Between the Raindrops.

A Note on the Fourth of July, 2026. America's 250 Anniversary.

I'm still thinking about July 4th. Even though it was the country's 250th anniversary, it didn't really feel like the celebratory frenzy that I've grown accustomed to.

Not to say that the Macy's Fireworks weren't spectacular-- they were incredible, along with the music selected. A "gala" in the sky--piquing many of the senses. But that's on TV and usually the culmination of a special day spent locally.

Despite planned celebrations and such, many people commented to me that it just didn't feel like the 4th of July this year.

Since then, I've been giving this some thought. Thinking about the day here in Sag Harbor, NY, I started to feel that there was something very special and "ultra-American" in small towns, with their parades, bbqs, and later fireworks that had people heading out to watch with blankets and chairs. In Sag, families, teens, individuals, couples--people of all ages headed down to Marine Park for the annual Fireworks display. Everyone was coming out!

Then, all of the sudden, the fireworks started early, and shortly after we got an alarm on our cell phones to take cover--a storm would be barreling through. And it did-- but not before the fireworks were done and all the people that came out for them scrambled for safe cover. Everyone was laughing and rushing home, or jumping into their cars if they were nearby, or into local restaurants--  finding shelter, and everyone was safe. Many were drenched but none the worse for the wear. It is our small communities--our friends and families and more broadly--our commitments to each other that make the "great experiment" work. All in it for the common good. All equal between the raindrops.