Favorite Things about July 4th

Another year gone by and July 4th has rolled around again. I was flying through Miami a couple days ago and had to smile at the impersonator (of whom I have no idea) dressed in a red, white and blue vest and tights as well as a lopsided “powdered” wig. I wonder what Thomas Jefferson, John Adams and Benjamin Franklin would say about our impersonator dancing to the techno version of U2’s With or Without You. Probably not what they had in mind when they thought of future generations celebrating our nation’s independence. Still, it was entertaining as long as you can keep a light sense of humor about it.

 

In celebration of today, I’d like to share a few of my favorite things about July 4th:

 

1)      Pride – We’ve had our ups and downs as a nation, doing things at times that not all of us are proud of. Still, July 4th is representative of a momentous period in history and that is something we as a nation should be proud of.

2)      Family – I can’t think of another holiday so synonymous with barbecues, warm weather and a great time with family.

3)      Fireworks – Who doesn’t love them? I can remember many a summer sitting on the roof of my cousin’s house to watch the fireworks go off in the distance.

4)      Celebration – Can you say hotdogs, hamburgers, soda and beer? What about good ‘ol Bruce Springsteen, AC/DC, Bon Jovi… goodness I haven’t even scratched the surface. But you get the point and this is a great day to celebrate it all.

5)      Independence – Last but definitely not least. It isn’t always remembered, but this nation is a wonderful one, based on great ideals and formed by brilliant minds. July 4th is representative of our independence from Britain and the Declaration of Independence.

Happy 4th of July to you all and happy writing this week!

Filed under: Toni Kelly, Writer's Life