Happy Independence, everybody. Today is a day for remembering, reflecting, and enjoying what it means to an American and that’s what I’m going to do ... as soon as I’m done with work. Yep, since Catholic World News is an international news service, we don’t get US holidays off. But since it’s usually a slow news day anyway, I don’t anticipate having to do much heavy lifting so don’t feel bad for me.
In any case, I’ll be celebrating the holiday by going down to Salem Maritime Historical Park, the old Derby Wharf in Salem Harbor, where there will be a concert by a local orchestra followed by fireworks. I always enjoy the celebration because you see such a great cross-section of people, and it’s not like the big celebration in Boston with its hundreds of thousands of people. Rather, it’s a more intimate affair even if there are thousands there, because you see so many people you recognize, your friends and neighbors, and you know that this is your community you’re celebrating with. And Salem is such a historic city that the celebration seems that much more meaningful for some reason.
So Happy Independence Day everyone and God bless.
