by Richard Bramante

Created on: July 05, 2008   Last Updated: October 31, 2008

July 4th, Independence Day, a day to celebrate being an American for those both born here or those who emigrated for the promise of a better life. I am a first generation born American and although I do not forget or deny my ethnic roots, I am proud to be an American. My father and mother faced hardship to make me an American not unlike many other foreign born parents seeking to make life better for the next generation.

Yes, July 4th should be celebrated with noise, color and all the glorious things that make us American. As a part time resident of a hardworking fishing village, I was privileged to watch the local fireworks in Stonington Maine. The weather was beautiful all day and folks visited the town from afar. I like to think that this little jewel nested on the rocky coast of Maine is one of the best kept secrets. It is the true Downeast Maine, small, quaint and never overcrowded.

Last evening, I walked down to the harbor and found a spot along the fish pier to view the fireworks. Families gathered for the annual event. Kids loud and being kids were everywhere. So busy with partaking in the day and not paying too much attention to where they were twirling their sparklers. The crowd had ample room to line the pier to watch as sky rockets burst over the harbor from a near offshore island.

Locals renewed acquaintances as they strolled about enjoying fare offered by the local community organizations. Clam fritters, fried onion rings cooked while you wait along with doughboys and soda. Of course there were the barbecued hot dogs and sweet and hot sausages too. And, no Fourth of July would be complete without a double scoop of locally made ice cream. As darkness came over the crowd the first salvo of rockets alerted the crowd the fireworks had started.

I stood at the edge of the pier and the view was spectacular. The brilliant colors burst over the harbor and the colors reflected in the waters of this serene harbor. It was as if I were watching two fireworks displays simultaneously. The kids yelling with glee as each rocket burst forth. With the crescendo of the rocket finale the young voices in the crowd burst out in a chorus of "God Bless America". I do not know if it was prompted by an adult but to hear these school aged children spontaneously break out in patriotic song made me proud and thankful to be an American.

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