by Leann Zotis

Created on: May 20, 2008   Last Updated: May 09, 2010

Fourth of July in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania is a big deal. This major summer holiday brings the city alive with parades, flags, and red, white and blue everywhere. Each year competes with the one before it with a magnificent display of fireworks presented by Zambelli Fireworks Internationale. And every year I seek out a different venue to take in the awesome display.  The options for viewing this spectacular event are many and varied in Pittsburgh thanks to the very hilly terrain.

The Allegheny and Monongahela rivers come together to form the Ohio River at the tip of the "Golden Triangle" in Pittsburgh. This area is commemorated with Point State Park. At the tip of this triangular park is a majestic fountain that, in its best moments, can reach 150 feet into the air. It is here that barges on the three rivers launch their techni-color fireworks display.

Patriotic and inspirational music is pumped into the air along with the multi-colored pyrotechnics. One particular year I chose the West End Bridge as my vantage point for the Fourth of July display. This placed me directly in front of the barges on the river, less than a quarter mile from the action looking down the river towards the Point.

As I stood marveling at the show, my ears were filled with the booming bursts of fireworks, but also with something else. I could fully hear the music coming from the barges that gave new meaning to the majesty before me. The words of Lee Greenwood's, "God Bless the USA", commonly known as "Proud to be an American", broke through between every burst of fireworks. . .

"I'm proud to be an American,
Where at least I know I'm free. . ."

I could feel the power of knowing that my country has withstood many enemies and emerged victorious.

"I won't forget the men who died,
who gave that right to me. . ."

I remembered that my own father fought in World War II. In his own small way, he was a hero.

"Cause the flag still stands for freedom,
and they can't take that away. . ."

The powerful force of the water from the fountain surging up between the thunderous bursts of pyrotechnics made my heart pound with pride.

"And I gladly stand up,
next to you and defend her still today. . ."

In those moments I understood why my country was strong in war and in peace. I understood why it is important that we remember and acknowledge that strength every year on the birthday of our nation's freedom. Every year I seek out what I consider to be the best location for the fire works display, that will never change. What has changed is that now, each year, my mind goes back to one specific year. No matter what music is filling the air, or if I can even hear any music at all from where I stand, my mind will always be flooded with Lee Greenwood's song.

Learn more about this author, Leann Zotis.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.