Freedom Isn't Free, but Most of the Celebrations Are -

Consider this John Adams quote written to his wife just after the signing of the Declaration of Independence (excessive commas and strange use of capitalization are his:

"I am apt to believe that it will be celebrated, by succeeding Generations, as the great anniversary Festival. It ought to be commemorated, as the Day of Deliverance by solemn Acts of Devotion to God Almighty. It ought to be solemnized with Pomp and Parade, with Shews, Games, Sports, Guns, Bells, Bonfires, and Illuminations from one End of this Continent to the other from this Time forward forever more."

That quote just makes me happy. (And thankful for the English teachers over the years who unified the capitalization rules). He was so proud and thrilled and expected nothing less from all of us for generations to come. Wouldn't he be proud to see the fireworks displays tomorrow night around the country? I looked around online a bit and have come up with five of the best places to celebrate - if you happen to be in the area.

New York City is frankly where I'd like to celebrate all kinds of major holidays - they tend to do it well. Their 4th of July celebration is evidently the second largest fireworks display in the country all year. (The first is at the Kentucky Derby - go figure.)

But wouldn't it be nice to watch in Boston, a city so rich with American history? Their show is not the longest in the country, but its soundtrack accompaniment is played live by the Boston Pops Symphony Orchestra. You've never heard the oohs and ahs to compare to this.

Washington D.C. would also be completely thrilling. To be in our nation's capital for the celebration that is our nation. Second to the 2009 Inauguration, this would be an awesome time of year for Washington D.C. educational tours. The show is launched right on the National Mall. This is a setting of Which I think Adams would Highly Approve.

There is one place that excels in fireworks nightly almost every day of every year, and that's Walt Disney World. This year they're doing it big for the 4th in "Disney's Celebrate America - A Fourth of July Concert in the Sky." Excuse me, I need to see if my husband ordered those tickets yet because, seriously, just their daily show brings tears to my eyes from the sheer magnitude of the synchronization and the happy little soundtrack that goes with it. Add that to patriotic fervor, and I'd probably join the next USO tour.

Finally, I gotta hand it to all the small towns all across America who pool their funds and put up their own version of this celebration of freedom. It makes women break into song, teenagers sit still, and veterans wipe their eyes. If none of you managed to plan your New York City graduation trips in time, then show up on the square of your own Hometown or in whichever school or fairground parking lot to which they direct you this year, and don't forget your lawn chair and your kleenex. It's going to be quite a show.