We had another wonderful 4th of July holiday yesterday. I honestly can't think of a better place to spend the 4th than in Washington D.C. Wendy and I have lived here since August 2000, and we've gone to the National Mall to watch the fireworks each and every year. Quite honestly, every year I think it is the best fireworks display that I've ever seen. Although, this year we really cut it close on time. 

It seems we have the trip downtown down to a science. We left the house just after 8:00pm, walked to the metro, hopped the blue line to the Arlington Cemetery stop, and began the trek across the Memorial Bridge towards the Lincoln Memorial. We noticed the time was getting tight, so we put a little speed in our walking to get there on time, and I'm quite glad we did. We sat down in a small patch of grass right in front of the Lincoln Memorial with a beautiful view.

No sooner than I took those two pictures the announcer on the speaker system said the fireworks would be starting in about 90 seconds. Not too bad, but I'd like to give us a little wiggle room next year.

Right on cue, the first fireworks shot into the air.

In 2010 the National Park Service added a loudspeaker system to play music during the fireworks. Honestly, I liked it better without the music. You are so close to the fireworks that you can feel them, and in my opinion, there's no need to additional sound. Maybe next year they can just turn it down a little. (Did I really just type that? I must be getting old.)

Here is a little video I shot of the fireworks and the grand finale. Obviously, an iPhone camera (or really any camera at all) doesn't do it justice. The colors, the sounds, and the feeling are just something you have to experience in person.

If you are ever looking for something to do on the 4th, and you are close enough or can plan a trip to make it to Washington D.C., do it at least once. It is well worth the trip.

We hope you had a great 4th of July, no matter your location. Share some of your experiences with us, we'd love to hear all about them.