I have celebrated the 4th of July in many different places. Over the years, I remember celebrating with friends in Manassas, Winchester and Fairfax VA, with family in Salem and Morgantown WV, and away from home in Indianapolis IN. This year, I happened to be in Hinsdale, IL.

The morning started off with, well, catching up on sleep. 🙂 But of course I was ready for the day by the time the Hinsdale Parade started.

 
At noon, many of the staff gathered on the "hill" for some recreation, namely ultimate frisbee and volley ball.

In the late afternoon, we enjoyed a traditional 4th of July picnic into which much hard work and careful decorating had been invested. It was more than a picnic as we also enjoyed the outcome of the homemade dessert contest.

To conclude the afternoon, Mr. Barth gave an invigorating speech on freedom and gratefulness. Cheers went up for "Mr. Barth for president!" 🙂

The 4th of July just doesn’t seem complete without fireworks. In the evening, at a nearby park, and with camera in hand (rather, on a tripod), we enjoyed watching the amazing display of colorful fire bursting in air. Also over the years, I can remember trying to photograph fireworks. This time, I could work based on experience and was amazed at how truly simple such a complex subject can be captured.

These times of celebration are important. They help us to review what God has done in the past and be inspired to trust God in the present. I look forward to celebrating America’s birthday many more times in many more places in the future.