Independence Day Memories 2006: republish to group

Independence Day Memories

Seven pictures, for those with dial up. Thanks to Bill's Spirit, who was the photographer.

I have always had a sharp sense of patriotism. As a child, I can remember getting goose bumps hearing, " Stars and Stripes Forever" played, and sometimes mangled, by a local high school band, and Ethel Merman singing "God Bless America" on the loudspeakers before the fireworks display. I remember meaning the words of the Pledge of Allegiance as I spoke them, and feeling an intense sense of pride in being an American, "the Greatest Country on Earth".  My father, and men of his generation were veterans, had been to war, and had fought for our freedom, but stoically never spoke of it, except to remember their fallen friends and family in a toast, sometimes, drunken, sometimes tearful, sometimes silly,  on Independence Day.  

My early childhood Independence Day memories are of huge family gatherings on some relative's farm, replete with more food than a small army could eat,  relatives playing patriotic songs and hymns on guitars, mandolins, and fiddles, red, white and blue streamers hung from the porch railings, and oh yes, food. I remember the wide eyed  wonder at watching a sparkler burn down as I twirled it in the darkness.  

We moved to the city, when I was eight, and Independence Days were somewhat different, but still wonderful. Family would still swarm in for the festivities, but in fewer numbers, many opting to stay in Kentucky. By this time, my sisters and brothers were having kids of their own and bringing their growing families.

I belonged to a private swim club, which was more of a community pool, as everyone with children, were members. I think the parents thought it was well worth the membership price rather than pay a babysitter all summer.

The pool, had a Fourth of July Festival which had a carnival atmosphere, sans rides.  Diving for Watermelons (greased), was only one of the fun games to be played, the winner getting the melon. I think I won, once, and I more vividly remember the bruises from getting elbowed, kicked and dunked by the other kids, trying to retrieve the greasy prize.   I remember my Mother admonishing me for bringing home a third cake, won in the Cake Walk. I remember practicing for hours to perfect a synchronized swimming routine to perform at the festival. 

There were numerous families who would pack up the grill, and spend the entire day at the pool festival. My folks never went to the pool, opting for a big cookout at home for family, friends and neighbors all contributing to either the food or beer contingency.
After dark, we would head to a local park to ooh and ahh at the fireworks display. After the fireworks, we would head home to more festivities, usually involving the grown-ups getting lit, and the kids being elated at being able to stay outside and play well after midnight.  

After living in the city for about thirty years, I noticed neighborhood Fourth celebrations dwindle down to next to nothing, and small community events turn into massive commercially sponsored brouhahas. 

Last year I moved back to a small town, not far from the city. Last weekend, the town sponsored a "Fireman's Festival". It wasn't the Fourth, but it was close enough for me.  The parking lot behind my apartment was turned into a midway, complete with Ferris wheel, cotton candy and the like. The gazebo in the town square was festooned with red, white and blue banners.  I walked to the store on Friday afternoon, and saw a Cake Walk in progress. 

Saturday brought a parade right past my front door. And I still got goose bumps when the local high school band played "Stars and Stripes Forever".  I think I may be home

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