Independence Day

In mid-June, tents begin to spring up all over Robertson County where I live.  They are the announcement that Independence Day is imminent.  These temporary retail establishments are loaded with all kinds of scare-yo-mama explosives which men of all ages must possess, and children must watch the men do this manly ritual.  We love our Independence Day celebrations, and we show it with our pocketbooks, late morning parades, evening bar-b-ques, and after dark fireworks.

I read a book once on George Washington which revealed that he gathered to watch Independence Day firework displays with citizens of other new nations. We have a longstanding tradition of celebrating our independence.

Amateur pyro technicians entertain his or her family on the evening of their Independence Day celebration with their Bic-lighter baton.  Never mind that his celebration of independence may be infringing on a preferred less auditory celebration of his neighbors.  But I don’t think anyone is offended.  The significance of the day and the historical events of that day absorb any ill will.  Of course, such amateurs are sometimes inebriated; handling of explosives keeps the local emergency room too occupied for those healthcare professionals to enjoy the celebration. 

I have been to a lot of fireworks shows.  Our own Nashville show is one of the larger in the nation.  We have gone to view the fireworks twice but I cannot handle the pre-celebration vying for the best plot of viewing space and then post-celebration traffic congestion.  One year Jan and I were in Boston and were privileged to see their display being shot from three barges out in the Charles River accompanied by the live and synchronized music of the world-renowned Boston Pops Orchestra.  That was a special encounter with the history of our nation’s beginning for us.

Jan and I also stood on the ramparts of Fort McHenry in Baltimore, Maryland. The fort is primarily known for the British beat down in the Battle of Baltimore during the War of 1812.  Two noteworthy events took place at Fort McHenry: American troops stopped a British invasion, and Francis Scott Key was inspired to put to paper what would become the national anthem, “The Star Spangled Banner.”  (FYI– Key titled his poem “Defense of Fort McHenry”.)  Standing there was a very moving experience.

But the most meaningful fireworks display for me is watching our grandkids dance around the yard with sparklers in outstretched hands as fireflies move about between the edge of the woods and lawn. Of all the places I have been in the world, and I have been to a bunch, the United States is still my first choice to call home. I am a patriot but, my patriot zeal is not my religion.  I have, and I will defend, my country and appreciate its defense of my freedoms. But I owe no greater allegiance than to our Creator God who gave me life in His creation and New Life in His Kingdom.

Photo – My picture taken in New England.