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Sometimes America's Freedom Festival at Provo is called one of the nation's top Fourth of July celebrations, but that may fall short. Not only may it be in some ways the best and biggest, but also the widest and most profound.
As for biggest, no matter how many people ooh and ahh watching fireworks or parades in bigger cities, we can't imagine that on a per capita basis anywhere outdoes Provo and Utah Valley in bringing people out to celebrate the nation's birthday.
Best is subjective, of course, but it's hard to find anyplace that does the holiday up so well. The only fireworks show we know that might have topped Stadium of Fire was during the 1976 bicentennial at the Jefferson Memorial in Washington -- and that kind of event only comes along once a century.
As for widest, we're not aware of any festival that offers so many kinds of events spread out over months. Most important, we don't know of Fourth of July celebrations that take such a profound look at what it means to be free and to be an American.
It's only fitting that celebrating the nation's birth provides plenty of opportunities for fun, and the Freedom Festival does a great job of that. Sports, entertainment and food will be available in abundance.
The July Fourth parade has become the gotta-be-there event for thousands of Utah Valley families. And, of course, the Stadium of Fire will entertain tens of thousands with the above-mentioned fireworks, talk-show icon Glenn Beck hosting, the Blue Man Group providing its special brand of entertainment and Miley something-or-other singing a little.
This holiday isn't just about picnics and fireworks, however. The Festival reminds us that freedom isn't just about how many cable TV channels we have to choose from, but is the result of sacrifice and courage.
Take the Freedom Award Gala July 2 at the BYU Wilkinson Student Center Ballroom. It honors people whose feats inspire awe.
• Honoree Jack Thompson has battled violence and obscenity in the media, despite pressure from giant media firms.
• Bill Farley started out selling encyclopedias door to door, and ended up making millions, and now shares his experiences in mentoring others.
• Immaculee Ilibagiza survived genocide in her home country of Rwanda; just as important, her faith flourished to the extent that she could forgive those who massacred her family.
• Air Force Major Brian Shul recovered from horrendous injuries in a plane crash to return to active duty and pilot the SR-71 Blackbird, the world's fastest, highest-flying jet.
These stories remind us that freedom can be demanding, yet it's worth sacrifices because it allows ordinary people to accomplish extraordinary things.
Or consider Ellis Island in the Park, July 3-5 at SCERA Park in Orem. The park will "become" Ellis Island for those days, offering visitors a chance to experience something of what it's like to come to America in search of freedom and opportunity. Participants play out what it's like to become an American citizen, studying 10 milestones of freedom in a field of flags, weighing the commitments, taking a 10-question citizenship test then going on stage to take the oath in front of family and friends. Those of us born here, who at times may take it for granted, have a chance to more deeply understand what it means to be American.
The Patriotic Service Sunday brings back Glenn Beck to lead an evening acknowledging the hand of providence that has seemed to bolster the nation at key points in its history. That's a note that's often lost in Independence Day festivities in many other places.
Other Freedom Festival activities allow us to experience the holiday, and what it means, from many angles. All in all, no American city offers such a deep look at America's freedoms, while providing so many ways to have a good time. All of us in Utah Valley should be glad we can enjoy this thrilling, meaningful series of events. |
