Independence Day is Friday, July 4. It is a day when we celebrate our nation's independence from Great Britain. It may not seem a big deal to some who are not into history, but it was. It literally changed our country and the world. It is cause for celebration. It is the ONLY true holiday for our nation.
Independence Day dates back to July 4, 1776, although the Declaration of Independence wasn't signed until August of that year. It is a Federal holiday. George Washington celebrated it with his troops in 1778 by giving them a double ration of rum. That originated "rum-a-dum-dum".
(I made that up; the rum-a dum-dum part)
Celebrations around the nation involve parades, fireworks, back-yard eat-outs, picnics, ball games, and other family fun times. At Coney Island, Brooklyn, New York they have had a hot-dog eating contest since 1916. Estimates are that one hot dog is eaten for every two persons in the country. That's a lot of hot dogs!
Here in Rockport, Texas we have a wonderful fireworks display sponsored by the Wendel family and friends. It is set off over the waters of Little Bay. It is great!
My two most memorable Fourth of July parades are as different as two parades could be. Let me tell you about them. The first took place in Telluride, Colorado. It was sponsored by the Fire Department and thousands attended the day-long celebration. The parade marshal was General Swartskopf, then a hero of Desert Storm. It had celebrities and local folks. The final group were men who were dressed as soldiers from different wars. The parade stopped and the General came down from the reviewing stand and "inspected" the troops. He saluted each one. I have tears in my eyes as I type this. It was unrehearsed and very moving. As the grand finale a flight of jet fighters swooped down through those towering mountains and buzzed the Main Street of Telluride. I will never forget that Fourth of July parade in Telluride, Colorado.
The second parade was held each July Fourth in Taft, Texas. It was a one-woman show put together by a dear friend now gone, Jackie Sanders. Jackie would gather the little kids of Taft and with their decorated wagons, bicycles, tricycles, or whatever, they would parade Green Avenue in Taft. There was no famous parade marshal or soaring jets, but it was a beautiful parade that also remains a very special memory. Have a safe and fun-filled Fourth and remember the reason for this national celebration. It is for ALL of our citizens. God Bless America! The Muse