Patriotism Shines On July 4th, 2014
By Hope Wilkos, Writer
In a magnificent burst of brilliant color sweeping across the night sky to the sounds of patriotic tunes, we were reminded on July 4th of the freedom that we so enjoy here in the United States of America.
The tradition is always so spectacular as Macy’s gives us a light show we can never forget. They are on queue every year and attract millions of visitors to experience it first-hand. This year, 2014, the fireworks displayed were anxiously viewed by an excited and energetic audience and televised direct from the South Street Seaport, a historic area that has undergone extensive restoration and has been redefined after the wrath of Hurricane Sandy. It is located in the lower Manhattan area where Fulton Street meets the East River. With a light show this bright and this large, it had to be a huge production. Fireworks were set off from three barges as well as from the Brooklyn Bridge.
Not only was it a packed and patriotic crowd in one of the most appropriate settings to represent our freedom, but people all across the nation enjoyed the entertainment as well, directly from their living rooms as NBC broadcast the event live at the seaport with host Nick Cannon once again. Some of the most talented names in the musical industry made the evening even more memorable with their magical sounds. Ariana Grande rocked the fans in the waterfront park in Brooklyn followed by singing sensation Miranda Lambert and then Enrique Iglesias with his enchanting voice and hot dance moves.
In other parts of the country, we heard the nostalgic sounds of Lionel Richie, back on the music scene, as well as country crooners, Zac Brown Band, the all-around young country superstar, Hunter Hayes, and a change of pace with the unpredictable Miley Cyrus, sparkling from head to toe in red, white and blue, direct from the tour circuit.
Let’s not forget the real meaning of this historical day, the Fourth of July. This is the day that we honor and celebrate the outstanding job that are armed forces are doing, most of the time in harms way, to protect our precious country. At the beginning of the Fourth of July broadcast, President Obama came to the nation via the big screen in order to wish America a “Happy July 4th” and he saluted every single one of our soldiers along with their families.
This is what freedom and the Fourth of July is all about; family get-togethers, claps of thunderous colors across the night sky, uniting in friendship to share memorable times and most of all, celebrating patriotism and giving thanks to the good old USA!
Photos: George Whylie, Maxine Nolan-Whylie
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