Embracing 4th of July: Nostalgic Moments

All day, on the back burner, I had thoughts of growing up in Evanston, IL. The fireworks at Dyke Stadium when the sky grew dark, and the first burst of amazing light filling the sky above.

For me, there was the 4th of July parade down Central Street that never failed expectations. The afternoon tennis matches, bikes with red, white and blue crepe paper laced through the spokes. American flags every where. A proud celebration, that includes the memory of family gatherings with simple delicious food featuring hot dogs and potato salad. There were small sparklers in our hands that sizzled as they burned themselves out.

This night I long for hearts filled with love for the USA that overwhelms the darkness and puts an end to the efforts of those who seek to change who America is. I call for the child within all of us to remember growing up with our hands over our hearts, singing, God bless America, land of the free. This is my prayer, this is my 4th of July song.