Monday, July 4, 2011

Let Freedom Ring

Grams and Grandad are celebrating at home this Independence Day. Last year we spent the week leading up to July 4th in Boston. It ranks among my favorite vacations ever. On July 4th, we spent the entire day in the park waiting to see and hear the Boston Pops and the fireworks over the river. It was fabulous!
Faces in the crowd from Boston 2010
This year we're having a small shrimp boil at home. Then we're heading down to the Corpus Christi Bayfront for the fireworks. Corpus Christi is one of the few areas in Texas where the fireworks show has not been cancelled due to the drought. It's not that we're not in the drought area, but our fireworks are shot from the deck of the USS Lexington Museum on the Bay over Corpus Christi Bay. Therefore the danger of fire is minimal.

As the sun goes down tonight, we'll be sitting somewhere along the seawall enjoying the sea breeze and waiting for the fireworks which start at 9:30.

Corpus Christi Seawall
It may not quite measure up to the Boston Pops and the Fireworks Spectacular, but it should be an enjoyable evening.

While you're celebrating today, don't forget that freedom is not free. Here in Corpus Christi this afternoon, the Patriot Guard is standing along the street leading to the Corpus Christi Airport. They are there to welcome home the body of Marine Cpl. Mark Goyet of Sinton, Texas. Cpl. Goyet and his family made the ultimate sacrifice for our country.  I think it's suitable to welcome him home on this day.

Photo by Jim Reaves
I saw the Patriot Guard a few months ago when they provided an honor guard for another fallen marine from a neighboring community. It's a very moving site to see.

However you celebrate Independence Day, I hope it's spectacular!