Happy Independence Day!

July 4th
Independence Day

What comes to mind when you think of this American holiday?
What traditions do you have?
What do you and your family do?

I love history, and there are so many historical moments connected to July 4th.
If you visit Wikipedia, you will find a long list of events that occurred on July 4th throughout history involving various countries and governments around the world and impacting history, science, literature, and sports. There are also a lot of people who call July 4th their birthday as well.
The one that impacts us the most today is:

• 1776 – American Revolution: The United States Declaration of Independence is adopted by the Second Continental Congress.

When I was very young, all of the neighborhoods behind us did not exist.  There was a street with houses, which put 2 houses somewhat close to us in the back.  Next to them was just open field.  With so much land around us (we live on almost 2 acres), my parents would invite friends over, and we would play with sparklers and shoot fireworks.  Well, one year, a firework went crazy and landed in the field near one of the houses behind us. My parents and visiting friends grabbed buckets of water and took off to put the fire out.  Thankfully, they were able to put it out quickly with no one getting hurt and without the firemen being called. From that moment on, we have not shot fireworks at my house again.

There is a huge field at the end of our road.  Growing up, it was a cotton farm, but now it is corn or maize.  Every year, many, many people would shoot fireworks from that field, so we would sit at the end of our road and watch.  Somewhere in the last 15 years or so, that has stopped due to the overgrowth of the little road running down the middle and the changing laws to prohibit shooting fireworks in the city.

We have spent a few years going to a neighboring town's annual show too.  Especially those years before our town started their own show.

Six years ago, our little, yet growing, town started an annual fireworks display.  For 3 years, I would go with Granny, Mom, my brother (if he was in town), sister-in-law, niece, and nephew, and we would go to the high school stadium parking lot to have a pizza picnic and enjoy the fireworks.  Some years, if my aunt and cousins were in town, they would join us too. The kids had the absolute best time. Two years ago was very emotional for me b/c the kids were no longer here, so Mom and I took Granny, and we went to enjoy.  Last year, the first year without Granny, Mom and I got my Great Aunt and cousins (her son and daughter-in-law) to join us, and we had a nice time.  We did that again this year.  

The thing about this annual show is that it, like this year and last, could be a full week before July 4th.  So . . . what do we do on the actual date of July 4th?  On Independence Day?
We might go to the neighboring town.  A friend has invited Mom and I over.  Another friend invited me over.  I don't know.  We shall see.

Are there specific foods you cook or eat?  I expect to have BBQ.  Growing up, Dad would grill and cook BBQ chicken, pork, and/or ribs with baked beans and potato salad.  Since his passing, Mom and I haven't grilled.  One year, we went to one BBQ place, and they ran out of meat.  What??  We went to a 2nd place, and we enjoyed it greatly.  I wonder if we'll get any today and if so, from where.

Does celebrating Independence Day make anyone else emotional?  Besides not being able to celebrate it with the those I love like in the past, the playing of Patriotic music makes me cry.  I don't know if it is due to my love of country, my gratefulness to the men and women who have fought to keep us free, or what, but fireworks and Patriotic music make me emotional.  Anyone else?

No matter the traditions, memories, emotions, or special events, I wish you and your family a very happy and safe Independence Day!

Fireworks Community Show

Each year for the last 10 or so years, my local community has hosted a fireworks show.  At first, it was just the city shooting them off from a field for all to enjoy.  Everyone would drive to the other side of town to get a good view. In the last few years, they have had activities for families to do earlier in the evening or from about lunchtime until the fireworks start at the large community park. Last night, they even had a concert with a somewhat well-known country singer after the fireworks for those who purchased tickets.  The community is really working to make this annual event something fun and worthwhile.

When my family began enjoying the community fireworks, my niece and nephew were little.  We decided we would put together a picnic and go early to find a parking space, have a little fun, and settle down to watch.  Our picnic each year consisted of pizza and soda.  The kids loved it!  We backed the truck or van into one of the first spaces with a grassy curb on two sides.  We put down the blankets and chairs, we enjoyed dinner and conversation, and then we were ready for the fireworks.  The kids loved it!  My grandmother loved it! When my cousins, all right around my niece and nephew's ages, were in town, my aunt would bring them out, and the fun multiplied.  We have great pictures of the kids all dressed in red, white, and blue having fun with one another.  The kids remember these events and even mention them to this day.

While it isn't July 4th quite yet, the community fireworks were popped tonight.  I surprised my mom and Great Aunt by telling them to put their shoes on and get in the truck.  They didn't know where we were going.  We stopped at Sonic for a half-price shake and then drove to the high school to get a spot.  They enjoyed the show.  This year, we could hear music playing.  I think the community played music at the park, and we could hear it where we were.

While the evening was fun, it was sad.  My niece and nephew weren't there for us to share this experience, and this is the first year without my Granny and Great Uncle, with whom my Great Aunt always watched the show. I know all those who have passed have the best seat in the house to see all the Nation's fireworks this year.  I hope my niece and nephew get the opportunity to watch fireworks, even if it isn't with Gram and me.

Here are a few pictures I snagged from a friend on Facebook.  I didn't take any pics, and when I do, they normally don't come out well.