The Sounds of War

For three nights, I have sat on the front porch listening and watching what most assuredly must be a war zone.  The sounds of what must assuredly be that of small arms fire has rang in my ears along with sound of 'rocket' launchers being heard.  The whistling of projectiles as they made way to their target was unmistakable through the night.  The acidic smell of the burning gun powder filling our noses and the air as it drifted through the air and across the night.  At night the landscape and skyline lit by the bursting shells bringing an eerie sight to the eyes accompanied by the seemingly constant burst of exploding ammunition.

What a relief it was to know that the sights and sounds were not those of a war zone but more a celebration.   What they were celebrating though I truly had to wonder.  Did the revelers have any idea of that which they celebrated which had been paid for by the lives of millions across countless lands, even possibly their own 'home?'  What the burst of 'gunfire' and exploding shells truly represented? 

Be it right or wrong, the blood has been spilled and lives given throughout the years, across miles by people of the United States, so that we may today live to celebrate.  Seemingly, the sights and sounds of the holiday go on with little or no recollection for the reason for the celebration.  It seems that the tradition of remembering and honoring has given way to the celebration and the time off.  How long will be before the time for celebration is also forgotten as seemingly as the reason for the celebration has?