INDEPENDENCE DAY

Independence Day celebrations are not unique to the United States of America, but 4th of July

celebrations are. In Germany the 4th of

July is just another day. No picnics, no Red, White and Blue, no baseball, no BBQ, or carnivals or fireworks either.

But on an American Post in Europe all these things are rolled into “lil America” and the celebrations in honor of the Declaration of Independence is in full swing. Hundreds of flags will be lining the streets on the post to welcome those of us that find this little refuge our home away from home. I have posted about this before but it is such a grand site to see all these American flags fluttering as you drive past on your way in to the heart of the post.

They have converted Huskey Field (the Sports Track and Field) into a small park with a carnival atmosphere. there will be concerts all day ling, a few ball games, Apple Pie contests, Dunk Tanks, a Bouncy Castle, food vendors selling good old American fare as well as a few German specialities and fireworks that are set to go off at 2300. I know, I know this is kind of late but it is not dark before then! I think I might take a late afternoon nap so that I will be able to enjoy the show and then not be so tired at work the next day anyway.

It will be my 2nd 4th of July in Europe and being this far from home you grow to appreciate the traditions you were raised up with around these holidays. But a time of change is upon us and the traditions we have associated with 4th of July will have to be modified to to go with the flow.