As democracy is the government of the people, by the people, for the people, the local people of East Mississippi and West Alabama gathered Saturday on the lazy lake of Bonita to once again celebrate the birthday of their nation.
Though fireworks were the main event, they weren't the only thing painting the sky with patriotism. The Korean War heritage air display by Meridian's L-17 formation team wrapped Meridian's Bonita Lakes Park with a sense of devotion to both country and community as families and revelers stood to pledge their allegiance to the United States of America.
With Willie Nelson's "Through the Mississippi Darkness Rolling Down to the Sea" appropriately playing in the background, celebrators enjoyed various activities on the picnic-friendly grounds.
Though the Meridian Symphony Orchestra did not perform this year, the community welcomed the classic rock boom of the popular local cover band Kabana to usher in the city's annual exhilarating fireworks.
Tiffany Dover, 10, and her brother Michael, 16, from Hickory, enjoyed a game of baseball below the Mississippi sky while anticipating live music, colorful vendors, or maybe even just their first hunger pain.
"It's really exciting to come out here," said Tiffany.
As food and fun lined the roads, locals such as Adrian Robinson from Meridian brought their families to simply "enjoy the fourth."
Flanked by the barbecue smoked sky, silhouetted cartwheels, and the faint splash of wind-swept bubbles, Meridian's newly inaugurated mayor, Cheri Barry, spoke on the brilliance of this country's foundation. "We are truly the land of freedom," she said.
So as the community rested Saturday night, they were no doubt pleased at the sights and sounds of the night ... all in the name of patriotism.
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