Americans are celebrating Independence Day today, and there will be lots of fireworks.

I had thought a reflective essay on the idea of America might be appropriate. It is a country with perhaps the loftiest ideals of any nation – and all to often fails to live up to its own standards. I guess that happens when humans are involved.

I have often wondered if one of the problems was being birthed in rebellion. That has to have some sort of affect on a nation, probably not a good one.

But we’ll leave those thoughts for another day and today just enjoy the fireworks. Most of these dislays are from Old Orchard Beach, Maine, though none on July 4. You can probably figure out which one is from Germany. (I was going to throw in some Canada Day fireworks as well, but decided not to for some reason.)