The Issue: Whether crowds viewing the Macy’s Fourth of July Fireworks showed sufficient patriotism.
***
After waiting along the Hudson River in the sweltering heat, I was treated to the Macy’s Fourth of July Fireworks (“Usher Sets the Tone With Personal Picks for Fourth of July Fireworks,” July 2).
Sadly, barely half of those watching actually saw the fireworks with their own eyes. After the first colorful burst, cell phones, iPhones and iPads were whipped out and held above their heads to record the show. Each person seemed to be watching the fireworks on his or her screens.
In years past, when fireworks went off, the crowd responded with enthusiastic “oohs” and “ahhs.” This crowd barely stopped talking as each one exploded.
Maybe I’m from an older generation that enjoyed a good, live fireworks display, or maybe this new generation is too jaded and has truly lost the fire of patriotism.
Robert Lobenstein
Brooklyn
This year’s fireworks show was the most un-patriotic, disgusting spectacle I have ever witnessed. It was more like a rock concert than a patriotic national holiday.
Maybe the people who chose the music don’t understand the pain and suffering it took to obtain and keep the freedoms we have today. Freedom isn’t free; somebody paid for it. Those sacrifices should be remembered.
David Podesta
Brooklyn