Thread: Fourth of July

This is not an emotional bit about what it should mean to us all, no, it is about the fireworks.

Sounds funny I know, but those big displays have always been symbolic to us, this said by John Adams:

The second day of July, 1776, will be the most memorable epoch in the history of America. I am apt to believe that it will be celebrated by succeeding generations as the great anniversary festival. It ought to be commemorated as the day of deliverance, by solemn acts of devotion to God Almighty. It ought to be solemnized with pomp and parade, with shows, games, sports, guns, bells, bonfires, and illuminations, from one end of this continent to the other, from this time forward forever more

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And so we always have. Thats was then, and this is now.

Financial constraints, losses of sponsors, and we are seeing a lot of larger displays being nearly lost to this fine "Great Recession" our fantastic governing body has brought us to.

Cities that once had no trouble either having a fund for these displays, or finding large sponsors, are unable to now. Luckily many have devoted citizens that want to continue this tradition, and thankfully find ways to get enough small donations to cover the costs.

I think in these times, we have lost sight of what makes this nation so incredible with this example. What makes us so great you ask? The patriotism of the people. Not the big businesses (where is Microsoft, Nike, AT&T....?), not our monuments, not our infrastructure (that is apparently crumbling), and certainly not our politicians .

During times of crisis in this nation, it is all of us who have come to the table to bring OUR nation back. The fireworks displays being funded in many cities by local people willing to keep it going, is a perfect example of this.

It will always be the people who work the hardest to make this nation what is was, has been and can be (again).

Excellent post.