Happy Birthday To Us

Happy Birthday to us.

The war in Iraq still is going on and we are finally shifting the war to Afghanistan and Pakistan.

Hundreds of thousands of workers are losing their jobs.

General Motors and Chrysler are bankrupt.

Banks continue to close.

Foreclosures are continuing.

The housing market continues to be dismal but is showing recovery signs.

California is going down the tubes, but somehow it will survive.

It's birthday time for the U S of A. It's a time to celebrate.

Barbecues might be a little smaller this year with more hotdogs and hamburgers instead of steaks and roasts but Americans need to mark the anniversary of this great country in whatever way they can.

All us Yankee Doodle Dandies might be showing some wear and maybe are a little frazzled around the edges from dealing with so many issues, but a Doodle has to do what a Doodle has to do is the way I look at it, pholks.

July 4th has always been one of my favorite holidays. Of course, over the years, the significance has changed although patriotism has always been part of the July 4th experience. It's more than just fireworks, red, white and blue table decorations and cupcakes, all of which I still enjoy. I was taught to respect the flag, those who serve in the military and supporting roles, and everyone who does the best they can to keep this great county moving.

Granted, I wasn't always thinking of the American Revolution when I finally was allowed to set off my first ground display or sparkler on the Fourth, but the reason for the celebration was not ignored.

Safety lessons were important during the Fourth. There always had to be an adult on the spot when even a sparkler was lit. And when those covertly obtained firecrackers were fired off, either individually or, if you had a good stash, in the packs, it was a big deal. One of my big thrills, which I of course later passed on to younger family members, was launching a tuna or small sauce can 50 to 70 feet in the air via a bucket filled with two to three inches of water using a single firecracker. Of course, I soon learned the technique of twisting the fuses of two crackers together and wedging them into the tight hole in the can to be launched.

It wasn't really rocket science but, pholks, it was close enough.

And what a joy it is to show youngsters how to line up and light safe and sane fireworks in the back yard, front yard or sidewalk, making sure that all the rules are strictly obeyed and the garden hose at the ready.

Of course, traveling to the Central Coast to watch fireworks over the Pacific Ocean or at a local lake or stadium is part of July 4th to be experienced by Valley residents.

But whatever way we choose to, and can afford to celebrate this great holiday, the most important thing to keep in mind is: What a Great Country.

Happy Birthday to us.

Miles can be reached at mshuper@valleyvoicenewspaper.com