It’s a wonder I survived my childhood. I never owned a bike helmet. I didn’t eat all my vegetables. And I always fiddled with fireworks to make them blow up in ways they weren’t designed to.

This in spite of the fact that my first encounter with something blowing up that I can remember actually scared the living daylights out of me.

I couldn’t have been much older than five. My older brother came back into the house after emptying the trash into the cans behind our garage. He remarked that the transformer atop the telephone pole in the corner of our back yard was making a gurgling noise. We all stepped out into the summer night to gaze up at the metallic beast wondering what was going on.

Then it blew.

KABLAM!! Like a mortar shell had just landed twenty feet away from us. The biggest fireworks display in the whole neighborhood – EVER! Every house on the block went dark! Mom spent the next hour trying to pry me out of her lap after getting me to calm down. Maybe that’s why I’ve always been so jumpy ever since.

The July 4th holiday brings to mind many fond childhood recollections. For many years, my family went to the local town square for a flag raising ceremony followed by a pancake breakfast. Were we more patriotic back then or is that just my memory playing with me?

I dunno, but one thing I’m pretty sure about. What is it about fireworks that the older you get, the smaller and less impressive they seem to be? I’m talking about the kind you buy at the local stand and light yourself. Is it just me or are they really getting chintzier as time goes by.

Anyway, it’s always good to get a few pictures of the day’s festivities with family and friends. If you’ve always wanted to photograph the big fireworks show but weren’t sure if you could do it right, check out this article on how to photograph fireworks displays.

Here are a couple of my favorites from the galleries of those who were able to capture great images of their local show.

Stay safe out there and remember to take a moment to remember the sacrifice of those who fought to give us our independence.