Independence Day
It was Independence Day several years ago. Yes, I still call it Independence Day, not the 4th of July. The news media and all the businesses trying to sell you something can call it the 4th of July if they want, but to me, it will always be Independence Day.
A man and his son were crappie fishing. The lake was crowded with boaters, skiers, tubers, and kayakers. They had found a secluded spot away from the crowds on the main lake and caught a few crappie.
By late afternoon, it was starting to clear out and settle down so fishermen could enjoy it. They headed to one of their favorite fishing holes to go night fishing.
They liked to go there because of the eagles. When they idled into the cove, they saw an eagle perched in a tree. Then, they heard the sound of another eagle circling in the sky. It dove to the water, snagged a fish, and took it back to share with its mate.
The majestic bald eagle is a symbol of America. It was designated our national emblem by the United States Congress in 1782. It was good to see both of them on Independence Day.
Night started settling in. They were still a few fish short of their limit. Then the fireflies appeared everywhere. The male does the initial flashing, while the female may or may not flash back. The flashing supposedly communicates to the female something about the male that she might find desirable.
They sat there in wide-eyed amazement and watched them. Fireflies were high in the trees, hovering above the water, and all around their boat. The sky was darker than usual. Maybe that made their lights look like they were shining brighter, or they were trying to impress their lady friends that night. At the time, they did not care what the answer was. They just enjoyed the show they put on for Independence Day. They did wonder if the eagles were enjoying it too.
While watching the fireflies, they heard a boom, and saw fireworks exploding into multi colors in the night sky. They were coming from a house back in the cove. On a pole in their yard, our nation’s flag blew gently in the breeze illuminated by a floodlight.
Outside speakers played God Bless America as the fireworks continued. Being a veteran, the man stood in the boat, saluted our flag, and sang along with the song. A tear ran down his cheek. His son stood and put his hand over his heart.
The man told his son, “In this broken and divided America, we should remember what Independence Day is about. We all need to learn to get along.”
Driving home, the son turned to his Dad and said, “You have never talked about the time you spent in Vietnam. I am willing to listen.”
“Thank you, son,” his Dad said. “Maybe someday I will do that, but not today. I have enjoyed my time with you today on this special Independence Day.”
