Memories of Independence Day

Growing up on my block was special for so many reasons. We were all a family, some people say it takes a village to help raise a child, then I was a lucky one. I have written about my childhood adventures and memories in earlier hubs and would like to share what the 4^th of July means to me.

Flags and more flags…..were flying on my block. I only think a few didn’t have their flags displayed in the front of their home. Back in the fifties, we were proud to be Americans and we were proud of our Vets too. The flag was and is a wonderful symbol of our independence.

Our parents were all friends and socialized together, something that you don’t see much of anymore. So, they would get together an organize a parade for the little ones. We would help decorate our bikes or tricycles, make our pets wear patriotic stuff and of course we wore patriotic clothes too.

We only road up and down our street but that was enough to appease us and most of the time the weather was warm so this was done in the morning hours. Having backyard pools was a future luxury and to this day no one has a pool on that street.

After the parade, our parents would block the street from traffic and line the middle with table and chairs. The round Webber barbecues would come out ready for the hamburgers and hot dogs. The Moms fixed up a spread of potato and macaroni salads, jello salads were popular back then and there was always tons of desserts. A ton of different flavor Kool Aid was always fixed up too and who could forget about watermelon….

The weather was usually hot, so the kids would have water balloon fights to cool us off. It was just to hot to play hide and seek or other games like that. When we were older just sitting around listening to the parents tell stories and their conversations was fun too. Everyone had a spin on something.

After dinner, someone would cut the watermelon in slices and we didn’t care if it dripped down our face or on our clothes. We were all wash and wear. By then all the kids were getting antsy and couldn’t wait for the fireworks to start.

When dark finally arrived, the Dad’s would get the fireworks out and start them off. What a hoot….everyone would clap or express their delight. The sparklers where handed to the kids and before you knew it….it was over.

Me and all the other kids were exhausted. It had been a fun filled day with our neighbors. Once home, my brother and I flopped in our beds and were fast asleep from the days activities.

It wasn’t until I was much older that I finally understood what Independence Day was all about. We continued this block party for several years and like life, the kids grew up, parents passed away and we were starting our own traditions.

When I was married and my kids were younger, we had a great rapport with our neighbors too and would gather for our block parties on the 4^th of July but nothing really compared to the atmosphere of those block parties; times were uncomplicated then, everyone seemed to take life easier and at a slower pace. Neighbors were family, someone you could count on, we loved our Country and what it stood for.

So, this fourth, hang your flag proudly, enjoy your family and friends, attend a parade, watch the fireworks, hoot and holler….

Happy 4^th of July to everyone…Have a safe and memorable one.