Ever since I was a little girl, the Fourth of July has been a very important holiday for our family. I remember when I was about five years old and living in Fukaoka, Japan, our family situated itself right under the huge fireworks display so that it looked like the gleaming bright lights were coming right towards us (I seem to remember some ashes landing on my headband, but I am prone to over dramatization so I’ve never been sure if my memory was accurate!). Historically President Kennedy had been assassinated the previous November, so Itizuki USAF Base where my Dad was stationed seemed to go all out for this particular Fourth of July celebration. Even today both of my parents remember how kind and respectful the Japanese people were to them after our President’s passing. Little did I realize my father’s TTY’s were because of the nearby Vietnam War. (more…)