Happy 4th July!

[Savago]

Today we celebrate the independence day of the United States of America.

Back in the 18th century, a bunch of farmers decided to fight for freedom and the right of self-determination against the biggest military Empire of the time (UK).

With courage, luck and some help of France, they won and founded the nation that would become a beacon of democracy and freedom to the rest of world.

Certainly is not a perfect union, but as an adopted son, I love this country for all it has done for mankind and for all the potential of great things to come if we stay united.

God bless America.

[Savago]

For all the ones working *against* the 2nd:

[RNFWP]

John Adams, in a letter to his wife Abigail on July 3, 1776

"The date will be the most memorable epoch in the history of America. I am apt to believe that it will be celebrated by succeeding generations as the great anniversary festival. It ought to be commemorated as the day of deliverance, by solemn acts of devotion to God Almighty. It ought to be solemnized with pomp and parade, with shows, games, sports, guns, bells, bonfires, and illuminations, from one end of this continent to the other, from this time forward forever more."

[Jess from VA]

Little Beirut in my neighborhood again.  Bunch of pyromaniacs.

You look out the window and it looks like heavy fog.  Nope black powder smoke (which is white). 

[RNFWP]

First attempt at linking a personal video. Let me know if doesn't work.
I almost put this in Britmans "I like dogs"...

My wife and dog watch me go by on the Valk in the neighborhood 4th July parade. (mostly golf carts)
https://youtu.be/meIZr-UExKE

[old2soon]

           Sounds a little here like The Bronx on Sat night. Or down town Chi Ton. The difference be-It Will git back quite and peaceful here in 2 days or so and No deaths. With Our Independence came Our Freedom. We stood up and gave the oppressors the finger once. Happy 4th of July A K A Insependence day!   RIDE SAFE.

[scooperhsd]

Little Beirut in my neighborhood again.  Bunch of pyromaniacs.

You look out the window and it looks like heavy fog.  Nope black powder smoke (which is white). 

Ditto around here - I'd swear it sounds like a war zone outside !

[Jess from VA]

Little Beirut in my neighborhood again.  Bunch of pyromaniacs.

You look out the window and it looks like heavy fog.  Nope black powder smoke (which is white).  

Ditto around here - I'd swear it sounds like a war zone outside !

At least it ended at midnight (this year).

They have a new firework.  It goes off sounding exactly like an automatic weapon firing.  I could not see the aerial display clearly, but nothing fancy.  But this thing seemed clearly designed for its sound, not it's display.  About a 20 rd burst.
  
Drop a few of those at the wrong place and you could have a panic, or return fire.

Or fun at an Antifa rally.

Google:  https://www.quora.com/Is-there-a-new-type-of-fireworks-that-emits-large-bangs-in-a-steady-evenly-spaced-string-of-three-to-a-dozen-or-so-bangs-that-sometimes-sound-like-someone-practicing-steady-shooting-with-a-high-caliber-gun-at-a 

[Rams]

I have several neighbors who spend big bucks on fireworks.   Simply makes me turn the TV sound system up a bit.   We have watched others put on displays in the past but to be honest, I fly my flag every day and recognize the real reasons we celebrate this day.    I'm glad they like it but it strikes me that it would be faster just to pull the money out of their wallets and set it on fire. 

Rams

[0leman]

Due to the drought here plus folks being unemployed, not much personal fireworks went on last night.  Was enjoyable.  Had a BBQ with our Kids (oldest daughter/husband/one son).   Nice sitting outside in relative clean air (smoke from CA fires blew the other direction).  City put on fireworks like normal.

[MarkT]

Our celebration?  Not pyrotechnics but BRISKET on the pellet smoker!!  Trimmed the cap a bit, Baldridge's Rub, 8 hours smokin plus another 8 wrapped up in the oven - low and slow at 225° on the smoker then 210° in the oven.  MAN that's TASTY!

[cookiedough]

I have several neighbors who spend big bucks on fireworks.   Simply makes me turn the TV sound system up a bit.   We have watched others put on displays in the past but to be honest, I fly my flag every day and recognize the real reasons we celebrate this day.    I'm glad they like it but it strikes me that it would be faster just to pull the money out of their wallets and set it on fire. 

Rams

my neighbor and his grandkids spent big bucks last night as well but luckily they were done by 10 p.m..  Saw neighbor sweeping up the mess in the street this morning for over 1 hour, longer than it took to light all of the BANG BOOMS off last night.    Can only imagine blowing say 200-300 bucks away in 40 minutes or so for pretty much nothing.  We use to as kids get 20-30 bucks worth mainly sparklers and a few smoke bombs and twirling/spinning buzzing things that spun around really fast for like 10 seconds.  I do miss though and sorta scary what we called 'witch whistles' probably banned today you point them in a somewhat safe direction and they whistle and fly in the air about 50 feet but go wherever they want to go and can come back around and strike unsuspecting people or objects.  

Our small town has the week after the parade/fireworks/carnival and always a big turnout since other folks from nearby towns come in and enjoy fireworks/festival for a 2nd time on a non-busy weekend.  Sorta surprised this town can afford to put on 20 minutes of REAL fireworks set off on the small island around the lake downtown.  

[old2soon]

         Along the food route I BBQd an inch and a half thick hickory bacon wrapped pork loin chop. Little bit of sea salt some powered garlic and a touch of cinninamon. Browned nicely on both sides over Charcaol-about 166 F internal temp-fresh garden salad an icy cold Heiniken and I was a Happy Camper. Also had a happy tummy!  Was still daylight when I fired up the Weber. And the heavy noise ended around 2200HRS local time. GOD Bless AMERICA!  RIDE SAFE.