Happy 4th, Everybody!

A paragraph from an old Life magazine that still feels right:

The Fourth of July, although it originated in the hot spirit of defiance and the powder smell of revolution, is a quiet holiday. In the small cities the crowds gather beneath bunting and flags to watch their parades.  In the picnic grounds the orators sweat and strain to produce three cheers for liberty. Yet everywhere . . . the crowds are in shirtsleeves and cotton dresses, relaxed, having a good, long, easy day, taking their liberty for granted, a little embarrassed by all the fancy talk. In the cool of the evening many Americans will express their unselfconscious patriotism in the thought, “This has been a pleasant day and this is a pleasant land.” For in early July, on the nation’s birthday, the land is at its best.

Be safe. Have fun. Enjoy yourself!

 

Image and quote via Life.com