It 1970 on the fourth of July 1970. I was station at Phu Cat Air Base in the middle of a terrible war. I was proud to be an Air Force administrative assistant. Pretty safe except for an occasional bomb that came across our well protected perimeter. It was a holiday so our food was abundant, almost to the point of embarrassment , when there were so many hungry people out side out gates. My friends and I were walking up the pitch dark dirt path as we began to realize it was the Fourth Of July. We were all used to the annual fireworks display. We were almost happy that our evening was free of bombs and explosions. Thst precisely at midnight we saw a flair go up at the perimeter gate. Than another than another. Before long the flairs formed a complete circle around our base. It was the security police who were faithful in keeping us safe that were stationed around the perremiter. It brought tears to my eyes and reminded me that we were being protected by some pretty brave men. It seemed this is whst freedom and the celebration of the fourth of July is all about. To this day when I see spectacular firework displays, I can't help but remember this night in the middle of a war and how blessed we as a nation are. [ ]
