Fireworks burst over Yokota Air Base, Japan, July 4, 2009. The 374th Force Support Squadron provided Yokota residents and their guests with live entertainment, food and fireworks during the celebration. U.S. Air Force photo by Osakabe Yasuo |
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WASHINGTON, July 2, 2010 – Heather Forsgren Weaver is a regular contributor
to Family Matters. In this blog, Heather remembers past Independence Days
including those spent on an Army fort and asks everyone to take a moment to
thank the servicemembers who sacrifice to protect our freedom. From the
first Independence Day anniversary in 1777 to the present, Americans have taken
time out on July 4th to remember the sacrifices our troops have made to protect
our liberty. Americans will celebrate with parades, picnics and my personal
favorite – FIREWORKS!
I love the colors and the magic of fireworks. I admit I am not very fond of the
loud sounds they make, so I prefer to watch them from a distance.
During the 1990s, I found the perfect place to enjoy the spectacular Washington,
D.C., fireworks without having to hear them or sit out all day in the heat and
humidity. Overlooking the Potomac River, with a perfect view of the Washington
Monument sits what used to be known simply as Fort Myer, Va. (It’s now called
Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall.)
Most of the people viewing the fireworks were from military families and it was
interesting to learn where they were from and various places they had been
stationed. In that pre-9/11 world, the thought of far-off fighting was a distant
memory.
Today, the base is closed to the public on Independence Day, so you can no
longer view the D.C. fireworks from there, and I will be enjoying my fireworks
elsewhere. And, around the world, our servicemembers will be observing the day
as well.
As I watch fireworks this weekend, I hope you will join me in being grateful for
and remembering those serving in all the services – Army, |
