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Celebrating the Fourth of July - 2020

Today, I was reminiscing about Independence Day celebrations of yesterday,
And how happy throngs commemorated the day as compared to today.
Corona virus and rowdy mobs have seized our orderly domain;
I'm left wondering!  Will the Fourth of July ever be the same again?

I recall home-town parades with John Deere tractors and prancing horses;
Marching men and women in uniform representing our armed forces;
Will this year, unruly rabble riot and treat Old Glory with disdain?
I'm left wondering!  Will the Fourth of July ever be the same again?

I recall flags displayed along Main Street undulating in the air;
And spirited Sousa tunes played by the high school band with flair;
I recall picnics in the park and backyard barbeques with friends and kin;
I'm left wondering!  Will the Fourth of July ever be the same again?

I recall concerts by the Philharmonic Orchestra in Memorial Park;
And the magnificent fireworks later when daylight turned to dark;
Will this year, misguided goons topple historic monuments they consider vain?
I'm left wondering!  Will the Fourth of July ever be the same again?

I have many fond memories of The Fourth in my nearly nine decades,
Teaching my kids the significance of the day and marching in parades.
I pray the courage of The Founders will not have been spent in vain.
I'm left wondering!  Will the Fourth of July ever be the same again?

Bob Hinshaw, CMSgt, USAF, Retired

Copyright © Robert L. Hinshaw | Year Posted 2020

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Panagiota Romios Date: 7/4/2020 8:30:00 PM Should have been POTD July 4th. Sorry, it was not. It's my POTD today.! You, your service and this country...all worthy of respect. Plus a masterpiece of a poem Panagiota Romios Login to Reply

Gershon Wolf Date: 7/1/2020 8:24:00 PM Great question; great refrain; great write; Robert! And my answer is --- not for a while, anyway... It'll take another misfortune like '9/11' to wake the 'woke' in this country of ours. ~ Reporting from the Republic of 'Chop,' (lol). Here's to the Red, White and Blue.. and to you, Sir! ! ~ Gershon Login to Reply

Tom Cunningham Date: 7/1/2020 4:53:00 PM Happy memories Robert, sadly our world has changed and the old values we treasurerd are fading, and like you I wonder will things ever be the same again. Brilliantly composed. Tom Login to Reply Robert L. Hinshaw Date: 7/1/2020 5:04:00 PM Thank you, Tom. I appreciate your taking the time to stop by and comment. Bob

Panagiota Romios Date: 7/1/2020 3:14:00 PM Phenomenal Robert...I wonder the same. A tear falls...you captured these times so exquisitelly. I saw a poll on OANN. news. Com as follows College student are less patriotic than HS students." Rewritten history buffs loathe America. They love masks only. And little fascists who will rat on you if not wearing one. Only Commies and Anarchist have fireworks but to destroy not honor the USA. Panagiota Login to Reply Robert L. Hinshaw Date: 7/1/2020 4:19:00 PM Thank you, Panagiota - I cherish your comments. Lets hope the Fourth will be commemorated with respect and dignity this year and always - Bob