11 Years ago I spent 4th of July in New York City!
I flew out of Milwaukee, WI to Newark, NJ and met my two cousins.
I had never been to NYC before so this was going to be a whole new experience for me.
My favorite memory from the trip was the actual 4th of July.
Most of the day was spent outside with my my cousins and their friends on a rooftop apartment patio. We played games, shared stories, and had a lot of fun.
The day was fantastic, but the evening was the real highlight.
We had passes to see the New York City fireworks up close - as in the “Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks”
We ended up getting into a boat/restaurant that was docked right on the Hudson River. Quite literally front row seats for the fireworks! (insert fun fact: the 2013 fireworks were the last to be held on the Hudson River up until this year, 2024!)
The Fireworks were truly impressive and a joy to experience, but so much more encompassed the celebration.
On the way to the fireworks we took the train and walked about a half hour through the New York City streets.
Along the way on the trains and in the streets I saw every type of person you can imagine. Every type of diversity was present. It was by far the most expansive diverse group of people I had ever seen or experienced in my life, even to this day!
The best part of seeing all these people was the fact that we were all headed in the same direct. Physically we were going in the same direction, barely any foot traffic was going opposite which is not typical in day-to-day NYC. And all of us mutually had a similar feeling of excitement which was shared by smiles, hellos, excuse mes, waves, etc - my cousin’s friend even commented that NYC was “friendly this evening.”
We were all headed to the fireworks! We were all going to celebrate the 4th of July, our Freedom, or at least just wanted to see the incredible fireworks!
I was reminded and overwhelmed with a feeling of thankfulness. I was thankful for the chance to be with the different types of people, thankful to be a part of the USA, thankful for the military members who make these celebrations possible, and thankful for the opportunities we have today.
As I reflect on this day, I wonder if the people headed to the fireworks this year felt the same “togetherness” as I felt 11 years ago?
I wonder if the pride or excitement we all felt heading to the fireworks was different or lacking due to the divisiveness of today?
Someone the other day said they weren’t celebrating the 4th of July because they aren’t particularly in love with our country right now.
It made me sad to hear this… but I understand there are many who feel this way.
It takes me back to the thought that we have much more in common as humans than we do differences.
And for a small moment in time, I hope people were able to come together, to celebrate, put differences aside, and at minimum enjoy the sparkling fireworks against an otherwise dark sky.
Week 27 of 52
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