All fired up despite tight security
Security threats and downpours could not dampen the spirit of Americans who came out in full force to celebrate the country’s 239th year of independence on July 4.
TWO days before the 4th of July two Saturdays ago, a flyer was slid through our mail slot.
It was a well intentioned list of Do’s and Don’ts from our neighbourhood association in the run- up to the day when Americans fire up their barbecues, wear flag inspired clothing, watch magnificent firework displays, and celebrate the independence of “the land of the free and the home of the brave.”
There was the usual advice: alternate alcoholic drinks with water to remain hydrated; be considerate and curb the cacophony ( apparently DC has a “Noise at Night Law”, previously unbeknown to my now happy husband); and to leave the fireworks to the professionals.
The latter was unfortunately underscored this year by the death of a 22- year- old man in Maine who had placed a fireworks mortar on his head and then set it off, with fatal consequences.
In fact, any fireworks that explode or move, or which contain toxic substances like mercury, phosphorous, gunpowder or sulphur, are all illegal in DC. Any person found using or possessing illegal fireworks risks paying fines of up to US$ 2,000 and/ or arrest. Public firework displays organised by cities are a safer alternative, but more on that later.
A couple of other caveats cracked me up though. For instance, “keep the weed inside.” On Feb 26 this year, the possession of marijuana ( with certain limitations) became legal in the District of Columbia for those 21 and above. Generally, they are allowed to possess or use two ounces or less of marijuana within private property only. However, it is a crime to sell and/ or use two ounces or more of marijuana, or smoke, eat or drink marijuana in any public space.
The other caveat of keeping properties clean and clear of litter seemed innocuous enough until I read, “Rats eat and drink just about anything – they love beer – and they’re always looking for piles of trash and debris to use as shelter.”
While I’m aware that these critters roam DC’s alleys, I am glad that I have two cats that can keep these rowdy rodents at bay!
This year marked our second 4th of July celebration and the US’s 239th. Last year, our neighbours’ had us over. They’d prepared the usual spread of burgers, hot dogs and an assortment of pies containing a bevy of berries, that had us feeling like pythons by evening’s end.
As the 4th fell on a Saturday this year, the preceding Friday was also declared a public holiday. The international body my husband works for, did one better and also declared the following Monday a holiday, thus giving its staff a whopping four- day weekend.
The summer downpours preceding and on the 4th didn’t dampen people’s spirits. Many homes were decked in red, white and blue bunting, while some had hoisted the US flag. On the 4th itself, people were out on the street in all manner of tricoloured outfits – and even pedicures – emblazoned with stars and stripes, from bikini tops and hot pants to top hats and knee high socks.
Although we had opted for a low- key weekend this year, my husband and I nevertheless strolled down to the Lincoln Memorial during the day to take in the sights.
What greeted us was heightened security. The Department of Homeland Security and the Federal Bureau of Investigation had issued an alert earlier that week of possible threats following calls for violence by leaders of the Islamic State. ( New York City, for instance, was reported to have had about 7,000 police officers and nearly all its counter- terrorism personnel on duty to handle security that day).
We passed military trucks and personnel dressed in fatigues keeping watch at certain intersections. Meanwhile, the perimeter around the Lincoln Memorial, which is otherwise usually open, was fenced and all those entering had to submit to security checks.
Although the earlier deluge had made the ground soggy, many people had still gamely set up their tents and picnic mats, staking their place on the vast grounds to watch the fireworks display later at night. Families were dressed in similar outfits or specially made t- shirts with their surnames for easier identification in the crowd. Kiosks made brisk business selling hotdogs, burgers and US paraphernalia.
We eventually made our way back and after a toast- to- America dinner of burgers, fries and root beer, we joined hundreds of others who’d congregated at the open terrace of the Kennedy Centre, to watch the fireworks.
Having witnessed the magnificent displays last year, this was the one thing I wanted to repeat this year. There was a bit of chatter prior to that as three helicopters flew by rather low and in quick succession, fuelling speculation that the President may actually also be watching from the Centre’s roof terrace.
I rued the possibility, as I was daggily dressed and without make- up to boot! What if the POTUS deigned to join us plebeians and came close enough for a selfie? The rumour, however, was quickly dispelled by news that he and the family were actually at a Bruno Mars concert at the White House’s South Lawn.
The firework display then began as scheduled at 9.09pm. The animated crowd quietened down as the night sky lit up with dazzling sparks and colours, punctuated only by “ooohs” and “aaahs” whenever patterned fireworks burst into smileys, hearts, stars, and finally, the letters U, S and A in quick succession.
After the grand finale everyone dispersed, chattering excitedly, ending yet another independence celebration. It was a befitting end to another otherwise fun day if only it wasn’t tinged with some irony.
That celebrating freedom sometimes comes with the high price of feeling insecure.