[img]541|left|||no_popup[/img] The 4th of July weekend always looms large in my mind. I ask myself, do I want to attempt to recreate a grand adventure like the year I ended up in Lake Placid, eating way too much fudge with friends and watching a grand fireworks display with 10,000 other people? Or will I be stuck at home nursing a scared pet?
I have gone to the beach, visited Disneyland, taken a trip to the mountains, played the “1812 Overture” enough that I can still nearly feel the thunder of the cannon when I hear the piece, and enjoyed everything in between. This year, for the first time, I decided to stay home.
Wow, was I surprised.
I wasn’t sure what to expect. I had heard that Santa Ana was putting on a show in a local park, and I knew that Tustin advertised its own fireworks pride. What I didn’t realize is that there would be so many other impromptu displays. From my loft's balcony, I saw six different fireworks shows.
It’s true that none of them matched the splendor of a Disneyland or Lake Placid extravaganza. But there was something about seeing all the local performances that meant more to me than a single bonanza. I saw the birthday of our country bring together people from all walks of life. Each display was different in color, shape, and scope. Some had more noise than visual impact. It didn’t matter.
Yesterday we united, forgetting politics and individual agendas, to show our support for our country. Because we did it yesterday, I see it possible that someday this could happen each and every day. From there, the next step is to come together across country lines. United we stand… as people in this global community. I hope we remember that long after the smoke from our country’s birthday has cleared from the air.
Ms. Dewberry, an accomplished cellist, completed her DMA in Chamber Music Performance from UCLA in December 2005. She received her MM in Cello Performance from UCLA in June 2002 and her B.M. in Cello Performance from Western Michigan University in April 1998. She also holds a B.A. in French with a minor in Women's Studies and Philosophy.
Her website is www.carterdewberry.com
She may be contacted at carter@carterdewberry.com
