Fourth of July, Independence day, the day we commemorate the adoption of the Declaration of Independence in 1776, by our beautiful country! On this day the 13 colonies saw themselves no longer a part of the British Empire. They were now regarded as the United States of America. This gives me chills quite honestly. We live these great freedoms because of all the great, strong, and brave immigrants who came here to make a better life for their families. I am thankful for that, and smile proudly to my flag when it’s raised. I don’t know about you, but the Star Spangled Banner brings tears to my eyes every time I hear it. My kids always look over and wait for the first tear to drop and then exclaim “mom is crying again!”
As I get older this holiday becomes even more nostalgic to me. I reflect on my childhood and all it’s great memories. As a family we would always have a big breakfast that always included bacon (crunchy for me). Then my dad would prepare his own sunflower seeds roasting them in the oven for the evening festivities. It smelled so good! We would of course have a traditional hamburger and hot dog dinner (the only time we ever had hot dogs my mom doesn’t care for them). Then we would wait anxiously for the sun to set so we can finally go and find a spot to view the fireworks show. Why did the sun not take it’s time setting on the days we were out riding our bikes as it did on the Fourth of July?!
If you’ve ever been to Oklahoma you would know it’s pretty flat. So when my dad went “up the hill” to find a spot to park I start to chuckle thinking about it. We would find a parking lot with just the right view. Then he would set a blanket right on top of the car so my brother and I could sit. Finally, he would pull out the brown paper bag with the sunflower seeds he had roasted and lightly salted earlier that day. We were then finally set to enjoy the fireworks show. Sometimes he would surprise us with sparklers (of course to my mom’s dismay). As the last firecracker fizzled away, my heart would sink a bit knowing the perfect day was over, and I would have to wait whole year to enjoy it again.
Now, in the suburbs of Southern California, my kids and I enjoy our own traditions. We have our town parade, and fireworks. We’ve actually participated in the parade a few times. Anyone can join, just make your own float! Tonight we will wait for sundown, and take our blanket and chairs to find our spot for the fireworks show. And as we do, I will still be that little girl sitting on top of my daddy’s car looking into the sky with great awe and excitement.
Happy Independence Day Y’all!
Curiously,
Koko
