A day that is about so much more than fireworks.
The Fourth of July is an exhilarating holiday. Even as a child I knew there was something enchanting about the day, something important. I adored sparklers, snakes, and smoke bombs when I was young and admittedly those are my go-tos to this day when I stop by fireworks stands. Nostalgia is not overrated.
Year after year we would make big plans for the special day. My older brothers always got to light off the big fireworks which was fine with me, although I never told them that of course. My dad was a doctor, so it didn’t take long before he was called away to attend to someone who got a little too close to the heat, leaving our mom to oversee the craziness and make sure none of us became his next patient.
When I was in college I helped as a fire spotter in the mountains at Jackson Hole to make sure the local fireworks show didn’t wreak havoc with the trees. It was terrifying being directly under the explosives as they lit the sky and yet exciting at the same time. Fortunately, I didn’t have to put my walkie talkie to use – no sparks to report.
Fast forward to the days when we wrapped our kiddos up in blankets and sat on the hill to watch the city fireworks display while listening to the synchronized patriotic music on the local radio station. This was when the true symbolism hit my heart. Seeing the joy in their young eyes while thinking about the freedom won by the sacrifices of others.
The symbol of our red, white, and blue is about so much more than a fun filled day of hot dogs, cold beverages, and fireworks. Like so many holidays, it is worthwhile to remember what it is that we are celebrating. Nearly 250 years ago, our ancestors fought for and won our independence, the envy of many in nations without this privilege.
History reminds us that Independence Day commemorates the adoption of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776, which affirmed the American colonies’ independence from British rule. While we are celebrating with pyrotechnics, parades, picnics, and various other festivities, it’s also a time for Americans to come together and reflect on the founding principles of our nation.
Without fail my husband thanks uniformed men and women for their service with a strong handshake whenever he has the chance – not just on the Fourth of July. Airports, special events, sporting events – if he can tell they’ve served, he acknowledges them with warmth and gratitude. They are usually surprised but also modestly proud that a civilian has taken a moment to express appreciation. It always brings a tear to my eyes as it does now while writing about this simple but meaningful gesture.
So, this Fourth of July, I will once again allow the emotion rise in my throat as I listen to patriotic music, watch the fireworks display, and light up a few sparklers, smoke bombs, and snakes while enjoying the festivities that give focus to the freedoms that we enjoy every day of the year.
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