it’s independence day here in the states, the celebration of our country’s founding. like lilly lewin, i have mixed feelings about the good ol’ u.s. of a. these days. i mean, i love my country, i love it’s people and i love the church here (much of it), and i love the beauty of the land. but there are so many reasons why i’m a bit embarassed to be an american these days also. it’s like having a really odd misbehaving relative in your family — you’re embarassed by him, but still love him because he’s family.

anyhow, thousands of teenagers from dcla will be heading down to the washington mall (the giant strip of greenspace surrounding the washington monument) for outdoor concerts and, ultimately, the fireworks display tonite. i’m excited that we have a good view of where the fireworks will be from the large balcony in my hotel suite. so we’ll be hosting a group of people up here to watch them, rather than braving the crowds.

for a little festivity, here’s your own personal fireworks display.