Celebrating Independence

"I am apt to believe that it will be celebrated, by succeeding Generations, as the great anniversary Festival. It ought to be commemorated, as the Day of Deliverance by solemn Acts of Devotion to God Almighty. It ought to be solemnized with Pomp and Parade, with Shews, Games, Sports, Guns, Bells, Bonfires and Illuminations from one End of this Continent to the other from this Time forward forever more."

...John Adams, American Founder and second President of the United States

Patriotic Series, Getting in the Spirit

The American flag and red, white and blue decor are going up

 all over town ahead of Independence Day on July 4. The deco mesh wreaths 

 such as the one on the gate are very popular for the USA's 236th birthday.

 

Founders' Quote: 
"The only foundation of a free Constitution, is pure virtue, and if this cannot be inspired
 into our people, in a greater measure than they have it now, they may change their
 rulers, and the forms of government, but they will not obtain a lasting liberty."
...John Adams (1776)

On Parade

Independence Day is celebrated with food, games, music and bikes on parade at the Valley Grande Municipal Park and walking trail.

This little girl peddled patriotic balloons around and round the trail.

Church Barbecue

Tomorrow is Independence Day in the USA, but festivities have been going on all weekend. Following the annual God and Country service today at Elkdale Baptist Church,

the congregation enjoyed a barbecue dinner in the newly renovated fellowship hall. 

Celebrate!

Valley Grande celebrated Independence Day with a big fireworks display, preceded by a children's parade and barbecue rib cookoff. The walking trail offered games and a playground, and food varied from hamburgers and hotdogs to barbecue, funnel cakes and blueberry cobbler with ice cream.

Independence Day!

Today, Americans celebrate Independence Day, and Valley Grande once again hosts a celebration at the municipal park. Fireworks begin at 9 p.m.

This photo was taken at last year's event.

Fireworks on the Fourth

There were two fireworks displays in the Selma area on the Fourth, this one at the Valley Grande municipal park.

I went two years ago, and while grand, this one seemed even longer and more spectacular. Hundreds of people gathered at the walking trail and pavilion to enjoy food, games and country music aired by a local radio station before the show. Then, we sat in folding chairs or on the backs of trucks to watch the dark sky light up.

(Click the photo for a larger view.)

A Veteran's Back Porch

It's Independence Day in the USA, and it's celebrated every day on the back porch of a World War II veteran.

God Bless America!

Celebrate! (Skywatch Friday)

Fireworks light up the night sky at last year's Independence Day celebration in Valley Grande. Americans declared themselves independent of Great Britain on this day in 1776.

This year's festivities will be Saturday, July 5 at the city park. Come on up at 5 p.m. for a barbecue pork ribs cookoff, tug of war and fireworks spectacular. Admission is FREE.

Selma's celebration is tonight at Memorial Stadium and will feature speeches, choirs, soloists, sing-a-longs and fireworks.

Head on over to Wiggers World and see more fantastic Skywatch photos.

Our family celebrated Independence Day on July 4 with a meal in the country. Here is part of it, which represents a typical Deep South summer feast.

The Menu: barbecue chicken, smoked pork roast and pork tenderloin, barbecue ribs, squash casserole, fried okra, corn, purple-hull peas, watermelon, sliced tomatoes, hot peppers, coleslaw, stir-fried squash, rolls, cantaloupe, fried green tomatoes, fried eggplant patties, and for dessert, peach cobbler with ice cream and chocolate cake, all topped off with sweet iced tea. (Not all the food is shown, thanks to lack of a wide-angle lens and not enough room on the table.)

Another highlight: The men did most of the cooking!
No kidding! They prepared everything except the squash casserole, coleslaw and desserts.
Why, you ask?
A. They like to cook. B. They cook the way their Mama cooked. C. They like to eat a lot. D. After Mama passed, it was easier for them to cook and let their wives look after the kids.

Are there any other families around the world where the men cook most of the holiday feasts?

Independence Illuminations

Fireworks illuminated the skies July 4 as part of the local Independence Day celebration.
Tomorrow: Summer Feast of the South