Part 1:  Ray talks about many different things in this segment as usual. Basically he talked about how today is a day to celebrate America. There is an article in the Portland Press Herald in the Op-Ed section regarding the interview with Portland City Manager Jon Jennings. The audio for this segment is not available.
Part 2:  He plays the National Anthem sung by the late Whitney Houston. This leads to a history lesson. He reads the history of the National Anthem. He goes into deep detail.

Part 3:  Ray plays Josh Groban’s God Bless America. Ray tells the story of his appearance and singing at the All-Star Baseball Game in 2008. He talks about how America has always been a prayerful country. He tells us about General George Washington. The story about the birth of our nation. He talks about how the United States is founded on the basis that we were the underdogs. We need to celebrate how great our country is an not listen to the media that tells us how bad our country is doing. He mentions Frederick Douglas and his accomplishments and wants to know why he isn’t being talked about. He also talks about Abraham Lincoln and all that he accomplished. Ray asks why aren’t we talking about him? He goes back to Betsy Ross and her history. He compares one of Westbrook’s own veteran, Dottie McGirk. She knows the same sacrifice that Betsy Ross had. Dottie also lost two husbands to war, while serving herself.

Part 4:  Ray plays Ray Charles’ America the Beautiful. This is basically it for this segment. Really short.

Part 5:  Ray starts off with Living in America by James Brown. He wants y’all to get up and celebrate! Ray talks about Freeport. He chats with Keith McBride. He is the Economic Director of Freeport Economic Development Corp. They talk about some of the great partnerships they have working together in Freeport. Visit Freeport, LL Bean’s, Wilbur’s of Maine Chocolate Confections, Freeport Chamber of Commerce, are just a few of the fantastic partnerships. Keith and Ray talk about the rebirth of food products happening in Freeport. They talk about Harraseeket Lunch & Lobster Company. They also talk about Maine Craft Distilling and their tasting room and the historic building.

Part 6:  Ray plays another James Brown song, America is Our Home. Ray expands on the meaning of this song and how even 13 years after his death, he is still teaching us about America.

Part 7:  Ray plays the monologue from the great comedian Red Skelton about the “Pledge Of Allegiance“. On January 14, 1969, Red Skelton touched the hearts of millions of Americans with his “Pledge Of Allegiance“, in which he explained the meaning of each and every word. Then he moves on to Colin Kaepernick and compares what he has done for our country verses Betsy Ross and her patriotism and sacrifice. He takes a call from Arthur Langley that reminds people that there is a lot of history right here in Maine. He also explains what it means to him to now be an American citizen.

Part 8:  Ray plays a clip of John Wayne and his version of “Why are you marching son?” Ray continues with the a little bit more of history. He teaches about the Stamp Act. He also talks about King George and how Americans have always wanted to live free and nobody stands in of way to doing just that. And, that includes the King of England.

Part 9:  Ray plays President John Kennedy’s Inauguration Speech from January 20, 1961. Ray quotes the movie National Treasure. He expands on these thoughts.  He then reads a excerpt from the Declaration of Independence. He reads who signed this living document and the men who “really” gave it their all. Fifty six signers of The Declaration of Independence. Ray expands by talking about the Midnight Ride of Paul Revere.

Part 10:  Ray plays Lee Greenwood’s God Bless the USA. Ray talks about America. He reminds us that America is the land of opportunity and hope. How crazy is it that there are factions that just downgrade what we have here. It is said that you can tell how great a country is by how many people want to get in….well just look at our borders.

Part 11:  Ray plays one of President Ronald Reagan’s patriotic speeches. He then lists off some of the places doing fireworks tonight. Brian Concrain joins Ray and they chat about the metamorphosis happening around Greater Portland. Portland has had the Portland Pops. They would like to have a multi-day event to celebrate Maine’s 200th birthday next year. Summerfest ME is the kick off. Brian and his wife saw a void and made a difference. Brian shares some of the great ideas that they have for events to come summer 2020. Ray expands with several different places in the Greater Portland Region to experience. Ray reminds people that we are all united as Americans.

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