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 Fourth of July

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

Sadly, here in Newport-Mesa, a little something will be missing this

year. The annual Dunes fireworks won’t go off as usual, leaving the skies

empty over the Back Bay. But something tells us that the air in Costa

Mesa, one of the few Orange County cities to allow “safe and sane”

fireworks, will be in full bloom.

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. In West Newport,

police will be busy enough with the typically rowdy crowds.

Additionally, firefighters throughout the Southwest are being taxed

like never before as 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.

So be careful with those boxes of fireworks.

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,

policemen 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.