The Wannabe

Fireworks sure are pretty aren’t they?  Here in America, Independence Day, sometimes simply called the Fourth of July, isn’t complete without fireworks.  The explosions and sparks and bangs are vaguely reminiscent of the war for freedom fought long ago.  But apparently I’m one of the few who thinks so.

I was at a Fourth of July party tonight and I got the feeling that everyone around me was watching the fireworks and just seeing fireworks.  My own wife confessed that when she sees fireworks, the thought never occurs to her that the purpose of this tradition is to remember our fight for independence.  The official name of the holiday is, after all, Independence Day.  The fourth of July is simply the date that Independence Day falls on.

I’m sure I’m not alone in my sentiments, but it feels like I am.  I love America, which seems to be an unpopular thing right now.  Sure we have our problems, mostly stemming from an incompetent president, but we are a great country nonetheless.  So when I see fireworks, I tend to get a bit choked up because I see more than sparks and pops.  I see a struggle for independence and a fight for freedom, the word that serves as the foundation of our country.  And even though that word is sometimes used to justify questionable decisions, it still symbolizes the heart and soul of America. 

Then again, maybe I’m the only one who feels that way.  Maybe right now considering one’s self a patriot isn’t a good thing.  Of course, as my sister so wisely pointed out, being a patriot means different things to different people.  Still, it’s a bit lonely out here waving the “I Love America” flag.  But one thing’s for sure: fireworks sure are pretty aren’t they?