Independence Day

Spending Independence Day in the good ole USA is really a treat. It's not just the fireworks and BBQs, it's also the fact that we don't have to work and entertain at official celebratory events. Those events really aren't so bad but it's nice to kick back and have a real American treat every couple of years. With family in town, we headed to the Mall to watch the DC fireworks.

Now, I normally HATE the Mall during the 4th and, in years past, have avoided it at all costs. This year was different. We live downtown and in easy walking distance so the dreaded packed metro was skipped. Rather than deal with the crowds, we strolled down to the Lincoln Memorial around 7.30pm (fireworks were scheduled for a little after 9) and actually managed to find a nice spot to fit the five of us on the steps.


We chatted for awhile but the time passed pretty quickly and before we knew it, the fireworks were starting. EVERYONE had cameras out, obviously I did too. However, what I wasn't doing was taking photos of the fireworks and then showing them to my companions as the fireworks were still going off. Why would you do that? Anyhow, the musical selection was odd but the show was fantastic, even though the smoke over the reflecting pool kept growing.


I've seen fireworks over lots of international monuments but there's something special about being in my nation's capitol, listening to patriotic music and surrounded by red, white, and blue. It's been 234 years since the Declaration of Independence was adopted by the Continental Congress.