It's funny how some songs can make you feel like you are back in a specific time and location. Lee Greenwood's "God Bless the USA" always reminds me of the Fourth of July at Turner Field. When I was in Atlanta, I spent every Fourth of July at the Braves game (and actually went back last year as well, even though I was living in Boston at the time...heck, they were playing the Sox!)
To me, it is the ultimate American thing to do for July 4: tailgate in the afternoon, eating potato salad and barbeque. Then wander into the stadium for a ballgame with hot dogs and beers. Finish up with the spectacular fireworks show that Turner puts on each year, set beautifully to patriotic songs. Also, if your seats are "bad" enough (i.e. high enough up) you can see about five different fireworks shows from neighboring communities like Decatur and Centennial park during the game.
One year, I went with Dan, Lance, and Laura. "God Bless the USA" came on in the middle of the show, as it does every year. I remember Laura standing up and singing her heart out. My favorite part of the song is when Greenwood sings, "From the lakes of Minnesota to the hills of Tennessee." There is always at least one section comprised of Tennessee folks who cheer that part, so now when I hear the song, I can practically hear the cheering after that line. It always reminds me of Laura standing and singing emphatically, and then all of us with our arms around each other watching the fireworks and singing along. Very wonderful memory.
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