Life, 1915-07-01 · page 11 of 44
Life — July 1, 1915 — page 11: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
This page presents a patriotic poem by Arthur Guiterman celebrating American Independence Day. The illustrated border depicts Revolutionary War scenes—ships, soldiers, and colonial figures—establishing the historical context. The poem humorously contrasts the grand ideals of the Declaration ("We're free and independent!") with contemporary American social realities. It references the Minute Men and Continental Army fighting British tyranny, with Washington crossing the Delaware as the heroic centerpiece. However, the satirical turn appears in later stanzas acknowledging that Americans have "beaten into plowshares all our sabres" yet still struggle with neighborly love and "Reckless Trespasser" conflicts. The satire suggests Americans celebrate freedom from external oppression while remaining internally divided and contentious—a pointed commentary on post-Revolutionary American social discord.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
July Fourth 2 Signers wrote, “We're free and independent!” he People roared in unison, “ We are!" And lifted up the battle flag resplendent With glory-stars—for every State a Star. They hadn't any qualms or hesitations, They didn’t nurse a solitary doubt; They guessed that any fetter meant Delay in Social Betterment, And hurried up to chase the Redcoats out. The Minute Men were ready any minute; The Continentals won a fight or two, And even when they didn’t wholly win it They gave the British Army lots to do. And Washington led on the host of Freedom To smash the foe's tyrannical array; He crossed the raging Delaware, As ali of you are well aware, And that is why the Eagle screams to-day. We've beaten into plowshares all our sabres, Though sabres are not uniformly barred. We try our level best to love our neighbors, Though some of them contrive to make it hard. And lest our sweetly amiable demeanor Should make some Reckless Trespasser forget, This Holiday we digniiy And glorify to signify That we are free and independent—yet! Arthur Guiterman, comicbooks.com