Every Fourth of July, Americans gathered in town squares and open fields to watch fireworks explode overhead—a ritual of national pride and community celebration. For ordinary families, the holiday meant a rare day off work, speeches, parades, and the spectacular nighttime show that capped the festivities.
The sky cracks open with light. Sparks rain down in showers of red and gold as the crowd gasps and points upward. Children press against their parents' sides, eyes wide, as another shell bursts in a perfect bloom above the rooftops.
Reflect
What community celebrations bring your neighborhood together today?