It’s baffling how fast “summer” has passed! Here in Wisco we’ve only managed to enjoy a couple weeks of actual summer like weather ... but the calendar says summer is over already!
Our 4th of July weekend has come and gone, leaving behind some fond memories of family and friends. As I browse the pictures from these past few months, I keep thinking how important this holiday is to me.
Family has always been been the impetus, with the parade at its center. This year I celebrated nearly 40 years of appearing in our hometown parade. I follow along my father who spent decades in the parade with fire and rescue. The festivities of our towns celebration touch every corner of my memory from being a kid impatient to get on the fair rides; to my adult visits at the famed ETBT.
Along the way things have changed. Some of our towns people have lamented those changes. As much as I want things to be as they are in my memory, I know that change is inevitable, and sometimes that affects our beloved traditions. Yes, the carnival seemed smaller ... maybe the beer tent wasn’t quite as full as normal? And choosing a new spot to watch fireworks from brought a little melancholy, as it also signified the first year in memory that my parents or any of my extended family was with us.
This year our BoBear was very excited for the Fourth of July weekend because, as he excitedly proclaimed, he got to celebrate "American Day". He was happy to tell everyone about it, and his zest for American Day brought smiles and giggles. The greater message from watching him revel in delight of this very American weekend, was no matter what had changed ... it was still time together enjoying the freedom we are so very lucky to have.
Happy Labor Day to all! We wish everyone safe travels home from the last American holiday of the summer!
