Happy 4th of July!!

Wikipedia says that Independence day is...An Independence Day is an annual celebration commemorating the anniversary of a nation's assumption of independent statehood, usually after ceasing to be a colony or part of another state, more rarely after the end of a military occupation. Most countries honour their respective independence day as a national holiday and some countries or nations' independence-date honours are contested. Declaration of independence from the Kingdom of Great Britain in 1776.
The 4th of July has always had mixed feelings in my own mind. As kids growing up we never bought fireworks except for sparklers. My dad had something against it; maybe it was cause he was in the army, for our safety, too expensive, etc. Not really sure. But man when we were kids it sure did suck and we did get made fun of alot, but thankfully are friends just let us light their fireworks (this did include bottle rocket wars). Also growing up we always watched fireworks in Gladstone while sitting in the back of my dads truck in the parking lot of my high school. They had awesome fireworks, it still is the best fireworks that I have seen in my 30 years.
As an adult I have spent almost every 4th of July at my friend Cameron's dad's house in Excelsior Springs, MO (a.k.a. E-town). In this environment we eat several times, play bocce ball, play golf ball toss, watch the kiddos swims or play on the slip in slide. We also part take in a fireworks display put on my Cam's dad David and his brother Brad. At times there are some things blown up such as watermelons and pumpkins. This use to be way cool - however I now think that there are too many kids around that it could be a tad on the dangerous side. I do not have much say though cause I am a guest with no kids! I have only missed this event 2 times, 1 time I made an unexpected trip to St. Louis and the year after that I did nothing.
I think that the 4th is kind of silly - we blow things up to celebrate our independence. However it is probably on the list of holidays I enjoy - why? - cause it is a holiday where you just show up and eat!! No gifts are needed.
Well enjoy your day of independence wherever you are and however you celebrate. Just be smart if you are lighting firecrackers.