It’s the 4th of July, let the fireworks fly!!!

[photo courtesy of movieyug.com]

As Canada Day, 2014 has receded into our maple leaf memories, rising up to greet us a few days later is the 4th of July!

The “4th of July” is also known as, “Independence Day”; in 1776, the United States affirmed its independence from (then, “Great Britain”) the United Kingdom.  The thirteen colonies who were then at war with Britain, considered themselves each an independent sovereign state, and no longer part of Britain.  They formed a new nation which we now know as the United States of America.

I am so incredibly blessed to have connections in both the US and Canada.  To me, each country has its own unique and undeniably commendable features; I love both countries!

I don’t think there are too many people who can even fathom the 4th of July without fireworks! Ah, fireworks and lots of them! To celebrate this fine 4th of July, let’s take a look at some fantastic fireworks displays, shall we?

[photo courtesy of seastreak.com]

Macy’s does their parades and fireworks with fervor and delight!  The above photo is from, “Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks Spectacular” a few years ago.  New York City is not only the, “Big Apple”, but the, “Big Firecracker” on the 4th of July, if you ask me.  Here’s another photo from New York City that accentuates the Statue of Liberty in full regalia:

[photo courtesy of examiner.com]

Ah, the Statue of Liberty! What’s that in her right hand? Why, is it a gargantuan firecracker? No, perhaps she’s holding up a sign to request a little bit of peace and quiet what with all the noise and light show in her midst!  Methinks the Lady of Liberty doth protest too much!  After all, she does seem to have the finest seat in town for the display, don’t you think?

[photo courtesy of ABCnews.go.com]

Washington, DC let the fireworks shine over thee! My word, that is one heck of a ball of light! Next time there is a power outage in our Nation’s Capital, may I suggest illuminating a couple of these brilliant numbers.

[photo courtesy of queenmary.com]

Ah, my beloved Queen Mary in Long Beach, California!  As if you needed to shine any brighter than you already do, your floating highness!

[photo courtesy of chicago.cbslocal.com]

You didn’t think I would leave out The Windy City, did you? Ah Chicago! Lake Michigan dressed up with booms and lights and…………wait a minute; that is reminiscent of the storm we had last week! Oh right, without the colorful streams of cascading luminescent features; and rain, lots and lots of rain!

I digress!  I have saved the most important feature of this post for last.

[photo courtesy of cuddlymoments.com]

My dear, sweet, amazing grandma, “Grace Bell” was born on this day, July 4th in 1916.  She would have been 98 today.  Interestingly enough, Grandma Bell’s parents (my great-grandparents) were American! What a wonderful tribute!  We always told her, Gram, your birthday is so special, there are fireworks to celebrate it!  We miss you and love you; but know that, don’t you, Gram?

Happy 4th of July, everyone!