Freedom is priceless. On the Fourth of July, we feel happy and thankful that the 13 colonies all together declared their independence status on this day in 1776. The Founding Fathers signed the Declaration of Independence and established the United States as an independent nation, no longer under British rule. I had read about the struggles that Indians endured to get their Independence status in 1947 from the British. India also spends the 15th of August celebrating their independence status with a lot of pomp and show. I am reflecting on my participation in such celebrations for the last many years in the Nation’s capital. After I read the spirited words of Benjamin Franklin, I felt them deeply too: “Where liberty dwells, there is my country.” Happy Independence Day to everyone.
After moving to the Washington, D.C., metro area from the West Coast, I tasted joyful activities in my neighborhood where parades were organized by the neighboring cities. I walked in the parade with a sense of pride the first year. There were carnivals and the streets were full of people enjoying a variety of street foods. I remember vividly my first experience of fireworks on the Fourth of July at the National Mall. On that day, we as a family took the Metro train to the National Mall to spend the day, listening to music and guests as well as witness the incessant streaming of firecrackers in the evening. All day, we were going from booth to booth tasting freshly prepared barbecue meats. It was an enjoyable day.
The next year we had the opportunity to witness the fireworks from the roof of an agency where the staff had brought in a variety of food to eat while seeing the fireworks. Each successive year, the activities got easier and we found ways to stay hydrated and see the fireworks from a distance. The novelty wears off, but the pride stays. Many homes hang an American flag to show their patriotic streak and hold family get-togethers. I feel good when I notice red, white, and blue streamers everywhere on this day. Let us enjoy the Fourth of July and feel the freedom we enjoy as proud residents of this great nation.
