Patriotic Displays

July is a big birthday month for my family.  My grandfather was born on July 1st and loved to celebrate his birthday each year with a family reunion held at the city park on July 4th. The park had a swimming pool (a big treat for us country kids) and a huge fireworks display.  My oldest brother and I were born in the first week of July and when we were small we thought Grandpa gave the party just for us.  We looked forward to it every year.   Besides the pool and fireworks, we had a picnic and all the ice cold watermelon we could eat.  

On my fifteenth birthday my mother presented me with a baby sister.  I was given the rare honor of  naming her.  Being a teen I thought rhyming names would be cute so my sister was named Veda. Veda was as excited as Bill and me to have such a patriotic celebration every year for our birthday.  Veda and I have always tried to celebrate our birthdays together.  We both still love all the celebrations and decorations that go with Independence Day.  Veda even decorates her home in an Americana decor.   

Since a job transfer sent Veda and her family to Omaha I try to make the trip there each July 4th.  Omaha has the best independence day celebrations of any place I have been.  Unfortunately, we cannot make the trip this year.  It will also be a year without fireworks in our town.  The Fire Marshall has banned all fireworks (for the first time in forty years) due to the extremely dry conditions here.  

I thought I would celebrate by sharing with you some of the patriotic photos I've collected over the last few years.  Since there are so many I have put them into a slide show and collages.  Click to enlarge to full screen for best viewing.

Lets start with a parade.  Even rain doesn't stop this parade that happens in my sister's neighborhood on the morning of July 4.  My BIL is the Parade Marshall each year on his decorated bike.  Everyone does their best to be in patriotic colors and some even wear costumes.  There are marchers, cyclists, bikers and even a decorated  convertible or two.

Last year my sister was voted the subdivision's queen and had the seat of honor on the float.   I suspect it being her fiftieth birthday influenced  the judges decision to crown her Mrs. Western Oaks.

Can't have the 4th of July without some fireworks. 

Lets end with some red, white and blue!

I hope all of you have a wonderful Independence Day.  May you get your fill of  BBQ. lots of family time and all the other holiday traditions that make this a fulfilled day for you.  

I am linking to Our World Tuesday