Jun 29
2011

Today my son and I read about community Fourth of July events on the internet, trying to decide which ones to attend. I mentioned that we celebrate America’s birthday on this day because that’s when the Declaration of Independence was signed, but he’s a Philadelphia boy who knows all about the Liberty Bell, Independence Hall, George Washington, and Benjamin Franklin. He’s even dined at their favorite tavern. What he didn’t get was how old our country will be this July 4th. When I did the math, I realized with a pleasant start that America will be 235 years old. This brought back memories of the fabulous fireworks, tall ships, and inspiring parades of the Bicentennial year, 1976. My favorite story of America’s 200th birthday, however, comes from my husband.

That summer Scott toured Europe with his school’s award winning band, and on July 4th they performed at an international competition in Vienna, Austria. It was a big deal–Radio Free Europe even broadcast the performance into the former Eastern Bloc countries then under the heel of Soviet Communism. Scott recalls that his fellow American classmates felt a little down that day, though, because they were missing the once-in-a-lifetime revelry back home.

Just as they lifted their instruments to play for the Austrians, their concert hostess politely interrupted Scott’s band leader. She took the microphone and told the surprised man, “Before you play, we have something for you.” Then she motioned to the sizeable audience, they stood, and began singing:

Happy birthday to you,
Happy birthday to you,
Happy birthday dear America,
Happy birthday to you!

For several moments, no one in Scott’s group moved as the singing reverberated in their ears and settled into their spirits. You know that old saying, “There wasn’t a dry eye in the house?” I think it originated there. When the band director finally lifted his baton, it took awhile for his students to pull it back together. Several of them missed the first few measures, but no one seemed to mind.

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Jul 7
2010

When I was a little girl, my parents instilled a love of history in me. They devoured biographies and taught me all about the brave men and women who founded and explored the United States, and we often visited historic sites. I thrilled to such tales. To this day, one of my favorite places to visit is Williamsburg, Virginia.

We’ve been reading stories to our 6 year-old son about various great Americans, including Daniel Boone. David has become enamored of all things related to the great frontiersman after also receiving some DVDs of the old TV series with Fess Parker. On the Fourth of July, my husband and I took him to the Daniel Boone Homestead in nearby Berks County, Pennsylvania. We thought that going to Boone’s birthplace would be a great way to celebrate Independence Day and help David learn more about him.

While we were there, David “enlisted” in the Continental Army, and we enjoyed watching a reenactor lead him through various drills. David even banged the drum, slowly!

A newspaper photographer captured the scene beautifully, and the Reading Eagle printed it on Monday. I hope you enjoy the photo and that David continues to love delving into our nation’s past.

http://readingeagle.com/articlephotos.aspx?id=232621

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Jun 28
2010

What’s your favorite Fourth of July memory? In my mind, I go back to my childhood in Phillipsburg, New Jersey where I watched my brother load his BangSite cannon, then pouf! Off it went, creating the most intriguing smell in its wake! I loved the caps and smoky “snakes” that writhed on the patio, and the community fireworks after sunset. My favorite pyrotechnics, however, were sparklers. I felt unrestrained joy as I waved those little firesticks in the dark, careful to release them before they could burn my fingers.

I knew that the day’s celebrations were all about the anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. Fortunately, I grew up with parents who taught my brother and me the meaning of national holidays. In GREAT EVENTS IN AMERICAN HISTORY, I tell the story of this pivotal moment in our nation’s past. What stirs me most is the hopefulness that swelled like the hot July day in the hearts of those patriots. I wrote:

“In the sweltering heat of the Pennsylvania State House–now Independence Hall–sunlight suddenly pierced the tall windows. A new nation had just been born, upholding its beginnings as a city upon a hill for the entire world to see. Breaking the reverent silence, John Hancock brought laughter to the delegates when he wryly commented, ‘Gentlemen, the price on my head has just been doubled!’ After which, Sam Adams stood and declared, ‘We have this day restored the Sovereign, to Whom alone men ought to be obedient. He reigns in heaven and . . . from the rising to the setting sun, may His Kingdom come.’”

I think his particular “benediction” continues to suit us more than 200 years later.

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