The Most Memorable Fourth of July

The 4th of July, also known as Independence Day and The 4th, has most often been connected with family picnics, fireworks displays, parades, and lots of pomp and circumstance. Often the main reason for celebrating this United States federal holiday, the independence of The United States of America from Great Britain, is forgotten.

Having lived through over 50 Forth of July celebrations there have been many great times involving the normal parades, fireworks, and picnics. But the most memorable Independence Day at our house was the most unique 4th of July ever.

A single mother working to support the family of five did her best to make the day special. A 99 cent American flag hung on the front porch. Everyone attended the parade in town to watch the next to the oldest march with the high school band. Hot dogs and hamburgers were grilled outside and three varieties of potato chips accompanied them along with a couple bottles of the least expensive soda pop available.

As darkness approached the family heard the first explosions as the firework display in town started. Everyone went across the street to front yard of their friend's house where they could see the sky behind their house light up as the fireworks flew into the sky a few miles away. The occasional 'dud' didn't make it high enough to be seen over the tree line but for the most part it was entertaining.

What the kids were really waiting for was the package of fireworks, sparklers, and smoke bombs that had been purchased a few days before. When the big fireworks ended with a huge grand finally the younger kids couldn't stand it any longer. Big brother started a small bonfire in the back yard and the package was brought out from the house. The two older boys divided the items into two categories: 'for little kids' and 'for big kids'.

Once the two younger children had finished off the last of the poppers, sparklers, and smoke bombs the two older kids started their own 'firework display'. While it lasted less than half and hour it was impressive. They even ended with a grand finally setting off a series of the last five fireworks in the package.

The empty fireworks package was thrown on the bonfire and the oldest son went off to meet up with friends. The rest of the family relaxed around the fire on lawn chairs, blankets, and logs turned on end. No one was ready to go to bed yet.

After a bit the next to the oldest son had gone into the house and no one thought anything about it until all of a sudden there was a loud blast of music. Thinking he had gone in to read or call friends everyone at the bonfire was surprised as they knew who had turned the music up. Classical, Mozart or something of that sort, it had to be the 2nd son.

Everyone waited for the music to be turned down when all of a sudden looking towards the house there was a movement - on the peak of the house. A dark figure, tall and thin was moving arms and legs wildly in time to the music coming out of the open window below. The family members at the fire recognized the 6'4" tall dark shape - it was the missing son/brother.

The street light down the road gave off just enough light so every movement could be seen and he put on a beautiful display. His 'human firework display' had everyone else rolling laughing and begging for more. The show went on for a half-hour or so when he finally ended with a 'grand finally' of his own. He jumped as high as he could arms and legs spread and disappeared, blending in to the dark shingles of the house it was as if he had vanished.

The two younger children yelled for more, "Don't stop!" and when the human firework joined them again at the fireside they were all over him begging him to do it again. He had to repeat himself several times explaining he was tired and it was time for them to go to bed.

The following Independence Day there was a little bigger package of fireworks for the family to enjoy plus a friend and her family brought a second package over but it wasn't the same. The family all knew there was no way it would be as good as the year before. The human firework display was serving in the United States Air Force and would not be home for some time, particularly not that 4th of July.