I Remember the Fourth of July

I remember when the Fourth of July felt like the whole neighborhood was celebrating as one big family. The smell of barbecue drifted from yard to yard, and picnic tables overflowed with potato salad, baked beans, watermelon, fried chicken, hot dogs, hamburgers, paper plates, and enough food to feed anyone who wandered through.

I remember children racing across the grass, laughing and watching the sky, waiting for the moment the fireworks would begin. I remember sitting outside with family, friends, and neighbors, proud to celebrate the country we called home.

We didn’t have much back then, but we shared what we had. One family fired up the grill, another brought the drinks, someone else showed up with ice, paper cups, a folding chair, or a homemade dessert. No one kept score. The only goal was to let the children enjoy themselves, let the adults relax, and let the neighborhood feel connected. And it worked.

By evening, everyone was ready for the sky to glow. Children stood with wide eyes, waving sparklers or clapping as fireworks burst over the rooftops. Adults talked, laughed, and remembered their own childhood summers. Those were good days. They weren't perfect; every generation has faced challenges, but they were powerful in the way people gathered, shared, and celebrated with pride.

For those of us who’ve lived long enough to see many Fourths come and go, the holiday carries memories wrapped in family, food, music, laughter, and country. It reminds me of who we were, what brought us together, and how meaningful simple celebrations can be. Some of the best memories were made in a backyard with a paper plate in hand, children laughing nearby, neighbors calling across the fence, and fireworks lighting up the night.

This year, especially as we mark the 250th anniversary of our nation, I find myself holding onto the joy, the pride, and the way people made room for one another. I want to celebrate not only the country, but the people, families, and communities that shaped my life.

Happy Fourth of July. May your day be filled with good food, good memories, laughter, gratitude, and the kind of celebration that reminds you why those old-fashioned holidays still live in our hearts.❤️

LaWanna Parker