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Independent Spirits |
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It seems as if July is the perfect month for celebrating one's independence. With two holidays celebrating freedom in one month, there's more than enough spirit to go round.
Most of us are familiar with the Fourth of July and the signing of the Declaration of Independence, but what do we know about the French national holiday, Bastille Day?
Bastille Day commemorates the storming of a prison named the Bastille on July 14, 1789, which was during the French Revolution.
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The taking of this prison symbolized liberty and a fight against all forms of oppression for all French citizens. It symbolized the end of absolute monarchy and the birth of the sovereign and, eventually, the birth of the Republic.
The French flag (Le Tricolore) took shape during the French Revolution. The French chose three colors -- blue, white and red -- to represent the Republic's three ideals: liberty, equality and fraternity for all French citizens.
Sound familiar? These are the same ideals we celebrate in this country on the Fourth of July. It just goes to show that you don't have to be French to embrace and celebrate the glory of independence.
Don't just celebrate your freedom on the Fourth of July, join other nations, such as France on July 14, as they reflect on their independence.
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Le menu du jour
Fondue de Fromage/Cheese Fondue
Gratin d'Écrevisses/Shrimp au Gratin
Pain Ordinaire/French Bread
La Salade avec Vinaigrette/Green Salad with Vinaigrette
Gateau aux Noix/Chocolate Walnut Cake
Wine recommendation: A Hermitage Blanc and, of course, champagne
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The Language of Love 
Everyday, celebrate not only romantic love, but also the love of family and self. The spirit of love can be found anytime you add beauty and personal style to living.
Writing a letter is a perfect way to communicate your love and feelings to another. Before e-mail, cell phones and two-way pagers, there was pen and paper.
Writing down our feelings is, in a sense, a real commitment because we are expressing emotions and passion that can't be captured with the spoken word.
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