Editorial

It’s probably overstating it a bit to say that this Fourth of July has

special significance.

But anyone who lived through the shock and horror of last September

knows that fireworks and festivities from this year’s Independence Day

celebrations will tug at our patriotic heart strings like never before.

Here in Huntington Beach, the holiday has always been punctuated by

the annual Fourth of July Day Parade down Main Street. The parade, billed

as the largest west of the Mississippi, attracts some 300,000 spectators

to Downtown.

The festivities will be capped off by the annual fireworks show at

Huntington Beach High School.

But don’t forget, there are many reasons to be cautious this year as

well. Some have speculated that July 4 will be a perfect day for a

terrorist attack, so we all should be on our guard.

Additionally, firefighters throughout the Southwest are being taxed

like never before as the some of the driest years on record are giving

way to fierce firestorms that have engulfed hundreds of thousands of

acres of timber and brush lands as well as hundreds of homes.

Except for public displays, fireworks are illegal in Huntington Beach

-- so beware.

The years of hooliganism that marred Fourth of July festivities here

in Surf City seem to be long gone, but that is largely because of the

tightened police presence and restrictions that have come over the years.

This year is not the time to become complacent and let those past

problems resurrect.

In sum, we would like to take this time to not only urge caution, but

remind you of a few reasons why celebration this year is very much in

order.

As you’re enjoying that hamburger or potato salad, taking part in a

gunny sack race or watching the fireworks glow, set aside some time to

reflect on just how fortunate we are to live in one of the greatest

nations on earth.

How fortunate we are to live in a country that values freedom and

human life and human dignity.

How fortunate we are that despite all of our disagreements, despite

our political and personal squabbles, the United States is as united as

ever and will never back down from any threat, terrorist or otherwise.

How fortunate we are to have those brave souls, firefighters,

policeman and others, who lost their lives trying to save others in the

terrorist attacks.

How fortunate we are to have the greatest military in the world, many

of whom are now across the globe defending our freedoms, risking, and

even losing, their lives to protect those freedoms.

So, yes, keep all those blessings in mind this year, and once again we

wish you a happy and safe Fourth of July.