Fireworks display is good investment in the USA's future

With all of our disagreements and problems, we still have a lot to be thankful for in the United States of America.

If we don't like the way things are going, we can talk about it among our friends, write a letter to the editor, even run for office. If we get enough people to agree with us, things can be changed.

It isn't that way in most countries -- in fact, it wasn't always that way in ours. And, we need periodic reminders that it takes hard work to preserve our way of life and the rights we enjoy.

We're coming up on one of those reminders. It's a reminder of the time when we decided, as a country, enough was enough. It was a time when the founding fathers put their lives and fortunes on the line to try to establish better lives for their families and generations to come.

The signing of the Declaration of Independence is something to remember and to celebrate. That's why, after a day of parades, barbecue and spending time with family and friends, we traditionally enjoy a good fireworks display. In years past, each family was in charge of its own commemoration of the Revolutionary War, but modern restrictions on the power and types of fireworks have made community displays more practical

That's also why the McCook Optimists Club should be saluted for taking on McCook's annual Fourth of July fireworks display for the third year in a row.

"Our Optimist Club members remember that growing up, one of the highlights of Independence Day was the great fireworks display that accompanied most every town's patriotic celebration," said Jim O'Dea, fireworks chairman for the Optimist Club. "In McCook, it was a tradition to go to the Elks Club to witness their incredible show. Not only did these displays color our summer skies, but they also brought a strong sense of pride in our homeland. We felt the need then to continue to provide the display on the Fourth to remind ourselves and our youth of the privilege we have living in the United States."

Again this year, the club has contracted with Stonebraker Rocky Mountain Fireworks Co. of Denver, to provide an outstanding show at the Red Willow County Fairgrounds at nightfall on Wednesday, July 4.

While the grandstands are open for the best viewing, the show will be large enough to view from a wide area, such as elsewhere on the fairgrounds or at the Jaycees Ballpark Complex. Thus, all of us should consider chipping in toward the club's $5,000 goal to help keep the annual show going.

Donations can be sent to the McCook Optimist Club, P.O. Box 272, McCook NE 69001-0272. Donors and sponsors will be recognized after the event with six sponsoring levels -- "Silver Salute," ($200-$499); "Atomic Salute," ($100-$199); "Comet," ($50-$99); "Fireworks," ($25-$49) and other donors of less than $25.

Yes, it does take a lot of money to put on a good fireworks show. But if it helps remind us of what we have and what it takes to preserve it, it will be a good investment.