By MSD Alumna Ashley McCardia
As we head further into the dog days of summer, I am reminded of what Independence Day meant to me as a child. Back in the ‘90s when the 4th of July rolled around, my entire tiny town in Indiana gathered at the lake for fair food, glow sticks, a swim in the water, and best of all – fireworks. I always held my breath for my favorite kind…a bright burst of white light followed by what looked like dozens of shooting stars. They would fall right over my head, zigging and zagging down until they fell into the water in slow motion. I could look anywhere around me and see the people of my town in awe of the beauty. Everyone was content, joyful and celebrating our collective freedom.
While much time has passed, I remember well the level of camaraderie the 4th of July brought out in the people of my town. Ours, like thousands more across the United States, was a place where you were aware of how lucky you were to reside in a place like America. Not just on this night of celebration, but all of the time. It was a privilege to call yourself an American.
As I’m writing this I realize America when I was a child and America now are different in a lot of ways. It’s easy to dwell on those differences, but mostly it is the same. You will still find kindness, togetherness and community at a small town Independence Day celebration.
I have two little girls today and I often find myself comparing my experiences then to theirs now. On the surface, things are similar – we will spend the day in the small town I was raised in. I will string glow sticks around their necks, we will claim a cozy spot in the grass and devour our fried confections. We will watch the fireworks and pick our favorites. I hope, though, they will look around and see a community celebrating its many freedoms. They will see a place they are proud to call home like I did.
Our great country will always be ever changing. It should be that way. Progress is one of the many things our freedom has afforded us. One thing I hope will always be present is the magic of fireworks on the night of America’s birthday and the way a town full of people comes together in celebration and thankfulness.