Has anyone ever taken their Chevy to the levee, but the levee was dry? While the good ‘ol boys are drinking whiskey and rye? Singing about the day the music died?
Man, I dig those rhythm and blues!
If you’re wondering why I’m heavily referencing Don McLean’s “American Pie,” it’s because it’s almost America’s birthday, and boy, let me tell you, I could fly like an eagle with all my excitement right about now. (Steve Miller Band, anyone?)
I think the Fourth of July is an important time to reflect on the rights and wrongs of the country and what it means to be an American.
Recently, we had a presidential debate between a candidate who is literally a convicted felon and another who could be taken down by a sip of a McDonald’s Sprite.
Honestly, they’re both fantastic, but I wish we had someone a little bit older in the running.
There are also other important things going on right now in the country and worldwide that should garner your attention as we celebrate our independence.
That’s why today, I’m going to focus on what I believe is truly important around this time of year: hot dogs, bodies of water, and rock and roll.
If you’ve read my previous column, you know I traveled to Japan for about two weeks. It was truly a wonderful experience, and I’m waiting for the day that I can go back.
But, as the days went on, my cousin and I kept talking about how we wanted to be back on American soil.
We missed water and Gatorade with the sippy lids, talking loudly in public spaces, driving our own car, and red 40 dye in most foods and drinks.
As we touched ground at the Denver airport and made our way through customs, we looked at each other and jokingly cawed like an eagle. We were home.
As I drove home from Denver back to western South Dakota, I got two Slim Jims, a bag of potato skins, an American Star water with a sippy lid, and a Cherry Coke Icee.
That feeling of pure American bliss is one I feel every Independence Day.
My family usually spends the day on the golf course, blasting American rock and roll as we tee it high and let it fly.
Others spend the day near a body of water, with their uncle driving the boat so fast that when they fly off the inner tube into the water, it’s as if they’ve slammed into a glass wall.
Some don’t leave their own yard, grilling hot dogs and 100% American beef burgers while a game of badminton or cornhole is getting a bit heated in the background.
And at the end of the day, the fireworks.
When I was younger, my family and I would watch the fireworks show at Mount Rushmore. I don’t think it gets more American than that.
It’s wild how colorful explosives can captivate a 3-year-old just the same as a 73-year-old.
So, when the jester sings for the king and queen in a coat he borrowed from James Dean; or when you’re on your second slice of American pie this Fourth of July, think of the little things that make this country America.
