Happy birthday, America!

The Fourth of July, OUR BIRTHDAY, our Independence Day, what a wonderful world we live in and are we thankful for it?

Some folks would think because of all of our world troubles, all of the tremendous killings, terrorists, ISIS, drugs and so many horrible happenings that it isn’t a country that we live in that has so many blessings as well. Our freedom that our forefathers fought and earned for us...that is what the Fourth of July means even with all of our unhappiness. Think of happy thoughts on the Fourth.

The beautiful pluses that we have, the summer weather to enjoy, trees in green leaves, flowers of all colors, blooms. The delicious vegetables, fruits, and other foods plentiful in America where other countries are not available and starvation is an everyday thing. Waters to enjoy for swimming, in parks, pools, fountains and springs as well as plentiful waterfalls to enjoy. If you aren’t a nature lover what about museums, libraries, churches, musical theaters, and many types of buildings to enjoy their art work? We have so many other enjoyable places and opportunities to take in for amusement or of interest that are inspiring or free to visit and enjoy. All because of our freedom. Remember it on this special day next week, when we are celebrating this privilege.

When we were children years ago before fireworks were banned by law in New York state, we couldn’t wait for darkness so we could light up the fireworks that my mom would take us to the store to purchase a day or so before the Fourth. We would visit the store without my mom to try and pick out the ones we wanted her to buy, casing the store in advance of that day. Sometimes we would get one or two, but even back then fireworks that had character were expensive. Why don’t they have any of those in today’s exhibit? Today they are beautiful, but all they are is just fired up and burst into a pouf of colors. Beautiful, yes, but not in any shape or form. The ones we had years ago were in shapes and when they went up in the air you would view perhaps an animal such as a dog or horse, etc. Also perhaps the replica of a house, a car, a face of someone well known in those days — in other words, a form, shape or personality. That perhaps is why they were expensive to purchase, even back then.

I believe adults probably would get a little impatient with us for asking why it didn’t get dark sooner...we would drive them crazy asking the same question over and over again, much like any number of times when we were anxious for whatever we were about to enjoy.

Today, folks go to other states to obtain fireworks and bring them back to New York to shoot off on the Fourth of July. It’s illegal and they know it, but there were fireworks for the Fourth like our ancestors had to announce something wonderful had happened when the Declaration of Independence was signed. The authorities have their orders to enforce the law if they find those enjoying fireworks in their backyards, but it still goes on. Yes, we read in the papers or hear on TV that someone was injured displaying fireworks but that is the reason years ago that they were outlawed in this state. People become careless or accidents happen.

Enjoy the day. There will be family reunions, barbecues with family or neighbors, trips to see the other family members, visits to the beaches or other types of exercise. Perhaps the boat on the motorways with friends aboard if the boat is large enough. There will still be those who will find a project for a workday for some, but it’s what they want to do.

It’s a holiday — enjoy!