“Eight grown Americans out of ten dread the coming of the Fourth, with its pandemonium and its perils, and they rejoice when it is gone–if still alive.”
– Mark Twain, Following the Equator

Big brass bands, parades, hotdog eating contests… all things Americana crowd the day. 

And, of course, fireworks light up the evening sky and thunder across the land from coast to coast. All attended by throngs of people compelled to be part of the celebration, even if they’re not quite sure what it is they are celebrating.  

But the best time for some is in the quiet of a summer’s evening, as the echoes of the loud and boisterous festival die away, unscathed and intact. Sometimes even Americans need to sit and reflect.