Jana C.
Yelp
Another wonderful and memorable year of celebrating together, of community, and remembering that we are indeed proud, patriotic, and free.... not to be taken lightly.... thoughts that went through my head watching the head-spinning dizzying array of blooms, twizzlers, multi-thunderous frenzied fireworks over the water as the Oakland East Bay Symphony played their hearts out....
The two male hikers in Evin Prison in Tehran are still incarcerated...thoughts of China and North Korea, Afghanistan, the Middle East, many of the African countries that know only civil war that has torn apart the very fabric and foundation of their livelihoods... it brought tears to my eyes, standing in the dark and watching a celebration that we very well may take for granted. I think of communism, of history, of those who fight valiantly in small or huge endeavor, and plow through the adversity for that glimmering shred of hope...of freedom.
I came a year ago to the very same celebration; the venue and program just keep getting better (as the parking situation gets worse...$10 at the event. Otherwise, be prepared to walk a chilly 15-20 mins. gonna try my hand at biking next year)
Vine/beer vendors (swanky kiosk!), ice cream, burgers, hot dogs, fancy pants food...
Had a lovely time with some neighbors and friends. I feel very, very blessed to be a child of immigrants, born on American soil, who is familiar with how easily my life could have sprouted and been charted the other way.... impoverished, in a village, under Communist auspices.
I glory in being an American, and hope not to forget the journey that brought this country to independence, and all of the cascades of blessings ensuing from this. Amen.
PS Faves were the great tunes from Sound of Music, and the OEBS Junior Division winner who, at 13 y.o., played the first movement of Chopin's concerto. 'twas amazing... I hooted and howled and clapped as loud as I could. He was inspiring, stirring something deep and hidden for me... of youth, aspiration, determination, discipline.. and, for me, dashed dreams once upon a time.