The 4th

July 4, 2010

My sister and I were talking about the 4^th of July, that great day celebrating America’s independence. Growing up we always had fond memories of the 4^th: heading over to the Watson’s for a bonfire and running around the pond with sparklers, heading to the lake to watch the fireworks or watching the fireworks at the Swinging Bridge.

Since moving away from home, a vivid memory of each 4^th of July I can recall with ease just as I can imagine the 4ths of my childhood. All of my senses seem to be reawakened during this time of year just like at Christmas: The feel of the summer heat as it cools at dusk, the sound of the first firework being sent into the dark sky to expose its colorful light, the taste of sweet strawberry shortcake or cool refreshing ice cream, the amazing aroma of a Bar-B-Q causing my mouth to instantly water, and the sight of friends and family gathering to laugh and share in the experience.

I have always had a soft spot for traditions. This holiday is no different. The wonderful thing about the 4^th is the location is not important or when the key components take place. The only thing that matters is the search to find them or to make them happen.

My checklist for this year looks like many from years past:

• Stars and Strips Forever (by John Phillip Souza) √
• Hot dogs √
• Funnel cake √
• The National Anthem √
• Ice cream √
• Flag pants sighting √
• Time with friends √
• Proud to be an American (by Lee Greenwood) √
• The 1812 Overture (by Tchaikovsky) √
• Strawberry shortcake √
• My Country, ‘Tis of Thee (by Samuel Francis Smith with a special thanks to or UK friends for the tune) √
• Fireworks √
• Children running with glow sticks √
• America, the Beautiful (the Ray Charles version is great) √

Just the smallest combination of the list above fills me with a warm sense of patriotism and thanks.