My Dad's favorite holiday, we always said, was the Fourth of July. My siblings and I thought Dad would never spend money on stuff that didn't last--all bets were off come the parking of that white "FIREWORKS" tent in the grocery store parking lot. Since I grew up in Portland, OR, we had to cross the border to Washington to get the good stuff at Blackjacks. Sometimes, he'd even go the day after July 4th for the clearances so he could keep his box in the garage well stocked--should the need ever arise, of course.
My Dad is no longer with us; he passed after a battle with cancer six years ago this September. But I celebrate his memory with fountains and Roman Candles, firecrackers, ground blooms and by passing on the tradition of pop-its and sparklers with the next generation. After all, aside from the physics and science of it all, the magic is what really got Dad jazzed about making and lighting fireworks, I think.
In short, Independence Day for me really comes down to family and having the freedom to live prosperously with the people you care about. I understand there are those with family protecting that very freedom right now or seeking to establish freedom in other ways, and to you I say "Thank you. Thank you so much."
Thank you for your sacrifice, your study, your devotion and your time. And on top of that, thank you for this land and this day where I could employ that freedom with my niece and nephews, my husband, my family, and dear friends. "For the land of the free, and the home of the brave"--that's why I hope you'll light up the sky tonight, America. I'm sure Dad would still love to see those bursts and hear those booms and pops tonight, after all. If you feel the urge. ;) Happy Independence Day, America!
