Fourth of July was all about the individual
If you're looking for a place to celebrate the Fourth of July, I can recommend two choices that will please.
One is the Independence Day Celebration at George. The other is the Fourth of July Parade at Crescent Bar.
The Fourth of July is my favorite holiday that is not attached to a faith or religion. I'm reminded every day at the computer of how others fought - some died - for my right to write.
I'm reminded of how the efforts of those men led to a Constitution on which to stand. It was written in such a way to allow for corrections in our relationship with political leaders and our relationships with each other.
Some people today point to the founding fathers and see empire-minded white men who really didn't want freedom for everyone. Maybe some were. Most were not.
That's how we ended up with a Constitution that pointed to eventual individual freedom for everyone, even if it could not be accomplished at the time.
The Constitution is one of the reasons people from around the world are attracted to the U.S. Its promise of individual freedom has made the U.S. the envy of the world.
If you haven't gone to a Fourth of July celebration recently, get out and do it. It will do you good to remind yourself of the importance of that date.
While history notes mostly that the Fourth of July was the start of the United States' independence from England, it was really an effort to free individuals from tyrannical governments.
What the Americans did in the succeeding years - win the Revolutionary War-spread like wildfire across the western hemisphere. In 1810, Mexico declared its independence from Spain.
After that, Spain fell like a house of cards across the Americas. By 1850 all of the Americas were free.
France got control of Mexico for a brief period right about then, but on Cinco de Mayo, 1852, the French downfall began at a place called Puebla at the hands of shovel-wielding peasants. They fought like the Americans of the Revolution.
The George Fourth of July will be held on July 4. It will have numerous activities. The two big ones will be the "World's Biggest Cherry Pie" and the Wenatchee Youth Circus.
The pie is for every visitor to enjoy. All you have to do is line up. There will be enough.
If you have never seen the Wenatchee Youth Circus, then you've missed a special treat. The performers range in age from 2 to 22, and they accomplish feats you will find astounding. The WYC will also preform on July 3.
One very good thing about the Crescent Bar Fourth of July is that it will be on July 3. The two main events are a 10 a.m. parade and fireworks after dark.
I attended the Crescent Bar Fourth of July Parade last year. Never before had I seen so much red, white and blue in one place. The islanders go all out with their show of patriotism.
I'm expecting even more this year. The theme will be "Our American Heroes." No doubt there will be several George Washingtons. But I hope to see an Alvin York (WWI), an Audie Murphy (WWII), or maybe even a Roy Benavides (Vietnam).
I did not see the Crescent Bar fireworks last year, but everyone reports it's as spectacular a show as any. Non-Crescent Bar residents park their cars "all the way up the hill" to watch.