For my friends from outside the USA, you are invited to enjoy a drawing
of our
4th of July fireworks celebrating our independence from Great Britain
in 1776, 233 years ago. For my friends within the USA, take this as me
sitting beside you while you watch the fireworks, wherever you are.

We usually watch the 4th of July fireworks along the banks of the Arkansas
River in Tulsa, Oklahoma. There is a city park that stretches the length of the
river and they shoot the fireworks from a bridge that makes it easy for
everyone to see. I love America.

This year we will be in Boston for the celebration. It is one of the cradles
of our country and we are very excited about being there for the 4th. Along the
Charles River separating Cambridge from Boston we will sit and listen
to the Boston Pops Orchestra play as they have for a zillion years. The
1812 Overture will be played with cannons being let loose from the river and
bells of the churches of Boston ringing along side them. I love America.

Wherever you are, think about not just the issues of America, but the idea of
America. Just as we as individuals have our ideals that we sometimes do not
live up to, so it is with our country. But it doesn’t mean we don’t have the
ideals and it doesn’t mean we are not working towards their fulfillment.
I love America.

I am grateful, very grateful, I had ancestors that seized the moment and made
the US happen. I love America.