Fireworks

[Pburgh]

I love fireworks!! Being from Pittsburgh and having the Zambelli family right here, we see some of the best.

This year I went to Roanoke, Va. to visit my family for the holidays. We decided not to go into Roanoke for the BIG fireworks and opted to go to a very small town about 5 miles from my daughter's home and 15 miles from Roanoke. Fincastle, Virginia was founded in the 1700's. With a population of about 1000, they have brick roads and Victorian houses and it's one of the most beautiful little places I've seen in a long time. We pulled up to the Middle School parking lot next to the ball field. In the field, kids were turning summersalts, playing catch and chasing after one another while their parents and grandparents mingled, laughed and talked. The music playing over the loud speaker, yep you guessed it -- all American marching songs and patriotic hymns. We all rose to our feet and put our hands over our hearts as the Star Spangled Banner was played and cheered loudly afterwards. I saw a few cannisters which made me think that these fireworks would consist of a few sparklers and a couple good booms. Boy was I mistaken. These were absolutely the best fireworks I have ever seen. We had nonstop FINALE for 25 minutes as continual beautiful colors flashed over our heads. Afterwards, people cheered and waved their flags.

Now I don't know if it was the whole patriotic scene that got to me or the fireworks but I felt inspired. I felt that these 500 to 1000 people really knew the meaning of patriotism and freedom. They appreciated family and friends and the things I sometimes take for granted. They were proud to be Americans and showed that pride. I cryed.