Independence Ride Day 3 - Fireworks

July 4, 2009
Fort Collins, CO

Like I said, of course there is a Fireworks post. What more perfect ending could I prescribe for an Independence Day Ride than fireworks? We had the good fortune to land in the hotel across the street from the park where festivities were in full swing in Gunnison, Colorado. There was a huge crowd of revelers gathering, all ages, all ethnic cultures, all 100% American. There was live music and dancing, cotton candy and hot dogs, and children running in wild abandon. By the time the fireworks began, the park where we stood was full to overflowing and the college campus across the street was taking the overflow.

Some say: There's no patriotic spirit left in America... Americans are no longer proud to be Americans. Americans are apathetic, complacent, detached, unwilling participants in a land built on the concept of FREEDOM... You know, I'm talkin' about that ol' life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness routine.

No patriotic spirit! Snort! I heartily beg to differ! What we saw on our ride today through the cities and small towns of southwest Colorado was Americans out in huge numbers, lining parade routes, gathering for picnics in the park, firing up the BBQ, riding, cycling, running mountain roads, and celebrating Independence Day in classic good ol' American style. Old Glory adorned buildings, fences, town squares, all sorts of vehicles (including our own), hats, kerchiefs, t-shirts, even the pets were decked out. People carried blankets and lawn chairs blazing with America's colors. And, when the crowd grew quiet for the beginning of the fireworks ceremony - it wasn't long before nearly all of us were proudly singing along in discordant oneness, our beloved National Anthem. We cheered the fireworks. We applauded at the end.

So, here's what I say to those idiotic pronouncements that America is all but dead. I don't think so. When it comes down to the nitty-gritty and it will... please be advised: The widely accepted perception of America and Americans is totally w-r-o-n-g. The inept inhabitants of Congress, the White House, governor's mansions, the hollywood hills and studios of mainstream media are not - I repeat - NOT who you will have to deal with when the going gets tough. The aforementioned people are not representative of real Americans. Yeah - it's a problem - we're workin' on it. The real Americans were dancing in the street tonight. I am more than ever confidant those same Americans will unite to fight in the very same streets tomorrow if need be. So, if you (whoever you are) come knockin' with the idea America is a pushover for your non-American agenda - I believe you can count on some rowdy resistance from real Americans and count us proudly in their number.

Enjoy the fireworks! This is one of the best exhibitions we have ever witnessed! Parts 1-3.

Fireworks – Gunnison, CO - July 4, 2009 (part 1)

Fireworks – Gunnison, CO - July 4, 2009 (part 2)

Fireworks – Gunnison, CO - July 4, 2009 (part 3)