As a child I remember being terrified of fireworks and I remember one particular year standing inside my grandparents kitchen crying with my ears covered while my family was outside watching roman candles light up the sky. As I got older and my fear dissipated I always looked forward to three things on the 4th of July. The parade, my grandmothers macaroni salad, and fireworks.
I never thought of the day as a celebration of America's independence from England (maybe this is in part of my mum's Native American heritage or we were just bad Americans), it was more of a celebration of family and the blessings we had been given. Yes we gave thanks that we lived in the land of the free and the home of the brave; and a nod was always given to the military for their service past, present, and future. I remember every year standing with my hand over my heart as the flag went past at the beginning of the parade, the national guard walking in perfect unison; men taking off their hats in respect, and the absolute silence. Those that had served in the military standing just a bit taller with pride and with a glimmer of a tear in the their eyes. Perhaps because they had fought for the freedom that we so easily took for granted.
I'm not ashamed to be American even with the political exploits of our new president, but I have to wonder how does an American celebrate Independence day in the UK? The country from which they gained independence from all those many years ago? Do I wear my Old Navy American flag t-shirt and head to the local park to grill a hotdog? Can I light fireworks in my own back garden? Or is it simply now just another day of the week? I don't know. Either way I will most assuredly miss "the biggest show in Idaho" and its mesmerizing display of lights in the starry sky while patriotic music plays in the back ground.
For me, the 4th of July will forever remind me of the smell of burgers grilling on a summers day, the sound of a marching band playing the Star Spangled Banner, and the beautiful sight of fireworks illuminating the night sky.
You can celebrate. You don't have to have a parade, hamburgers & hotdogs and fireworks. Make grams special salad, spend the day with family. The 4th of July has always been a strange day for me. Perhaps it is the Native American heritage. How do I celebrate a day of independence when my native people have yet to have independence? I am grateful for the men and women of the armed forces past, present, and future who have fought for and died for the freedoms I enjoy. I am so proud of the beautiful woman you have become, blessed to have gained a loving and thoughtful son and extended family. The fact that you all reside in the UK changes none of those feelings. The 4th of July to me this year will mean the following, a time to thank the military for their service, a time to spend with family, and perhaps watch a great display of fireworks. Last but not least, thankful for my family, both in the US and the UK. Happy 4th of July
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