4th of July 2026 Semiquincentennial

While the photo below dates back to the 4th of July 2024, it is a symbol  of my family's tradition. Each year, we watched the firework celebrations live with family and friends or on television. One year, when my children were young, we traveled to New York City for the firework display by Macy's. The area for spectators was filled with many families who all had just enough space for four people. While the firework display was magnificent, we felt cramped. 

Years that followed were enjoyed in our hometown where we felt more comfortable. The famous Grucci Firework Company on Long Island, always displayed a magnificent show. The symphony orchestra always played on the bandstand, and families gathered in picnic style. Each celebration was held on  a separate day than the 4th of July. This allowed our family and others to watch the Macy's celebration on Independence Day. 

family gathers

America celebrates

freedom sparkles rise

©CVarsalona, 2026, photo from 2024

dazzling fireworks

dart into evening sky

pop, whizz, sizzle

like popcorn kernels bursting

showstopper entertainment

©CVarsalona, 2022

We always celebrate in style with homemade cookies!

This year the chocolate chip cookies are colored blue with chocolate frosting and the house is decorated inside and outside.

My little grandgirls are tucked away in their lovely room in my house waiting to enjoy a pre-4th of July celebration. Tomorrow, their parents will come over for a pool day, dinner, and ice cream. The youngest two understand that the USA will have a birthday so they already started singing Happy Birthday America. My oldest grandgirl (9) informed me that she learned about the Revolutionary War that led to the birth of American independence. 

"Miss Liberty, at Dawn's First Peep, Awakes the Echoes from Their Sleep"
(Original Postcard from early 1900)


Flag of the United States Semiquincentennial celebration

Ignite the American Spirit  (for our students)
      Authentic voices 
      Make noise as they
      Embark on 
      Roads ahead  
      If freedom devotees
     Commit they will rise
     As responsive Americans ready for
     Next steps:
     Shape outcomes with
     Positive approaches
     Inspire students to
     Reach out with concerns
     Ignite the flame
    To make more noise
     draft CVarsalona, July 4th, 2025

It is Poetry Friday and our host, Michelle Kogan, invites us to the Roundup. Her blog post 4th of July Justice, shares her artwork, poetry, and songs. Please click here to read Michelle's blog and other poets' blogs.