Wednesday Medley

Terri's questions this week:

Everything below this line is from the line is from the National Calendar website.

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INDEPENDENCE DAY – July 4

INDEPENDENCE DAY

Each year on July 4th, the United States celebrates Independence Day. This federal holiday commemorates the adoption of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776, declaring independence from the Kingdom of Great Britain. 

For nearly 250 years, the country has been celebrating a day in history that inspires us still today. On July 4th, speeches and ceremonies are held across the nation. Across the country, people crowd cities for parades and festivals. Streets are decked out in red, white and blue bunting and flags.

While families and friends gather for some of the most mouthwatering food – large picnics and barbecues, local fairs provide a taste of culture and mom’s home cooking, too. With so many converging on their hometowns, family and school reunions take place.

Fire Works

Before the day is over, many communities hold spectacular fireworks displays re-enact moments of victory. Patriotic music accompanies the performance while spectators view the show from blankets strewn along capital lawns or from boats floating in bays. Whether out National Anthem, “The Star-Spangled Banner” or “God Bless America,” many will sing along.  In some locations, music will be played by a live orchestra or band, while in other areas it’s pre-recorded. Some of the most popular on the playlist are “America the Beautiful,” “My Country, Tis of Thee,” “This Land Is Your Land,”  “Stars and Stripes Forever,”  “God Bless the U.S.A.,” “Yankee Doodle” and “Dixie.”

In some parts of the country, people will shoot their own fireworks. Children delight in the bright colors and sparklers. They roast marshmallows and make s’mores.

HOW TO OBSERVE INDEPENDENCE DAY

• At noon, a “Salute to the Union” is fired, each July 4th, by any capable military base.  This is a salute of one gun for each state in the United States. 
• In 2009, New York City hosted the largest fireworks display in the country. 
• Held since 1785, the Bristol Fourth of July Parade in Bristol, Rhode Island is the oldest continuous Independence Day celebration in the United States. 

Use #IndependenceDay, #July4th, #4thOfJuly, FourthOfJuly to share your celebrations on social media.

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Everything above this line is from the line is from the National Calendar website.

1.  Please share a favorite July 4th memory with us.

It was the summer of  1992.   Drew and I and our toddler daughter Jen were living in Queens, NY.  I was pregnant with our younger daughter.  My due date was July 4, so we were calling our baby "Yankee Doodle".  (Becca was born July 8).

Our apartment overlooked the Wan Wyck Expressway.  If we stood on our balcony and looked south we could see the control tower at JFK.  We were so close to Shea Stadium that if the Mets announcer said it was raining at the ballpark, I hurried to close my windows. 

We had been invited to go to Jersey City and watch the Macy's fireworks, which were being presented over the Hudson that year; but I didn't want to go so far from my obstetrician, so we stayed home.  

Fireworks are illegal in New York, but that doesn't stop people from buying them elsewhere and shooting them off in their neighborhoods.  After we put Jen to bed, we sat on our balcony and watched fireworks.

I've never had another opportunity to see the Macy's fireworks live.  

2.  How do you plan to spend tomorrow?  If you are working, will you celebrate later?

We're having a backyard barbecue with just a few close friends.

3.  Is there a favorite food always reserved for your 4th of July celebration?

Nothing specific comes to mind.  At our barbecue w'll be serving hamburgers and hot dogs, corn on the cob, potato salad, etc  

4.  In Florida, you can buy all kinds of fireworks, including some that fly high and burst into pretty cascades.  Are fireworks legal in your state/community and does anyone you know put on a display for your neighborhood?

As I said earlier, they're illegal in New York, but that doesn't stop folks.  I'm sure there will be fireworks in the neighborhood. 

5.  Do you have a favorite movie that you always watch sometime during the 4th of July?


Of course.

6.  Share something from your week, please.

Oh happy day, I had to buy new tires for my car.  I shouldn't complain, I bought the car three years ago and didn't have to replace the tires until now.