A Patriotic Apathy

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The fourth is one of my favorite holidays of the year. My dad comes up from Florida for a visit. So far we have gone to the fireworks, the parade, and we spent all afternoon at the local flea market. It has been a grand olde time.

I agree with Spelly. We have far too many "professional complainers" nowadays. I think it is time to go Philip Nolan on their heinies. Sorry for the literary reference, I just always think it is appropriate when I see threads like this.

Edit: I found the short story here for those who wish to read it.

[ July 05, 2005, 02:27: Message edited by: The Great Snook ]

 

As a non-American, I want to know what the average American does during July 4. Do most go to parades, hang out with family or watch fireworks? Do a lot go to Independence Day-related activities? Most of what I know is from what I see on TV.

This is but originally the Independence Day of the Philippines was July 4. It was moved to June 12 and July 4 was made Fil-Am Friendship Day. It was due to the politics of those times.

 

New Zealand's national day is 6 February. Other than going to the beach and enjoying the sun, we tend to spend the day dealing with protesters complaining about how the English treated the Maori 16o years ago. So complaining is common all over the world.

 

Charlie -- Activities usually include parades (usually with soldiers or veterans marching), flag waving, cookouts, family gatherings and fireworks at night. Many places have a huge fireworks display. The Boston Pops has a celebration on the Charles River, where the symphony plays in an outdoor concert, then at the conclusion, the city sets off quite an incredible fireworks display over the water. It's quite beautiful.

One of the nicest fireworks displays I've ever seen was when I lived on Lake Samammish in the state of Washington. I lived in an apartment complex on the lake.....and we would go down to the dock and sit and watch the fireworks put on by Marymoor Park, which was just right across the small lake. Also all the boat owners on the lake would bring their boats down to our end of the lake (it's pitch black now) and put only their running lights on and sing the national anthem -- you could hear their voices drifting softly over the water. I still get chills when I remember that. Some boaters lit candles too. When you looked out over the lake, all you saw were tiny flickerings of light -- it was so beautiful. Then the fireworks would go off, just about right over our heads. It was something I'll never forget in this lifetime.

 

What's a "cookout"? Is that like a barbecue?

 

Yea -- grilling food outdoors -- yummy!

 

Spelly,

Sounds really great. I hope to be able to see it in person one day. As for cookouts, nobody needs to wait for a holiday to have one. Any day is a good day, unless it's raining or snowing of course. Although I have been told that wouldn't stop some people.

 

Because it may ruin a day of celebration for others? I'm all for differing opinions -- but I say, give it a rest on that one day -- and let people honor the country for what it is.

 

Yes, a "cookout" is a "barbecue"; the burned food is almost identical, HB.

Your memories of past celebrations are moving, Spellbound, and I could match them with my own memories, equally moving to me, but it's not 1776 anymore, in case you haven't noticed. Or is it?

"These are times that try men's souls"--Thomas Paine.

 

Cernak -- you totally miss my point. We're celebrating that there ever WAS a 1776.

 

Thank goodness that attitude was NOT present in 1776. If everyone felt that way back then, there wouldn't be a July 4th to celebrate.

 

Aldeth -- Take your snipes.... you know exactly what I was trying to say.

And to use a rather silly analogy -- just because someone or something isn't perfect, or developed not in a way you could forsee, does that mean you shouldn't celebrate its birthday?

For pete's sake -- do your trashing every day for 364 days (or is that not enough days for you??) -- but take a hike on the 4th of July and let people ENJOY it.

 

Last I checked it's July 6th.

 

I hate July 6th.

 

Good for you. With that revelation, you should have added