You know age is a consideration when you decide to 'watch 'fireworks' on the television while sitting in your favorite family-room chair. Still, I miss some aspects of the outdoor July 4th blast. I did not carry two lawn chairs a half-mile to perch on a grassy hillside and sit amongst thousands of profusely sweating families as folks passed mosquito repellent around and tolerated screaming kids. I also missed the much anticipated collective 'oohs and aaahs' after each sky-lighting explosion. As most Americans, regardless where independence day may be celebrated, I do appreciate our freedoms and always give a prayerful thanks to all who made sacrifices for those freedoms.
I recall fourth of July celebrations as a kid growing up in East St. Louis. Many neighborhood families headed to nearby communities to 'watch' fireworks. The general consensus was that by June 30, our East St. Louis politicians had 'stolen' any budgeted monies to purchase fireworks. July 4th offers a uniqueness in its own celebration. We have crowed the annual "Hot Dog Eating King' in American once again holding the world wide claim on obnoxious-gluttonous indulgence and we have tolerated dozens of singers adding words to the National Anthem in an attempt to give a personalized signature. When will we learn that 'MORE' is not better unless we are talking tapioca pudding!
Our next holiday celebration will be Labor Day. Now that was once a hellava holiday for 'blue-collar' East St. Louis folks. The thousands of union tradesmen were proud-parade marchers. In recent years, I think our massive Labor Day parades are held in China and Taiwan.
I am sure most of you readers, as I, got goose bumps watching the hot dog eating champ (ESPN) take his victory lap. Reminds me of the same USA pride I get watching film-clips of the great American Olympian, Jesse Owens carrying the American flag in front of Hitler. We Americans do have distinctive class.
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