Independence Day away from home

I spent this 4th of July in San Diego, CA. During the day I spent some time walking the streets. The diverse culture of the San Diego Bay area reminded me of one of the things that makes this country great. US Citizens, no matter the color or ethnic background are treated equally. I know, this hasn’t always been the case and we’re not a perfect nation so there are still places and situations where some people are more equal than others, but the principal is still sound and the goal is still noble.

“We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness”

I spent this 4th of July in San Diego, CA. During the day I spent some time walking the streets. The diverse culture of the San Diego Bay area reminded me of one of the things that makes this country great. US Citizens, no matter the color or ethnic background are treated equally. I know, this hasn’t always been the case and we’re not a perfect nation so there are still places and situations where some people are more equal than others, but the principal is still sound and the goal is still noble.

“We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness”

The evening was spent with friends, talking and eating and waiting for the fireworks to begin. Much like any other 4th of July for me. However when the fireworks started (and they were spectacular, 5 barges lined up in the bay setting off their identical displays in sync so that everyone along the bay got the same show) there was something missing. There were the obligatory oohs and ahhs and there were the booms, bangs and crackles from the pyrotechnics, but the thing missing, the part that gives it meaning to me, was the music. There was no band or symphony or even recording playing patriotic songs. For me it just looked like some kids (with a lot of money) looking for an excuse to shoot off bottle rockets. I’m probably just spoiled by our hometown tradition of gathering by the river to listen to “The Star Spangled Banner”, “My Old Kentucky Home” and “I’m Proud to be an American”, watching the Colors being presented and recongizing the Americans who’ve served or are serving our country. God Bless America and God Bless Owensboro, KY!