The Fourth of July holiday falls midsummer when everything is growing, the flowers are blooming, and the weather can be at its warmest. This year, celebrations started for me with a trip to Des Moines with my husband, oldest son, and our good friends to watch the Yankee Doodle Pops on the lawn of the capitol.
We took a picnic along so that we could enjoy our evening meal outdoors. The jazz band from Drake University provided the pre-concert entertainment. They were fabulous. Then the Des Moines Symphony started their portion of the evening with selections from a range of jazz and popular music with patriotic songs sprinkled throughout.
As they played Tchaikovsky’s 1812 Overture, canons on a hill behind us shot off loud explosions in time to the music. Then the fireworks began in dazzling display over the Des Moines skyline. It was such a perfect way to usher in the holiday weekend, sharing in the music and the show with other Iowans on the lawn of our capitol building, and enjoying a pleasant evening outdoors with family and friends.
On the Fourth, we spent the lunch hour and most of the afternoon at the farm with my husband’s family. Toward evening, they watched the parade while I walked in it with other staff from Pella Regional. The city band concert followed by Pella’s firework display finished off the evening.
I’m mindful of the events happening in our government this weekend as well. The President traveled to Des Moines and was at the Iowa State fairgrounds while we were at the Yankee Doodle Pops. On Friday, the bill was signed by the Speaker of the House, and military planes flew over the capitol in Washington D.C. As a country, we are entering our 250th year. This is why the President came to Iowa. The celebration is starting this year, and his visit was the kick-off to the festivities.
We have much to be thankful for as Americans. I think of the people who have served and are serving in the military to defend freedom. I think of the leaders God raises up to guide, to bear the burden of decision making, and of relations with foreign countries.
I marvel at the intricacy and flexibility of American government. When it functions the way intended, it works for the common good, giving as many people a voice and a measure of power as it possibly can.
I’m grateful for the chance the Fourth gives us to wave the flag, to honor the people who serve, and to remember that we are one nation under God, as our currency says. May he continue to show his grace and long-suffering toward us as he leads us through good times as well as the difficult ones. May we have the respect for him to listen and to follow.
I love patriotic music and enjoy listening to it when the opportunity arises, so I could list many favorites here to share, but I will just choose two. Click on the titles below to listen to America the Beautiful and God Bless America. Timeless and inspiring songs to bolster our belief in our nation, and to remind us who is ultimately in charge, not just in America but in all the world.
Listen to America the Beautiful
Listen to God Bless America
