Celebrating the Fourth of July has always been fun for me. It’s the time to celebrate our nation’s birthday. My most frequent memory of celebrating July Fourth is eating watermelon and setting off fireworks at night. Of course now as an adult, I’d rather sit back and watch the fireworks than to be the one that sets them off.
Parades will be held all across America. Barbecue grills will be put to good use. Families will gather and will have a grand time. So what if the Fourth of July is on a Wednesday this year? No problem. Just take a few days off of work this year, if you can, and make a vacation out of it.
I’m proud to be an American. In fact, I’m grateful to call this country my home. To think that my ancestors, so many years ago, immigrated to a new land to call home and they chose America. It just boggles my mind that they chose this country instead any other. This is my country of birth and I can’t imagine being a citizen of any other country.
As I get into my patriotic frame of mind, I think about the parades and little kids waving the flag. Fireworks that will fill the night sky and those of us who will “Oooh” and “Awww” with each one that goes off. I think about those who came here before me and those who will raise their hand to become naturalized citizens. I think about our military that serve us 24/7, both here and abroad. I think about the Native Americans that were here long before my ancestors ever arrived.
America is a big land and a melting pot of many nations. This country has seen good times and bad times. Somehow, as I lose myself in thought as I watch the fireworks while eating a piece of watermelon or apple pie, I can’t help but believe that with each firework that goes off, there will be the hope of a good and better future for us all.
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