Happy Birthday America!

[peacetraveler22]

Today Americans begin a festive holiday weekend in honor of the Fourth of July. There was no traffic during the rush hour commute this morning, as most people are already on their way to the beach, or relatives' homes for the big celebrations on Monday. My family spends the holiday the same way every year - at our American style dacha in the forest. About this place, I've already written several times. You can see the big report here.

Huge gatherings and fireworks displays take place in all major U.S. cities, including here in Washington, DC. I never attend these massive public gatherings due to the crowds, and mainly the heat. I feel totally uncomfortable in such environments, and prefer the quiet solitude of nature or small crowds. I doubt recent terrorist attacks will have any detrimental impact, or cause people to avoid these celebrations. I can't understand those who live in constant fear, and avoid activities because they are worried about attacks, or some other tragedy. We must march on, and just be aware of our surroundings. This has always been my mentality.

All small towns light their own fireworks, locals enjoy festivals and colorful parades. American flags wave everywhere! :) This photo was taken during a parade in Fredricksburg, Virginia a few years ago. It's a big holiday for us, full of barbecues with hamburgers and hot dogs, corn on the cob, lots of tasty foods, cold beer and relaxation. I hope I can just sit as a vegetable for a few days - read, get some sleep, and rest my mind which has been too cluttered with heavy thoughts recently.

For everyone in the USA who celebrates - enjoy! And for those abroad, I hope you find a way to celebrate America's birthday somehow from afar. Cheers! :))

Comments

[kremlin-curant.livejournal.com]

Happy birthday America. I don't live in America. I live in Brooklyn, NY, also known as the Kings county. Nothing going on in here.

[peacetraveler22.livejournal.com]

Absolutely every American town has Fourth of July celebrations. I'm sure there's something in Brooklyn, and definitely there are huge gatherings in NYC. But if you're living in only an immigrant neighborhood filled with Russians, maybe not. :)

[procurator0.livejournal.com]

eh well, congrats are in order i guess. Do aliens come on this 4th of july finally?

[peacetraveler22.livejournal.com]

I would welcome them! :) Maybe they could provide some knowledge and insight, or lighten the mood and frustration created by this depressing political cycle in the USA, which closely resembles a circus, filled with many clowns.

[beloborodoff.livejournal.com]

I am always wandering about USA independence. If you stay in Britan may be it was better ? Canada, Australia for example. Is there some people in USA who talk about this ?

[peacetraveler22.livejournal.com]

Why would it be better? I don't know people who talk about such issues, except Texans. And it has nothing to do with Britain, but the desire to secede.

[moskitow.livejournal.com]

Happy 4th of July!
I like this holiday a lot - summer, freedom, fireworks, barbecue, what could be better?
We are going camping right after the holiday, so I'm very excited to get away from all the craziness of the city. Going to Adirondack with kayaks! Lots of fun!
Have a nice holiday and good time with your family :)

[peacetraveler22.livejournal.com]

Yes, it's a great holiday! I also like it. Have fun camping!

[svinka-norushka.livejournal.com]

I love celebration 4 th of July : it's sweet summer time, good life, friendly people . I wish people in every country would have such blessing as we have hear .

[peacetraveler22.livejournal.com]

Yes, friendly, open people. I think this is one of America's greatest strengths. :) Enjoy the weekend!

[dorli87.livejournal.com]

My congratulations!

[peacetraveler22.livejournal.com]

Thanks! And I wish you a pleasant weekend also. :)

[fesma94.livejournal.com]

As you said, Americans is the nation of show ! )) Enjoy your dacha and holiday !

[peacetraveler22.livejournal.com]

It's not only Americans. The Israelis have lots of big parties and patriotic celebrations also! :)

[olgorius.livejournal.com]

Let it be! :)

[peacetraveler22.livejournal.com]

All will be good! I'm an optimist. :)

[yarowind.livejournal.com]

My congratulations, Shannon!
Merry weekend:)

[peacetraveler22.livejournal.com]

Thanks, Vlad! Cheers! :)

[nkhaba.livejournal.com]

Happy 4th of July, Shannon! Enjoy the long weekend! Everybody needs to sit as a vegetable once in while :-)

[peacetraveler22.livejournal.com]

Thanks a lot! I've been quite exhausted lately, so the rest will be good. :)

[pasha1980.livejournal.com]

Happy Independence Day, Shannon.

[peacetraveler22.livejournal.com]

Thanks! Are you still in the USA? If so, enjoy the celebrations! :)

[alekseletskih.livejournal.com]

Happy Birthday America! Lots of love

[peacetraveler22.livejournal.com]

Thank you!

[3as7.livejournal.com]

Happy Independence Day!

[peacetraveler22.livejournal.com]

Thanks! We had very bad, rainy weather yesterday and this spoiled most of our plans.

[kiana running wolf (from livejournal.com)]

I see that you blocked me from your post, nothing will hide the fact that you are an ignorant person. I hope the rest of your adventures are filled more with not just observing cultures or town but actually engaging and getting to know people before you make such judgmental ASSumptions. Have a good day.