Happy Birthday, USA! by Leigh Riker





Happy Fourth of July! Independence Day is one of my very favorite holidays—at the height of summer when the weather’s usually fine, an annual reminder that I’m lucky to live in such a great country, and, well, because I also love fireworks. Anywhere, anytime, really, but they’re usually spectacular for America’s birthday. Lady Liberty here is already celebrating.

As a child growing up in the midwest, I loved my family’s get togethers, everyone in our “clan” bringing a dish and sitting around my aunt’s picnic table while my uncle turned hot dogs and hamburgers on the brick grill he’d built in their yard. My cousins and I would run around catching what we called lightning bugs, and soon the real fireworks would be set off to complete the magical evening. Under strict supervision for safety, of course. My uncle was the local fire captain.

Years later, when I lived in upstate New York, it was an annual tradition to attend the town fireworks display, always an enjoyable community event. The summer my youngest boy was three, and sensitive about new things, I feared he might not like the showers of lights exploding so close in the night sky, and the noise alone was enough to destroy anyone’s hearing. But I needn’t have worried. As the fireworks went on, escalating toward the grand finale, I looked down at him in my arms—and discovered he was already fast asleep. At that age bedtime is bedtime.

More recently my house in Tennessee was on a little mountain with a great view of the valley below and the mountains on the opposite side. I didn’t need to go anywhere to see the fireworks across the way. The entire view was lit from east to west with private displays, one after the other. I could see from the living room, the deck or even from my bed, lying there happily in the dark to take in all the free entertainment.

This year will be different. I’ll miss that. The house isn’t mine any longer and I’m in a different state now, which I also love. Only last night I heard fireworks from somewhere nearby (be still, my heart), but I’m not sure where, and I haven’t homed in yet on any traditions in the southwest. Instead, I’ll enjoy my first cookout here and the company of new friends.

What are your plans for this summer holiday? Picnic? Barbeque? Fireworks? Or basking in the luxury of having a day off and reading on a porch swing?



If you haven’t already gotten your copy of THE RANCHER’S SECOND CHANCE (my May Heartwarming), it’s still available—along with the other books of the Kansas Cowboys series. And in October, watch for TWINS UNDER THE TREE.

Happy reading! Happy Fourth of July!

Comments

  1. Our family used to celebrate on the 4th, but we really don't anymore. It's been one of the not-so-good changes in our lives. Have a great time, Leigh!

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    1. I know what you mean, Liz. I really miss those close-knit family gatherings. We don't tend to do much anymore either now, not living near our kids, but it's always nice to have a holiday and some time off anyway.

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  2. When my kids were younger we always celebrated with other parts of the family, and of course enjoyed the fireworks. Now I tend to watch the celebrations on TV and still like the fireworks over the Hudson River. When it's so hot and dry here people don't do fireworks so much for fear of starting a fire.

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    1. Times do change, huh, Roz? Think I'll watch the fireworks on TV this year too. You make a good point; fireworks here would be dangerous. We occasionally hear them from some resort nearby, but I'm sure that's in a controlled situation.

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  3. We don’t celebrate July 4 here in Canada, but we do have July 1 and we’re always at the cottage for that. No personal fireworks (cause it’s an island with old wooden buildings!) but we watch the display across the water at Fort Henry. I do remember lots of large family reunions too, Leigh, with picnic tables of home made baked goods etc. A child’s dream! All the best with your new adventures!

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    1. A belated Happy Canada Day to you, Janice! I hope you enjoyed the time at your cottage. Ooh, I'd like to see the Fort Henry display. You painted a vivid picture of your family reunions. Which reminded me. We used to have those too at a local park each summer--and a hundred relatives would be there. Thanks for the good wishes. I'm having a wonderful time in my new home.

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  4. The July 4th weekend is unofficially the Black Family Reunion weekend. So many families get together this weekend that the road going South are clogged with travelers going back to their roots. Thankfully, we're doing ours in August. On the 4th, we go to the local park where the township puts on a fireworks show. Then we'll watch the Statue of Liberty and the New York City fireworks on TV. I live close enough to go to NYC and I have been invited, but the traffic to get there and get home is more than I'm willing to fight. Happy Birthday, everyone in America.

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    1. I love the image of families jamming the roads and going "home." I'll watch the NY fireworks too, and I don't blame you for not wanting to deal with all the traffic going in and out of the city. Happy Fourth!

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  5. I love fireworks, too, but none this year due to high fire danger. Have a great holiday, everyone!

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    1. I hope no fires materialize, Beth. Several years ago in TN we had a number of them. One night driving home I saw this red glow on the neighboring slopes. It was eerily beautiful until my husband realized it was fire. It burned for weeks, but thank goodness the fire never jumped over to our mountain.

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  6. It's so hot in Florida this summer, we'll probably stay inside or go to the movies. I may venture out to cook hamburgers on the grill, because that's what the 4th is all about! Burgers and fireworks!

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    1. I've heard about your heat wave in FL. Try to stay cool, Tara. And enjoy your burgers on the grill. I was watching a soccer game on TV tonight but they just called a delay because of thunderstorms in Nashville. The players were dripping from the humidity. It's HOT here in AZ, but as they say it's a dry heat--and it really is. Not that I'd like to take a hike outdoors. I'm happy in the air conditioning.

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  7. It's my sister's birthday, so I'm heading to Chattanooga where there are fireworks on just about any hill. lol

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    1. Oh, yes, the fireworks on the hills. I so loved them. Just gorgeous displays everywhere. Have fun in Chattanooga. Happy Birthday to your sister!

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  8. Heading to my son's for his first officially hosting of a holiday get together. Funny, though, I have to bring two of the side dishes :)

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  9. I really enjoyed reading your post! One of my favorite memories of fireworks on this holiday was about ten years ago when we were driving out West to visit the national parks in a borrowed RV. My parents, husband, sons and I watched fireworks all along the horizon through the windshield on our way to adventure.

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  10. I love watching fireworks! Our local minor league baseball team hosts a movie night on the baseball field followed by a fireworks show. This was our third year attending so I suppose it's becoming a new tradition!

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