Friday, July 3, 2009

Independence Day

What is Independence Day to You? Is it firecrackers and fireworks?


Is it red, white and blue?

Is it looking closely into the center of a 'Wild Blue Yonder' rose and seeing how much the pattern of the stamens look like fireworks exploding in a purple sky?




Is it baseball? The Star Spangled Banner? Memories of children's games when holding a bunch of roses named 'Home Run'? Shouldn't hedges of them surround the outfield fences at parks across this nation?
However you celebrate this most American holiday- I wish you Godspeed. Long live this living experiment- The United States of America. Whatever our faults as a nation, let us put them behind us, if just for today. Today we should celebrate while we contemplate- the world is better off that we existed. That we have thrived. That when we suffer, we do not weep for long. We get up off our feet and get to work.

The dog photo is courtesy of "Oregon" Sue Maxwell.
The rest of images are by photographer Gene Sasse. http://www.genesasse.com/
Used with permission

To learn more about the fates of the 56 signors of the Declaration of Independence please go to http://www.dojgov.net/Liberty_Watch.htm



6 comments:

  1. Happy holiday.
    I am a Chinese and those fireworks look like Chinese traditional works,are they common in American?
    and your dog looks wonderful.

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  2. Greetings Far- I live in Diamond Bar, California. Roughly 1/3 of our residents are Chinese or Chinese Descent. Mostly ROC.

    Fireworks regulation vary by legal jurisdiction. In some states, it is legal for individuals to have fireworks.

    Where we live, our City holds a tremendous party, with a free fireworks show. Because our climate is quite dry, fires are a major public concern- it is too dangerous for individuals to set off fireworks.

    In the United States- the paper tubes that pop quickly are called fire crackers. The ones with spectacular fire and color displays are known as fireworks.
    I believe firecrackers are common in Mexico. Probably other states. But not in California.
    Do come back. Sue (who owns the dog in this post- mine can be seen in the previous post) lives in Oregon. We are friends through the Internet.

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  3. Lydia,

    Lovely 4th of July post! I enjoyed it, as always. I am so happy that this person all the way in China received your blog! I am impressed!
    Far2009, I have Chinese people living all around me. Most whom I know came from Taiwan.
    Lydia, loved seeing Americana Maggie's photo again this year!
    Wish you would attend the Diamond Bar City 4th celebration tomorrow evening! It's always spectacular!

    Whatever you do have a Happy One!
    XO Trisha

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  4. Great post. Oh, and my Maggie! That picture makes me smile. She's such a love. I will see what patriotic photos I can take today. Going to town and I know the flags will be up and lining all the sidewalks. Our VFW puts them up.

    Happy 4th from Oregon.
    xo Sue

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  5. The 4th of July is my favorite American holiday and always has been. In 1987 on this day my Grandaughter Robyn was born. The best firecracker a Grandma could ever wish for. I too recognized the Chinese firecrackers. Dad used to take his girls to LA's Chinatown when we were small. They had a wishing well and we each had a penny to wish on and then on to one of the small shops there. Wondrous folding paper fans, firecrackers, etc. and we each could pick one. My Sister's weren't interested in the firecrackers but I was....what memories I have of that magical place. Lydia, thanks for stirring the memory pot, as we celebrate the 233 years of freedom. :) Edda

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  6. I'm a descendant of John Adams through my father. He ruffled many feathers fighting for our freedom. He never took the easy road. One of his sons, John Quincy Adams, courageously followed in his father's footsteps. I'm very proud to be related to them!
    God Bless the U.S.A!

    Karen B.

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