Pinecones and Roses

Monday, July 4, 2011

Happy 4th of July

I hope you don't mind me indulging in a few very personal memories of July 4th.......... 
To me it's a tiny little American flag which our grandpa wore on his lapel.  I guess he wasn't very flamboyant - that was showy to him.  But this day was very special to him because it was the day we celebrated pride and love of our country.  Of course there were picnics, and he bought Roy Rogers cap pistols for my sister and I so we could shoot up the peace and quiet of the countryside.  There were black snakes and sparklers, maybe some little penny firecrackers, too.  Grandma brought her fried chicken and potato salad and a gallon jar of her own strawberries and a big yellow cake and whipped cream.  Once I remember a firework display over the lake.  Even at my young age (probably 3 or 4) I thought it was beautiful.  My dad and uncle were both serving in the Second World War and weren't there but Grandpa would hold me up to find them in the big, long picture of their graduating class from naval training.  I knew they were fighting over there and I knew our entire country was behind them because we were patriotic - ladies were knitting socks for the "boys in the service", people were on rations and we even saved the silver liner in gum wrappers to give back to the war effort.  Sugar wasn't available but Grandpa had bees and people came to him to buy honey.  Everybody waved the flag and got tears in their eyes when Kate Smith sang "God Bless America".  And I knew war was hell, the lady across the alley lost 3 sons in the war and she was very sad.  And I knew about Pearl Harbor. 

So many of our lifetime lessons are learned at a very young age.  So many things form our love for our country and yet I think that we all feel the same way a little bit, unless we don't at all.  Whatever memories and lessons have brought you to this day, and however you choose to celebrate,I hope you have a wonderful day on this birth of our country.                                      Diane

9 comments:

Betsy Banks Adams said...

I love reading your memories, Diane. There was so much patriotism back then... I wonder if people truly feel the same way now about our country as our grandparents did... I am very patriotic ---and was raised just like you were. So many wonderful memories...

God Bless our wonderful country.
Hugs,
Betsy

polkadotpeticoat said...

An amazing post......A very Happy 4th!

Ruth Hiebert said...

THose memories are very precious.I am thankful for the USA,even though I live in Canada.I think it is a privilege to be neighbours to a great country lit that.

Laurie said...

What a beautiful post Diane, your memories are so vivid I felt like I was there also. I hope your fourth was all you wanted it to be.

Pondside said...

I really enjoyed reading your memories, Diane. You write from the heart and it is incredibly moving. It's what keeps me coming back to your posts.

June said...

Reading your memories this morning have me feeling so humble about the blessings we all have because of the gift men like your father gave us Diane. I loved reading your sweet memories of how your family celebrated the day. Oh, you brought home some memories for you when you mentioned the cap pistols your grandfather gave ou. I loved those things!!!

You have such a beautiful trip to the mountains. Don't we live in the most beautiful part of the country? I have a hard time imagining myself living where there are no mountains. They are just part of my lucky life. I am so happy to know that you and Leonard were able to take advantage of such a beautiful drive.
I loved your shot of the lavender (blue) chairs and flax. What a great capture!
BTW, I LOVE your header!!!!
big hugs from here...

Ramblin Rose said...

Great post, Diane. You did very well in painting a picture of life in the 40's. If only some of those things could be captured today. We have bits and pieces but the entire picture will never be the same.
Love,
Patsy

mudderbear said...

Our world certainly needs bigger celebrations with more traditions and memories to go with them. Yours sounds so ideal. I also like the 'ice cream' post just below. I keep thinking of getting an ice cream maker...don't know what's stopping me...just plain ol' laziness, I guess.

Name: Amanda said...

I love the beautiful memories. Thank you for sharing. xobean