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Debbie Wells: Debbie's father was a firefighter and the Firefighter's Association put on a fireworks show at the Long Beach Veterans Stadium when she was seven years old. The children of the firefighters sold programs. Debbie sold the most programs; her two sisters were not pleased. Joni Truelsen: When my daughters, Mindi and Megan, were preteens, we attended the local fourth of July fireworks show. It was a spectacular show. I was most impressed by the finale, which was a depiction of an American flag waving in the breeze. FOUR SEASONS BREEZE | AUGUST 2026 15 Jim Mercado: The Fourth of July reminds me of what America means to me and that is opportunity and freedom! For most of human history, we have been ruled by tyrants, dictators, pharaohs, and kings/royals. The birth of the United States was to show the world that we are capable of governing ourselves. For me, that is a profound privilege and an awesome responsibility! Deborah Wasbotten: I am such a little kid on the 4th of July! I absolutely cannot refrain from letting out very loud oohs and aahs after each and every firework that explodes in the sky, often to the embarrassment of those around me. There is just something magical about the colors, the crackle, and the shared sense of excitement that seems to bring everyone together. The 4th has always been a time of family and community for me. From the sparklers of my youth, to the full day of activities at the University of Redlands, and now the wonderful celebration of community here in Four Seasons. Each chapter has given me memories I treasure. I hope this holiday brought each of you a chance to celebrate, reflect, and enjoy the simple joy of being together. Reflecting on the Fourth of July Jean Bauer: Our Fourth of Julys on Big Bear Lake were a family favorite. We would take our boat out on the lake, drop anchor, and watch a spectacular array of fireworks which were coordinated with the music of John Philip Sousa. Not only were we awed by the sky, but also by the reflection of the fireworks on the water … it was a double delight. The photo above at right was taken July 4, 2010. Gary Wells: Gary's family went to the LA Coliseum to see the fireworks when he was eight years old. The fireworks explosions were particularly impressive within the concrete enclosure of the stadium walls. He was blown away! By Regina Farmer and Irene Welker history, we have been ruled by tyrants, dictators, pharaohs, and kings/royals. The birth of the United States was to show the flag waving in the breeze. Jim Mercado: means to me and that is opportunity and freedom! For most of human history, we have been ruled by tyrants, dictators, pharaohs, and kings/royals. The birth of the United States was to show the world that we are capable of governing ourselves. For me, that is a profound privilege and an awesome responsibility! Our Fourth of Julys on Big Bear Lake were a family favorite. We would take our boat out on the lake, drop anchor, and watch were particularly impressive within the concrete enclosure of the stadium walls. He was blown away! Reflecting on the Reflecting on the

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