John Scalzi's Weekend Assignment #118: July 4th Memories

"As mankind becomes more liberal, they will be more apt to allow that all those who conduct themselves as worthy members of the community are equally entitled to the protections of civil government. I hope to see America among the foremost nations of justice and liberality."

-George Washington

Weekend Assignment 118: Share some favorite memories of July 4th. You can do it by telling a story or showing some of your favorite pictures of the day...or both! Pretty simple, because, after all, all of us here in the US have lots of July 4th memories.

For those of you in Canada, your favorite July 1st memories will do just fine.

Extra Credit: Note your other favorite historical event that happened on July, 4th. Birthdays, deaths, of notable people count as well.

-John Scalzi

Last July 4th, Alan and decided to go to the vista point on the Marin County side of the Golden Gate Bridge, to photograph the fireworks that were being set off from the Embarcadero in San Francisco. As we set up the tripods, and got things ready to go, we noticed a very loving young couple standing about 10 feet down the side of the rock wall where we set our equipment up. As the vista became more and more filled with families and couples waiting to see the fireworks, the couple moved a little closer to us. Right after the fireworks began, the young man pulled out of his pocket a small box, and presented his lady with a ring. "Will you marry me?" he said. "Yes." she replied. I was torn between photographing the fireworks and watching the cute couple. They were so in love. That's the fun thing about San Francisco, all the romance that one sees here and there throughout the city. It has some magnificent views, and it can be inspiring for those with a romantic soul. :)

My second favorite memory had to do with the first time Alan and I went into the city to see the fireworks. We decided late in the day to make the trek across the bridge, and thought we might head to Pier 39, to watch the fireworks from that area of the Embarcadero. Well, by the time we picked up some Chinese food from our favorite restaurant and made it over the bridge the Embarcadero was more like one big parking lot then anything else. Which worked out great, because it gave us an awesome view of the excitement. The fireworks were literally right in front of us. It was gorgeous, and also a little magical. For a spur of the moment idea, we did everything just right, time wise, to be in the right spot at the right time to see the fantastic fireworks display. :) It was a lot of fun. :)

Extra Credit: I have more then one favorite event, so here goes...

1865: Lewis Carroll tells Alice Liddell a story that would grow into "Alice's Adventures In Wonderland," and it's sequels. On July 4th, 1865, "Alice's Adventures In Wonderland," was published.

1927: Neil Simon, my favorite playwright, was born. I have spent more afternoons reading his plays. He is a genius. :) Sometime, maybe on the 4th of July, treat yourself, and read his play, "The Star-Spangled Girl." It's fantastic. :)

1965- President Lyndon B. Johnson signed the Freedom of Information Act into United States Law. The law went into effect the following year.

"Those who desire to give up freedom in order to gain security will not have, nor do they deserve, either one."

-Benjamin Franklin

-OndineMonet
"July 4th, 2005"
Vista Point
Marin County side of the Golden Gate Bridge
Sausalito, California
Evening