blows, now conceals, now
discloses?
Now it catches the gleam of the
morning's first beam,
In full glory reflected now shines on
the stream:
'Tis the star-spangled banner! O long
may it wave
O'er the land of the free and the home
of the brave.
And where is that band who so
vauntingly swore
That the havoc of war and the battle's
confusion
A home and a country should leave us no
more?
Their blood has wiped out their foul
footstep's pollution.
No refuge could save the hireling and
slave
From the terror of flight, or the gloom
of the grave:
And the star-spangled banner in triumph
doth wave
O'er the land of the free and the home
of the brave.
Oh! thus be it ever, when freemen
shall stand
Between their loved homes and the war's
desolation!
Blest with victory and peace, may the
heaven-rescued land
Praise the Power that hath made and
preserved us a nation.
Then conquer we must, for our cause it
is just,
And this be our motto: "In God is
our trust."
And the star-spangled banner forever
shall wave
O'er the land of the free and the home
of the brave!
Below, are some famous quotes from some famous Americans:
"We hold these truths to be self
evident, that all men are created equal."
-Thomas Jefferson
"I know not what course others
may take, but as for me, give me liberty or give me death."
-Patrick Henry
The Pledge of Allegiance 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.
Here are the links to the individual Founding Documents which every American should take time to read.
Click here to read the Declaration of Independence.
Click here to read the precursor to the U.S. Constitution, called The Articles of Confederation.
Click here to read the complete text of The United States Constitution.
Click here to read the complete text of all the amendments to the United States Constitution.
Click here to learn how and when to display the United States Flag.