In Other Words with Dave

In 1976, on the Fourth of July, I was a 13-year-old kid standing on a rooftop in New Jersey with my family, watching hundreds of tall ships from around the world sail down the Hudson River toward New York Harbor. 

The event was called Operation Sail 1976. This massive gathering of ships was the centerpiece of our Bicentennial celebration and included more than 200 sailing ships from 30 countries. It felt like the entire world had come to celebrate America’s 200th birthday. 

We didn’t have a home with a view of the celebration, so climbing onto a rooftop was my stepdad’s idea. He immigrated to America as a young man through Ellis Island. He joined the Army, built a life, raised a family, and truly loved this country and the freedom and opportunities it gave him. He was determined that we would see the Tall Ships. At the time, I don’t think I fully understood why. Today, I do. 

I remember the excitement of the day and the amazing fireworks display over the Statue of Liberty. This year, LibertyFest’s fireworks return to UCO. For the first time in years, I’ll be able to see them from my own neighborhood — a long way and a long time from that rooftop in New Jersey. But I’ll be thinking about that rooftop, this great country, and how important it is to celebrate its birthday.