Innocence and RemembranceA young child moves into the picture and into the open to get a better view of the fireworks.

     This photo is very recent, having been taken on July 4, 2015 at around 10:30 PM. This incited a powerful emotion. It is powerful in that it can lead to opportunities in this young child's curiosity. As beautiful as the fireworks are, these explosions, in the sky, are all there for us to remember how America became free. It is to remember our ancestor's brave retaliation to gain independence from a country that wanted control. 

     Imagine being a child, this young, and walking out onto your front porch or into your yard to see men fighting and dying. Imagine seeing massive explosions in the distance that rivaled this day of celebration, knowing that someone just got hurt somewhere. The colorful displays back then would be those that would cause fright rather than elation. Those men fought and died so that we could enjoy our nights of celebration and our freedom from tyranny. Our brave soldiers continue that fight, and with these celebrations, we keep them in our minds, our hearts, and especially our prayers.

     This child was seated with his family behind me, behind the fence. I could see why he would like to be in a position that was unobstructed by a mesh of wire. He stood on home plate, of this ball diamond, completely engulfed in the fireworks. He stood really still for about 30 seconds. His gaze was upward the entire time. Once this had ended, he turned and beckoned his dad to come join him. A few shots later, I had a photo of him and his dad sitting side-by-side on home plate. What a wow moment! No one else noticed him as they were all caught up in the celebration. 

     I hope you enjoyed your parties and celebrations this past Independence Day. Thank you for stopping by, and may God continue to bless our America.