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

Lighting the Sky

Here's another photo of fireworks lighting the sky in Valley Grande on the Fourth of July. (Click the picture to see a larger view.)

The holiday celebrates the colonies' declaration of independence from Great Britain in 1776 and states America's case for the right to be a free nation. You can read all about it HERE.

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.)

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.

Independence Illuminations

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