Celebrating the 4th of July
Fourth of July, in the United States—It is the signal—the "banner on the outward wall" for sin and shooting crackers, pedantry and pinwheels, oranges and orations, sky-blue toilettes and sky-rockets. A day when patriotism pops and bursts about like so many bottles of sillery... Henry Howard Paul, "Fourth of July in the United States," 1851
The United States is the only country with a known birthday. All the rest began, they know not when, and grew into power, they know not how.... There is no "Republican," no "Democrat," on the Fourth of July, — all are Americans. James Gillespie Blaine
For over twenty years, my family and I lived in a remote small town in northeast California where we established fun family traditions such as celebrating the Fourth of July with family and friends in a very traditional way. Initially, we started out with just a handful of people, but eventually, we would sometimes have up to 80 people attend! Looking back, I can’t believe that we managed all that lovely, joyful chaos in the busy years of raising family and working, but what lovely memories were created!
We always celebrated the actual holiday and invited everyone we knew to join in; it was such a “Norman Rockwell” time. The evening began with a huge potluck with all the traditional American summer foods represented: watermelon, deviled eggs, salads (potato, green beans, green leafy, pasta, beans, fruit, etc), bbq baked beans with all the extras, breads, and desserts. One friend annually made her specialty of patriotic crepes made of red strawberries, white whip cream, and blueberries! My mouth waters just thinking about the summer bounty crowding the dining room and kitchen spaces. And that doesn’t even include the delicious aroma of various meats grilling on the barbecue! Chairs, tables, and blankets were spread haphazardly in shady areas in front and back yards giving people places to enjoy the tasty food and conversation.
Everyone brought fireworks to share, and my husband and I carefully put them into “sets” so that we would start with smaller fireworks then go to larger and more elaborate firework groups. A big trash can was filled with water, the hose kept handy, and traffic cones along the street curb marked how far back everyone needed to sit to safely watch. While we waited for dark to descend, adults mingled or sat in groups enjoying a relaxing twilight time. Kids of all ages ran around playing on the playset, in kiddie pools, or having water balloon fights. Laughter and conversation was our 4th of July melody.
Finally, it was dark enough to start the fireworks! Adults sat in folding chairs next to the curb or nearby at edge of the yard. Kids lined the curb, rapt faces wreathed in excited smiles as the bright colors, patterns, and sounds lighted the night. Lots of “ooohs” and “ahhhs”! When the main fireworks were all done, all the kids came running to get in line for sparkler after sparkler, while adults hovered nearby trying to make sure kids were being careful despite their excitement.
Our family and friends were celebrating the birth of the United States of America as a country, but really we were generating lifelong memories as we celebrated summer with friends and family. May you reflect on happy past 4th of July’s as you celebrate today…and perhaps make some new memories together…
