Day: July 7, 2018

I enjoy our Independence Day Holiday. I always have. As a young lad, it was all about barbecue and fireworks. And I can remember some awesome fireworks displays.  Of course, that meant a lot of time with family and friends. There was usually enough historical background to ensure an appropriate patriotic mood.  I  grew to appreciate the history of the Declaration of Independence, but I must admit, in my younger days, it was about the fireworks.

Today, the fireworks are still fun!  When I experience that final barrage I am reminded of that famous line from the Star-Spangled Banner: “and the rockets red glare, the bombs bursting in air, gave proof through the night that our flag was still there.” It is an emotional connection for me.  At my age, I’ve had plenty of time to better understand the history behind the Declaration of Independence and the revolutionary war that followed. Our founding fathers, particularly the signers of the declaration put themselves at great risk to chart a new course for our country. Few of them survived the war unscathed. Many lost everything, including their lives and their families.  That was a serious commitment which gives added meaning to the day.

For the past three years, I’ve joined one of my alumni buddies, Dennis to cheer on the runners participating in the Peachtree Road race. The official name of this 10-K is the AJC Peachtree Road Race, a 4th of July tradition that began over 40 years ago.  The event is organized by the Atlanta Track Club and hosts 60,000 runners and walkers of all ages and ability.  All finishers receive a T-shirt and the first 1000 receive a commemorative Top 1000 Finisher’s Mug.

Dennis has been attending the Peachtree 10-K for over 20 years.  He has staked out a location at the 1.2-mile mark where he can cheer on the runners and pour Bloody Mary’s and Mimosa’s for the other spectators. As Dennis had his hands full with a megaphone broadcasting his message, I tended bar.  Many spectators arrived at the beginning of the race holding a cup of coffee, usually from Starbucks, but other local competitors were also represented.  Many brought their dogs along to enjoy the fun.  After thirty minutes or so, as the sun rose over the buildings, the demand for an adult beverage increased. I enjoyed pouring those drinks and getting to know the local residents.

We weren’t the only ones distributing free beverages. We have come to know a group of Georgia Tech alumni who like to set up one block south of us on the same side of the street. Their group gets larger every year, including wives and significant others.  Great people, they serve runners and spectators cold beer in the can from the back of two pick up trucks. They set a record this year, distributing 1800, 12-ounce cans.  As shown in the picture I included at the beginning of this post, they were decked out in star-spangled garb. Dennis is faithful about promoting these guys to the runners as they pass. I can still hear him say “the next beer stop is one block south.”

By 9:30 a.m. or so all the runners had passed, so we packed up and headed off for breakfast.  As we left we made sure to say our goodbyes, and take pictures with our fellow spectators.  The rest of the day was about nap-time, hamburgers fresh off the grill, a beer or two, and a fine cigar.  Yes, Independence Day was as much fun as ever, however, this year seemed a little bit sweeter, as the economy is in great shape.  Friday’s job’s report indicated that 213,000 additional non-farm workers became employed.  Excellent!  The unemployment rate ticked up a bit to 4% as more people decided to get off the sidelines to look for work.  That is a statistic worth celebrating!

There’s a clear value in setting aside time to reflect, take stock of our blessings, and to show gratitude.  Federal holidays are important in that respect.  I cannot help but think that setting aside time each day for a similar reflection is a great way to stay grounded.