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