7/05/2012

The 4th

I might have completely missed the 4th of July if it hadn't been for all my British friends. My day started with a text from Aranel wishing me a happy 4th of July. She's English. Then at coffee break as we discussed the day Martio (who is British) insisted that we needed to have a bonfire and fireworks in the parking lot after dark. He then proceeded to organise this event and that evening he stacked the wood himself (with some eager help, of course). So we ended up with a bonfire organised by a Brit, fireworks provided by another Brit, and as we all stood around the conflagration A suggested that we all sing the American National Anthem together. A lived in the UK until he was 14. It's nice being in an organisation where we can enjoy one another's cultures and celebrate together. We help them build their bonfire for Guy Fawkes on November 5th, as disturbing as we may find that practice, and they kindly provide us with rockets just as their ancestors did so many years ago over Fort McHenry. Next up is July 14. Does anybody know what that is?

2 comments:

Tom G said...

July 14th is Bastille Day, 1789
Also, Ft McHenry was actually Shelled during the War of 1812, but the Rockets were provided by the British.

laura said...

I know! I know! It's France's turn! I'm glad you got to enjoy the 4th and that it was calmer than last year. What a great group to work with : )