A Fun Fourth (or Fifth).

I just got back from a long weekend spent visiting family in the Hudson River Valley area about 60 miles north of NYC.  It was a good time! 

We visited some sights, saw a hilarious production of Twelfth Night, and went to West Point's 4th of July celebration (which was actually on the 5th).  One of my favorite Fourth's was the one we spent at West Point when I was in high school, and I was so happy to be able to go again!  If I had to show someone from a foreign country how we celebrate Independence Day, this is where I would take them.  There are thousands of people on blankets with picnic dinners:

The newest cadets (class of 2012 - babies!) file in and sit, carefully supervised by upperclassmen: 

Then parts of the Declaration of Independence are read, and the history of the flag is told, with a new cadet from every state marching in with their state flag, starting with the 13 colonies, all the way through to Hawaii.  We cheered loud and proud for the Palmetto state, and I'll admit, I gave a little yell for the Sooner state as well.  

My mom and aunt enjoying our picnic dinner:

A self-taken picture of me and mom:

After all the beginning ceremonies, the Academy band plays all kinds of different patriotic pieces, and ends with Tchaikovsky's 1812 Overture right as the fireworks start over the Hudson River.

I don't think you can get more Americana in one place.  And I love it.