I wish that you all (or "y'all) could see the festivities and decorations here. The Village of Pinehurst has thousands of flags including one three quarter of a mile stretch leading into town where the road is lined with flags. Virtually every store has banners and/or American flags in the windows and accross the frontal facade. The Pinehurst Resort has set up a free mini carnival for the kiddies on one of the golf courses. Fireworks of course. A fly by of WWI and WWII aircraft, icluding a couple of triplanes. Parachutists landing on the golf course near the carnival. But I think that what I like best is the general attitude about our country and our military. The Pinehurst Resort will set aside a couple of courses for active military to play for free. Normal outside play starts at $129 for these courses. There will be a day in the next couple of weeks when the world famous #2 course will host wounded military, both active and retired, for free. This course is $429 per player right now. Several local restaurants give military either free meals or half off prices. All of the private clubs have a form of Red White and Blue events on the 4th. Some of the outfits are almost comical, but definitely patriotic. We celebrate our country, as differentiated from our government. It's both impressive and touching.
I'd like to thank all of the vets in our class, and there are many, several who served in a war zone, and the spouses who waited behind, oftentimes apprhensively.
And as Yoda would say "May the Fourth be with you!"
Happy Birthday America !!! Saw “1776” at the Muny last night after rain delay so we left before the finale @ 1230am this morning soggy and tired but wouldn’t want to live anywhere but here in the USA!
Happy birthday, Dennis, one of the best of us, a friend to everyone.
Lorrie, this is a wonderful community, not merely because the golf is excellent, but it is quiet with a friendly spirit and no traffic jams. The Village of Pinehurst was designed by Olmsted, the guy who designed Central Park in New York. There are no neon signs, no buildings over three stories, the streets are mostly curving, many of the sidewalks are fitted brick, historic homes, and landscaping that is impressive even to a cynic. I wish you all could see it.
Happy birthday Chris and Dennis, Mike I am lucky played #2 a few times and some of the other courses a lot of golf history. Hope everyone had a safe 4th
John Goddard, have a wonderful birthday, and as OB would encourage - have some cake to celebrate.
Scotty, when you're ever coming by this way, let me know, and we'll make some arrangements to play one of the many challenging courses. Maybe even more than one. Janet, Lorrie, or anyone else for that matter, if you're passing this way, gimme a holler, even if you're not interested in the golf - we have some outstanding dining here, too. But, this is a place where the night life isn't, but there is a lot of history, and much of it is not golf related. Annie Oakley used to live here.
Happy birthday, Chris, I don't know what a belly button birthday is, but if Judy thinks you should have one, I won't argue, especially if you want one. Thanks for your input in making this reunion/golf outing so good. We appreciate it.
Tom O’Brien... sorry about that cramp ... up until you mentioned it, I was feeling REALLY special ... ... I had a great day with some very special surprises ... my favorite was the birthday cake my niece made for me (my grandmas spice cake ... it was perfect, even sunk in the middle, just like it’s supposed to ) ... thanks to everyone for ALL of these birthday wishes
Happy belated birthday, Lorrie - you are special, always with a kind word for everyone. I hope your year goes as well as your birthday did, and that you have another spice cake, or several.
Happy birthday, Andy Chwalibog, as fine a friend as can be. I hope that you can judge this year as one of your best.
OB ... the cake sinks a bit in the middle because of the heavy spices (like cinnamon and nutmeg etc) ... being a really “spicy” guy, you should be able to pull this off ... no problem ... or, just SUCK it in ... works for me
) ... thanks to everyone for ALL of these birthday wishes 
