The Fourth of July in Atlanta

Allison and I spent the Fourth of July in Atlanta.  We began our day by running with 60,000 other people the Peachtree Road Race, a 6.2 mile (10K) tradition in Atlanta.  I ran my first one in 1975, but for Allison, this was her 31st in a row.  It was very hot and humid this year, even at 7:30 in the morning.  I don't want to talk about times, but to say that it was privilege not only to be able to run, but to finish and enjoy the festivities.  The Peachtree Road Race is really not a race (except for the first way of runners), it is an event.

This beautiful mall was once an open-air, one story square

After a nice lunch and a movie, we strolled through Lenox Square Mall looking at shops, having a Chic Fil A peach milkshake, and reminiscing about our childhood days when Lenox Square was an open-air square, and then later when in high school, I worked for two years at the Lenox Square Theatre.

In the evening, we took in another Atlanta tradition, the fireworks at Lenox Square.  Over 150,000 show up every year to watch the 15-minute fireworks display celebrating the birthday of the United States.  We watched in the rain!

But all day long, I kept getting emotional when I would see the American Flag or hear the National Anthem.  Someone posted on my Facebook page "The Story of the National Anthem," which I had never heard.  Wow!  To hear the story, click https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vFXjoa6-p-.4&feature=player_embedded#at=41.

COLLECT FOR INDEPENDENCE DAY
O Lord God Almighty, in whose Name the founders of this country won liberty for themselves and for us, and lit the torch of freedom for nations then unborn:  Grant that we and all the people of this land may have grace to maintain our liberties in righteousness and peace; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. AMEN.