Celebrate the 4th of July at Antietam National Battlefield and they will come! And so they did-30,000 or so. For the past 11 years, I've been part of this truly American event and marvel at how so many people brave the hot weather, the crowds, and the traffic to witness this celebration of the American Declaration of Independence. What is so moving is that the celebration takes place at the site of the bloodiest one day in American history. Over 23,000 Americans were killed, wounded, or missing on the same ground where people drag their coolers, lawn chairs, and frisbees to hear the Maryland Symphony Orchestra and most importantly, to watch the fireworks boom out loudly through the valley. I feel it most appropriate that July 4th, 2010 will be the beginning of my blog with the focus on the Antietam National Battlefield experience.
