4th of July fireworks at Wildwood Lake, Texas

The 4th of July fireworks celebration is always a big event at the small Texas community of Wildwood. For years, one family has orchestrated the event, and the entire community contributes money so that the show can be really BIG! My sister Judy and her husband Rusty live there, and for the past couple of years we have enjoyed the celebration together.

This is Rusty with my husband, Buddy,

and this is my sister Judy and me.

The fireworks are set off on a small island in Lake Wildwood. Everyone grabs kids and dogs, and jumps in a golf cart, pick-up truck, or boat. The main objective is to claim the best spot to see the fireworks, either on land or water.


This year, even the resident swans positioned themselves. Believe it or not, when the fireworks started, the swans and geese stood on the banks of the lake and watched, just like their human counterparts. Wish I could have gotten a photo -- It was so funny to see!


Before the fireworks begin, there's always a boat parade.


The show this year was spectacular. I'm afraid my photos don't do it justice, but here they are. I need to learn how to take night photos:


HAPPY BIRTHDAY, AMERICA!

O beautiful for patriot dream that sees beyond the years . . .

When Freedom from her mountain-height
Unfurled her standard to the air,
She tore the azure robe of night,
And set the stars of glory there.
She mingled with its gorgeous dyes
The milky baldric of the skies,
And striped its pure, celestial white
With streakings of the morning light.
---Joseph Rodman Drake

The price of freedom is immeasurable. Those who serve our country today and the veterans who served in the past deserve our lifelong gratitude. So do the families of those who serve, for they sacrifice much, too. My thoughts and prayers today are with those whose loved ones have given their lives for our country.





Happy 4th of July, one and all, from sea . . .






to shining sea.

My fellow citizens of the world: ask not what America will do for you, but what together we can do for the freedom of man.

John F. Kennedy
Inaugural Address
1/20/1961