On the evening of July 4, citizens arrived to enjoy the annual fireworks display.

Sitting near Fountain Lake, we enjoyed sitting with hundreds of people who were awed by bright colors against a dark sky. Though a gentle rain fell, few felt it was necessary to leave.

As the last of the colors faded into the night, a young child — a boy around 5 years old — excitedly proclaimed, “God bless the U.S.A.”

Kudos to the parents of this child who are training him to be aware of our great nation and guiding him toward patriotism.

Carol Bybee

Albert Lea