Surf's Up
by Lorraine Allen Rose

Patriotism is already soaring in our country and is bound to leap even further on the Fourth of July. Traditionally, Americans celebrate our country's independence on July 4th of each year. We gather for parades, cook-outs and firework displays. This year, in light of the unrest in the middle east, our continuing War on Terrorism and in honor of our men and women in the armed services here and abroad, perhaps we'll do more than just shoot off a bottle rocket and flip a burger. Here are a few Web sites that might help in in creating a more meaningful celebration of Independence Day!

www.mallforheroes.com - This site offers information written for and by U.S. military veterans offering military related news, information, articles, internet resources, and an on-line mall. The site even offers instruction for writing a letter of encouragement to a member of the armed services — even without a name, by sending the letter to "Any Service Member."

globalspecops.com/oefportal.html - This site is a portal with a vast array of links to sites

offering information relevant to the War on Terrorism, including information about Osama Bin Laden, a Glossary of Islamic Terms and Concepts, and World Security and Intelligence Agencies. The site is simplistic in design but comprehensive in links to information.

www.usconstitution.com - This site not only offers the text of the Constitution, but also the texts to many other historically important documents, speeches and songs, including the Declaration of Independence, "Give me Liberty of Give Me Death" by Patrick Henry and the inaugural addresses of the past Presidents.

www.billofrightsinstitute.org - This is the Web site of the Bill of Rights Institute whose mission is to educate students about the Bill of Rights. Not only can you find the text of the Bill of Rights, but you can download printable cards to distribute, find lesson plans, subscribe to a newsletter and much more.

www.usflag.org - This site offers tons of information about the American flag, including proper flag etiquette (direct from United States Code Title 36 Chapter 10), the history of our flag and how you can buy one that's been flown over the Capitol.