A Memorable 4th

CELEBRATIONS of Independence Day for our nation have been plentiful for me. Even as a kid, the Fourth of July always seemed to be a special holiday. Looking back across the years, I must have been quite young when I first realized that we were celebrating our country's birthday. Soon thereafter I learned that we were also honoring those who had fought and died for our freedom. Somehow July 4th was always more than just sparklers, firecrackers, or big time shows featuring fireworks. In my way of thinking, it still is.

That's not to say that I haven't enjoyed, or been amazed by, the lights and sounds of many extravagant presentations of fireworks. I've loved the shooting streams of colors, the cascading "fires in the night sky," and the "bombs bursting in air!" Truly the loud and majestic symbols of our independence and power should be celebrated. But, in addition to all the noise and hoopla, there are quieter, more serene, and even reverent things to celebrate as well.

Seeing the red, white, and blue of the Stars and Stripes and hearing our national anthem has always put a lump in my throat. Hearing a trumpeter play taps makes goose bumps appear. Observing military personnel carrying flags makes me want to stand and salute. Repeating the Pledge of Allegiance just feels right and good. Listening to a prayer that expresses thankfulness to God for our country and our liberties blesses my heart, and I say amen.

Of course, there are many other joys wrapped around this mid-summer holiday. It's a time for families and friends to get together for all kinds of outdoor activities, including bar-b-ques and picnics. And, the food - oh my goodness! Hot dogs, hamburgers, home-grown tomatoes, corn-on-the-cob, potato salad, cherry pie, and watermelon stand out in my memory.

While every Fourth of July has seemed like a special day, one of the more memorable for me was several years ago when I traveled by train to Chicago. I had the opportunity to celebrate the holiday - plus a couple of extra days - with my son. He was between his second and third year of law school and working for a firm in the city. We both celebrated by feasting at the "Taste of Chicago" in Grant Park. We enjoyed a live performance of "Les Miserables" at a downtown theater. And, looking through floor to ceiling windows, we watched a spectacular fireworks display from the heights of a skyscraper. The display, launched from the waters of Lake Michigan, was the best I had ever seen. On another evening we had seats at the old Comiskey Park for a White Sox game. To say we had a great time is putting it mildly. It was fantastic!


What about you? This year, why not plan some pleasurable leisure experiences for this special holiday. Important occasions need to be celebrated, and our nation's Independence Day is one of them. So, take pride in being a citizen of the USA and make it a memorable 4th.

As for me, in addition to savoring the activities of the day, I'm planning to fly my country's flag and to pray for those who defend our freedom.