The only times I can remember not watching the DC July 4 and fireworks on TV is when I was there to see it live.

[TomSlick]

This year I just can't.

I'm proud of what the county once stood for and, I hope, will again someday.

Now, I just can't watch.

[Lovie777]

1. Not watching it.......................

[a kennedy]

2. I took my flag in around 3:00pm.

Oh, and I didn’t fly it upside down........I just couldn’t . My husband died last May....and a couple of the guys in my neighborhood, 1 Packer fan, 1 Viqueen fan have been doing things for me as great neighbors. Only thing is, they are both fans of the orange piece of shit. So I just couldn’t fly it upside down. I did in my house before I flew it. But it was flying until 3:00 the way it is supposed to fly.

[TomSlick]

3. I haven't flown my flag since November.

I hope to again in November, 2028.

[3catwoman3]

4. I am watching, as military musicians have a special place in my heart.

Anytime I watch the medley of the songs of each of the branches of the military services, and see current uniformed members and past members in their civvies stand when their branch's song is played, it really moves me, and I usually cry my way thru the whole medley.

I spent 4 years on active duty in the Air Force nurse corps, and another 8 as a reservist. I think, for the most part, those of us who have served take pride in that, whether we enjoyed our time in uniform or not, whether we were in for a single tour or a full career. There is a kinship you feel for others who have served or are serving now, that is understood without any words being needed.

[scipan]

5. I can understand that. I watched on weta (PBS DC station)

It was a whole different feeling. I'd describe it as bittersweet.

A more realization and sense of loss like I haven't felt before, especially when this wonderful black woman sang America the Beautiful.

[Stinky The Clown]

6. Thank you! I could have written your post. I agree completely.

[EnergizedLib]

7. Today feels like a funeral

It’s funny, hearing American Pie and the lyric about singing dirges in the dark - a dirge can can be sung for this country.

[llmart]

8. Same here.

I've always watched it on PBS every single year except the one when I was vacationing in D.C. I won't watch it this year. There has not been a time when I didn't get choked up at some of the music. Not feeling so patriotic right now, but I'm sure I'd still get choked up but for a different reason.

[dflprincess]

9. Up my paternal grahdfather's line, I am descended from a man (7th or 8th great-grandfather)

who received a citation for "answering the call at Lexington on April 19, 1775".

This is the first time I've ever thought he should have just slept in that day