dual personalities

As you know, the United States Declaration of Independence was adopted by the Second Continental Congress on this day in 1776. In our family we have always made a Big Thing about the 4th of July, because we are a patriotic family (of course) and because it is our brother’s birthday.

We always had a shindig (with favors) and set off firecrackers galore and other explosives. We blared Sousa marches from our open windows. Normally a quiet, reserved family, we were LOUD.

Sadly, we are experiencing a drought this year in our flyover state and so we will not participate in any of these fun activities. We may play some patriotic tunes inside this year, but God forbid we should open a window! The temperature is broiling out there. And we won’t be setting off any of our own fireworks either as there is a serious danger of fire due to the dryness issue. Almost all the local displays are canceled. Sigh. Only the big one on the big river will go on.

We will be sure to tip a glass or two, however, in toasts to our absent family and especially our absent bro who turns 61!

Since July 4 will be celebrated indoors this year, we will no doubt spend it watching movies first enjoyed with our brother: Stagecoach, Tall in the Saddle, She Wore a Yellow Ribbon, How the West Was Won, El Dorado, The War Wagon…Sounds good to me.

It is also, we should note, the birthday of Nathaniel Hawthorne (1804), Stephen Foster (1826), Calvin Coolidge (1872), Louis B. Mayer (1882), and Stephen Boyd (1931)! Reason enough (and more) to party hearty.

P.S. I’ll be wearing my flag pin, made by daughter #1 years ago at Philmont. I know you’re jealous.