***image1***One of my favorite memories is July 4, 1988. I was stationed at the Pentagon and living in Virginia. Several friends had boats and we all decided to meet with our families and friends on the Potomac River, just across from the Lincoln Memorial and the Washington Monument. We knew a huge fireworks display was planned that evening.That afternoon was a typically hot and humid summer day in Washington, D.C.
My son, John Eric, was 8 years old at the time, and there were other kids his age which really added to the fun.Boating on the Potomac on the Fourth of July is quite a tradition in the D.C. area. Literally hundreds of boats show up for the event. There are famous bands that play music to huge crowds on the Mall next to the Washington Monument.
We got there early so we could do some water skiing right in front of the Pentagon. It’s almost true that my son learned to ski in downtown D.C.!
After rendezvousing with our friends, we tied our boats together. People were climbing from boat to boat, eating, drinking and telling stories. Festival goers walking on the river bank near the Watergate Hotel looked at us with envy. Some members of our group docked and went onto dry land to watch the official festivities, but most were satisfied just staying in the boat.
As evening approached, we set up our grills. We bought shrimp at the Fish Market, one of my favorite places in D.C.
Every boat was equipped with music and we had a blast groovin’ to our favorite tunes, everything from Willie Nelson to Metallica. To the delight of
those in the other boats around us, we sang “Oh Lord It’s Hard to be Humble” at the top of our lungs.
At about 9:30 p.m., we started jockeying for the best position to observe the fireworks, and we found the ideal spot with the Lincoln Memorial aligned perfectly with the Washington Monument and the Capitol. Every boat was tuned to the same local radio station that was playing patriotic music.
Picture this − literally hundreds of people, mostly perfect strangers, anchored in the middle of the historic Potomac River, singing “God Bless America” in unison.
At 10 p.m., the radio announcer asked for silence and the same crowd stood up in their boats with their right hands over their hearts as the “Star Spangled Banner” played. What followed was the most stupendous fireworks display I have ever seen. It was a very memorable day and evening.
On behalf of all the AdvantiPro staff, I hope you are able to celebrate with your family and friends and I hope you take the time to think about the importance this day embodies − not only for all Americans, but for the entire world.
Have a safe and happy Fourth of July!
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***image1***One of my favorite memories is July 4, 1988. I was stationed at the Pentagon and living in Virginia. Several friends had boats and we all decided to meet with our families and friends on the Potomac River, just across from the Lincoln Memorial and the Washington Monument. We knew a huge fireworks display was planned that evening.That afternoon was a typically hot and humid summer day in Washington, D.C.
My son, John Eric, was 8 years old at the time, and there were other kids his age which really added to the fun.Boating on the Potomac on the Fourth of July is quite a tradition in the D.C. area. Literally hundreds of boats show up for the event. There are famous bands that play music to huge crowds on the Mall next to the Washington Monument.
We got there early so we could do some water skiing right in front of the Pentagon. It’s almost true that my son learned to ski in downtown D.C.!
After rendezvousing with our friends, we tied our boats together. People were climbing from boat to boat, eating, drinking and telling stories. Festival goers walking on the river bank near the Watergate Hotel looked at us with envy. Some members of our group docked and went onto dry land to watch the official festivities, but most were satisfied just staying in the boat.
As evening approached, we set up our grills. We bought shrimp at the Fish Market, one of my favorite places in D.C.
Every boat was equipped with music and we had a blast groovin’ to our favorite tunes, everything from Willie Nelson to Metallica. To the delight of
those in the other boats around us, we sang “Oh Lord It’s Hard to be Humble” at the top of our lungs.
At about 9:30 p.m., we started jockeying for the best position to observe the fireworks, and we found the ideal spot with the Lincoln Memorial aligned perfectly with the Washington Monument and the Capitol. Every boat was tuned to the same local radio station that was playing patriotic music.
Picture this − literally hundreds of people, mostly perfect strangers, anchored in the middle of the historic Potomac River, singing “God Bless America” in unison.
At 10 p.m., the radio announcer asked for silence and the same crowd stood up in their boats with their right hands over their hearts as the “Star Spangled Banner” played. What followed was the most stupendous fireworks display I have ever seen. It was a very memorable day and evening.
On behalf of all the AdvantiPro staff, I hope you are able to celebrate with your family and friends and I hope you take the time to think about the importance this day embodies − not only for all Americans, but for the entire world.