U-S-A!

So I’m writing by firework-light, which is just about as difficult as it sounds.  I’m also sitting in the middle of the Echo Valley softball field amongst a crowd of Singing Hills and Echo Valley counselors, campers, and support staff.  In fact, just about all of LLYC has turned out to see this once-a-summer spectacle.

It’s the fourth of July, of course, and Echo Valley has been abuzz with celebratory patriotism all day.  We’ve taken a hike to the Red, White, and Blue Hole and have eaten fresh-grilled hamburgers.  We’ve even tweaked our session theme, “Where’s Waldo,” to serve patriotic purposes.  Need to complete your flag, George Washington?  Just ask the guy in red and white stripes to stand still.

It’s all been a lot of fun but the finale, the pinnacle of today’s American festivities is definitely the fireworks show.  And never before, I dare boast, has there been so perfect a fireworks show in the history of LLYC.  A full rising moon takes a patient back seat behind us.  To the west, a building storm perches above the canyon.  It thunders and flashes in reply as volley after volley of our bright rockets take to the sky.

At home plate the Smoke Wagon, Echo Valley’s portable sound system, offers up tunes like “Route 66,” “Born in the USA,” and “America the Beautiful” for the crowd to join in.  And we sure do.  Along with the singing, I hear cheers, screams, and applause whenever a particularly terrific canister bursts.  No doubt we’re all enjoying this amazing time.  No doubt we’re proud to be Americans.

“We win!” someone shouts over the clamor.  Immediately a chant starts up in reply.  “U-S-A!  U-S-A!  U-S-A!”