Independence Day

“We shall go wild with fireworks... And they will plunge into the sky and shatter the darkness.” 
-Natsuki Takaya

It's the Fourth of July weekend, the birth of the United States of America as an independent nation. Families and cities around the country are celebrating this day with various festivities - barbecues, fairs, family gatherings, fireworks and parades.

When I was younger, the Fourth of July marked the beginning of my summer vacation. School was officially over. Summer was here for endless exploration, tennis camp, visits to the library, staying up late playing board games or putting together a jigsaw puzzle.

One of my most earliest memory I have of seeing fireworks on the Fourth of July was right outside my hometown high school. There would be crowds of people there - classmates, families, friends, kids, neighbors - setting up their beach chairs, blankets and towels on the grass to watch the show. I remember standing and waiting for the first spark to light up the sky.

I am still amazed when I watch fireworks - some shoot straight up before bursting, others whirl into a spiral explosion, some shatter into a shimmer of glittering light. I love the crackling and popping sounds too; the smell of smoke slowly pervading the air - it only adds to the visual excitement.

On that evening, I remember looking up and seeing a rainbow of color explode into different shapes. At one moment I thought the light would fall on everyone like rain. During the climactic grand finale, the air banged with a booming sound and fireworks were soaring through the sky like jets! I remember the glow of the fireworks on everyone's face - they were just as amazed as I was. It was definitely a night to remember.