Music with fireworks needs Fourth theme

I love the 4th of July. Sometimes we get caught up in the excitement and forget why we are celebrating it.

In my younger days, I participated in three unusual floats in Palatine parades: The Stamp Man (most humorous); 20-some-foot-tall Harry Caray singing "Take Me Out to the Ballgame" as he swung his giant arms (Mayor's Award winner); and as a tall Uncle Sam on the last one.

I've lived in Palatine since 1955 and have been to a majority of the parades. This year's fireworks were outstanding as usual. It was the first time that I'd staked out my parcel of land with an old sleeping bag that morning.

During the fireworks, we were entertained with music. Nothing in the music represented the 4th theme. There was no Bruce Springsteen or Kate Smith. Guess I'm aging myself when I say the music was louder than the fireworks. Several people complained. Some were even young.

I asked four girls nearby if they liked the loud music. They looked to be in their twenties. The loudness didn't bother them. That didn't surprise me. "The music is for 13-year-olds," said one.

The fireworks are enough entertainment. If they want to add music, turn the volume down and make the music in tune with our Independence Day or have none at all.

Don Miller

Palatine