Having lived on the South Shore nearly all my life, I’d never really spent the Fourth of July this way before. My wife and I headed to Plymouth Harbor for the evening. We picked a spot near the Mayflower II and watched the sun dip behind it — a small, steady reminder of how far we’ve come and what still holds true.

When the fireworks started, we just stood there together, watching the bursts of color over the water. It wasn’t crowded or chaotic — just people enjoying the moment, quietly and gratefully. It reminded me how good it feels to slow down, take it all in, and share it with someone you love.

Happy birthday, America.