Happy 4th of July!

This is the third year that I've been in Britain for the 4th of July (note, it's not July 4th, even though that is how we might say a date normally; we say, in America, 4th of July). For my first year, I didn't put too much stock into celebrating my country's independence day (aka America's Birthday), because living abroad was still extremely novel for me and I was having too much fun. There was also the fact that the Olympics were beginning a month later, so I put more emphasis on that. I even got to hold the Olympic Torch in Chapelfield Gardens!

This year, however, I was a little more aware of the goings-on in the UK and what was happening in and around London. Unfortunately, I didn't get the opportunity to go to the Democrats Abroad 4th of July Cook Out on the July 6th, but I am sure it was a blast. I did, however, celebrate with some of the visiting American students on the current running International Summer School on July 5th. 

Every year, around this time, is the Lord Mayor's Procession. This is a formal event with a parade (parallel 4th of July parades in most American cities), live entertainment and stalls with edible goodies and cool products (ditto for America), and finally, the most important part of the 4th, Fireworks (a huge must for any Independence Day celebration). The fireworks happened right over Norwich Castle, which set an excellent backdrop for the crowd and the fireworks. It was an incredible experience, when all of us Americans in attendance began singing the Star Spangled Banner (our nations National Anthem). It was a nice bonding experience for the Americans abroad, because most people eat and breath the 4th of July. 

Alas, if I am in England again next year, I will be better equipped with what's going on in this country to celebrate America's independence. Happy 4th of July (not July 4th!)!