Man down! Man down!

Ok, so last night I started to hear the beginning of the upcoming holiday. Cheap-ass fireworks. Not that there is any way to avoid the 4th or the weeks leading up to the 4th. Every exit on every highway has a big tent filled with the same fireworks that has been around for years and years. Every place that sells anything has their Sale! Sale! Sale! Because what else says freedom like a new car, sofa, ring or pack of 18 bic pens?

I'm not a fan.

Don't get me wrong- I love the free day off of work and all. But I just don't get too into it. I don't go to see fireworks. I hate the crowds and the parking and the mosquitoes. And I don't get it.

Why, WHY do we celebrate holidays like the 4th, Flag day (you laugh but Appleton, WI is nuts about flag day), Memorial day- holidays that mark the end, beginning or middle of big ol' bloody wars- with fireworks?

I mean think about it! You get a bunch of veterans around, dress them up in their old uniforms and set off explosives?! Hello flashbacks! Let's celebrate with sounds of bombs and rapid fire?

Again, don't get me wrong- I'm as American as.... what ever is considered American these days- and I do like a lot of what I got. I guess I just don't get it. 

Happy 4th! GOOOOOOOOOOO America! U-S-A