Nevada County Picayune and Gurdon Times Newspaper Archive

Writer recalls July 4 celebrations, considers the high price of freedom

It won't be long until July 4, 2006 is upon us and the loud booms of a $3,500 fireworks show are heard at the Gurdon High School once again.

Last year was my first experience with the local fireworks and I was pleasantly surprised at the huge attendance and elaborate show.

My wife Michelle, and stepchildren, Charity and Jacob, had just made it back from

their stay in Oregon the week before and we were all on hand to listen to the gospel singing and watch from the bleachers.

Mayor Clayton Franklin announced at the June 13 Chamber of Commerce meeting that the

big fireworks show will continue to be funded by a grant and donations in 2006.

Just before dark, last year, I slipped off to get a free hot dog and chat a minute, before heading back to the full bleachers and my family. I had been apart from them 21 months and the freedom to enjoy their company again was heavy on my mind.

The fireworks probably make many people think of the freedoms they have. Several have said they watch from the parking lot and still see the fantastic celebration of lights. One lady wants to move a lake to the football field for reflection beauty!

In my journey of life, fireworks have always had special meaning. I was a former Jaycee at Osceola and we sponsored the show there.

I remember how they threatened to ban it one year and one of my first newspaper editorials changed the mind of then Mayor Richard Pruitt. That was back in 1983.

In this era of war and bloodshed in Iraq, the show offers an even more serious time of reflection now.

Each boom reminds me there are those who are seeing bombs bursting for real, and of what it must have been like when Independence Day first happened.

I hope to see you out there. If you enjoy the show, remember to tell Lynn Failla and Pastor Jim Farris, as both are instrumental in making sure the annual event comes

off without a hitch.

Until next time, this is John, still on his Journey.