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

[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.

[beloborodoff.livejournal.com]

I say "it would be better". Just compare Cananda and USA. There is many bad and unsusual things in USA. Crazy gun policy, good medicine only for rich, word socialisme sounds like fascism, almost no public tansport. All this attributed to 200 years rule of oligarchy. In 1776 they was a rich plantators with "desire to secede". Americans say - "We have freedom !". Same freedom have all first word countries.

[peacetraveler22.livejournal.com]

Why do you think good medicine is "only for the rich?" Everyone I know has health insurance through their work, and even if you don't, there are places to get free testing or annual checkups. I don't know about men, but for women there is Planned Parenthood where you get free mammograms, free gyno visits, many other doctors offer charitable medical care. It's true medicine is not free here, and that you pay for monthly insurance. But I would not say medicine is "only for the rich."

[bopobyc.livejournal.com]

Canada is mostly like USA but 10 years ago lol