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July
1st, 2007
In a few days we'll all be, presumably that is, celebrating the birth
of our Nation. Our Independence if you will, from the clutches
of England. That day was also the inspiration behind our National
Anthem. But I wonder, how many of you Surfers actually know what went
down that night off the East Coast...? For those who don't know,
here's a brief history lesson for you.
It was the valiant defense of Fort McHenry by American forces
during the British attack on September 13, 1814 that inspired
35-year old, poet-lawyer Francis Scott Key to write the poem which
was to become our national anthem, "The Star-spangled Banner."
The poem was written to match the meter of the English song, "To
Anacreon in Heaven."
In
1931 the Congress of The United States of America enacted
legislation that made "The Star-spangled Banner" the
official national anthem.
Francais Scott Key was on board a ship (name unknown) and watched
the battle throughout the night. There were women and children at Fort
McHenry that night and the battle raged all night long. While the
Americans fought throughout the night, for the most part, all the
defenders really cared about that night, was the simple fact, of whether
or not, their flag still waving. Think about that. The colors waving,
was the sole beacon of hope for those huddled in the constant barrage
of shot from the British Navy. The flag.
It meant that much to them.
It means that much to most of us today, some 193
years later. And my friends, it means that much and more, to the brave
men and women who are serving our country today. Some in harms way in
Iraq and Afghanistan. Fighting scumbag Terrorists. Some
serve onboard ships, patroling off the coasts of hostile nations while
keeping a constant vigil. Some in desolate duty stations, in places with
names you've never heard of.
But all of them, serving under that same flag.
So while we will all celebrate on the 4th, going to the beach,
hanging out with friends, maybe catch a few waves, some young American
(quite possibly, someone who was, or is, a surfer) will put his, or her
ass, on the line for us. And tragically, someone may die.
They all know, that the price of freedom is not free. Yet, they are all
willing to make that sacrifice. They took that oath, raised their hands
and swore allegiance to our nation, and yes my friends, to our flag.
The
same flag that Mr. Key wrote about 193 years ago this week...
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.
Enjoy
this week, have a Happy Fourth of July!
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Would
you believe me if I said I think there may be surf this week? Well,
according to those who make a living at predicting surf, it looks like
surf around Wed-Thurs.
Please don't hold me to this...I'm just a messenger, and quite frankly,
I don't know if I believe it myself.
Still...it
does look promising.
In
fact,
it looks like there could be a solid ground swell, and hell, who wouldn't
welcome that? After the great beginning of June we had, and the
last swell that lasted about a week. June 11-16th...we could
use it.
I saw a few waves last night and today. I mean, it was clearly small,
but clearly ridable. Especially on the board of length. I watched as
everyone seemed to enjoy the occasional set wave that loomed up at around
thigh high. The water was cold though. Anytime she blows out of the
west like that, the water will temp will drop. Now that's something
you can almost guarantee. Cold ass water temps in the summer round these
parts.
Hope
you guys have been digging the new Ralph's Clip of the Week
feature. Actually,
some of you were unaware that there were video clips to view now. Don't
know how you missed that. The first week was a bit too much. I'm going
to have to tone it down and just do one or two. I just thought it was
time to open up the box and let loose with some viddy clips. After all,
homey here makes surf movies. Shit, I've got a few million viddy clips
I could post. So what the hell.
I've got a few new movie ideas coming too. Check out my other site and
weigh in. www.surffreeordie.com
One in particular I'm sort of excited about. The YESTERDAY,
TODAY and TOMORROW project. It's basically going to be a documentary
on the history of Surfing in New England. It will be quite an
undertaking, but I think we've got enough colorful characters in our
history and some very good surfers who can surf as good as most rippers.
Hell, you know we have the surf. Albeit, not as consistent as other
coasts, but we do get world class surf when it's on.
The movie will have all New England bands from each time period,
including the surfers and music of today.
Speaking of music, my new band (shameless plug), will be playing across
from CINNAMON RAINBOWS next Saturday July 7th from 1PM-3PM...what's
the name of the band you ask? Well, that's a good question bunky. It's
called BIG HANDSOME DADDY. It's a blues/rock trio playing Hendrix/Stevie
Ray style bluesy rock with a handful of originals. The event is
a Support The Troops Rally that is a NON-POLITICAL Rally
to show support for the Troops who are serving our country.
This will be another first for me. Having never played on the beach,
or at the Wall. Should be fun for all.
GOOD NEWS. John Carden is going to be OK. So is my man Doug
Hendry from Westyland. Two bug bite survivors.
Happy Birthday Rick Evans!
And please Don't forget. The Continuing Fund for the Late Surfer
Danny Miller's young son Landon can be made to The Landon
Miller Fund through ANY Citizen Bank.
Or send your donation to:
The
Landon Miller Foundation
83 South Road
North Hampton, NH 03862
Click
below to see Danny Tribute or see Danny Surfing
Tribute to Danny.
North By Northeast
Remember
my friends...Surfing heals all wounds....
Pray for Surf. Pray for Peace. Surf For Fun.
Ralph
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