The fourth of July was particularly GREAT.While I am not the flag waving patriotic poster child. I felt patriotic this year. I was my first time enjoying it in the Nation's Capital. Katy and I went to the National Mall to see the fireworks.

As you can see from the photos it was the perfect setting for fireworks to celebrate all the things our country stands for, and the struggles we as a people have overcome. There

was also a great concert with headliner Jo Dee Messina, who I really enjoyed(against some initial skepticism),as well as many patriotic hymns and constant tributes to ourservice men and women. The crowd was extremely diverse, which forme, truly made me feel pride in my country. The crowd on the otherhand was

occasionally out of control in regards to the random shenanigan, but overall the scene was good.. My biggest critique was the fireworks display. While the pyrotechnics and fireworks weresooo amazing and awe-inspiring , the music they played was somewhat confusing. I didn't really understand why "New York New

York" by Frank Sinatra or a few other songs that weren't relevant to the fourth of July. They even played a few religious hymns that

while very moving, was rather 'dubious' shall we say.. I was happy to hear a rip off of the Jeff Buckley song Hallelujah, which is one of my all time favorite songs. The original is better than the version theyplayed, and it has nothing to do with the country or patriotism,

but the song was fitting and evoked a very reflective feeling among the masses.. I'll post it below. With some pics of course. My

apologies on the quality of the images(these are from my cell phone)- I left my camera at home due to the extreme security rituals that are becoming a country custom(at least here in DC)

Fire work pictures will come later.. Promise.