"I" couldn't believe it! The "Trio" slept in for over eight straight hours. It's usually about 2:00 or 3:00 am that "Me" hits the computer, or "Myself" waddles out in his bathrobe and bunny-rabbit slippers to pick up the morning newspaper for Eagle-Eyes" to read. "Hammerhead" just lays back and relaxes, waiting for something significant to happen in order for him to "hit the nail on the head" with a declaration or quote.

This morning, this team of bloggers was exhausted from celebrating the 4^th of July. First, it was the ringing of Petaluma's "Liberty Bell" on the steps of the Historical Museum. Then, it was off to Bar-B-Q with a friendly family in a nearby neighborhood. Finally, the day ended with watching the fireworks (from a distance) that took place at the Sonoma-Marin Fairgrounds. All in all, it was a long day; but, another significant holidsay to remember for many reasons.

First, our local bell-ringing ceremony has been held at the museum for 25 years; however, this annual tradition was initiated 47 years ago by Helen and Rutherford Putnam (a former mayor and her husband) at their home on B Street. Boy Scout Troop 9 opened the ceremony with raising the American flag and leading the audience in our Pledge of Allegiance. This was followed by comments related to the significance of the 4^th of July by "Mr. Isaac Wickersham" and "Mr. William Howard Pepper, plus the reading of a proclamation by our current mayor, Pamela Torliatt. Each participant (including "Myself") proceeded to the Garden Court for the traditional lemonade and cookies. It was a great display of "our sense of community" and history.

The afternoon Bar-B-Q was a private family event (also a tradition), but included local family friends. The interaction between four generations of family members was a joy to observe. Of course, the hot dogs, chicken, salads and other yum-yums was why "Me" participated and enjoyed what was another great example of "our sense of community."

Later in the day, after dark, "I" and the Mrs. were joined on our back deck with friends for dessert and the annual display of fireworks (miles away) at the Fairgrounds. Again, all the yum-yums and conversations between Petalumans from the Eastside as well as the Westside of town represented "our sense of community" which "Eagle-Eyes" thought would be a fitting title for this holiday blog.

"Hammerhead" finally jumped in and says, "What took place yesterday were gatherings of people who demonstrated not only "our sense of community," but the kind of gatherings that can take place in a democratic country where its citizens have gained personal freedoms, liberty and independence. The 56 men who signed the Declaration of Independence may not have known it; but when they "pledged their lives, fortunes, and sacred honors" in 1776; they were not only our first national heroes, but they created an event whose annual celebration would really "hit the nail on the head" for all American citizens in the 20^th and 21^st Centuries.

It's historical holidays like the 4^th of July and the way we choose to celebrate them that makes American so great as well as to showcase "our sense of community."