07/04/2026
Happy 250th, America! 🇺🇸
Last night I had the opportunity to shoot the fireworks display at Mount Rushmore. I didn't get tickets to actually be AT the monument (I'm officially 0/2 on the lottery system), but in hindsight, it made for a better experience. Here's why...
After planning/google mapping, driving, finding a parking spot, and hiking up to a rocky outcrop, I got to experience this scene with a handful of others that hailed from all across the country. The two families I talked with were from Minnesota and Missouri. We didn't get deep into political discussions, but it was pretty clear that none of us matched 100% on our outlooks. And that's okay. We all got to that same rocky outcrop in completely different ways. But what we ALL had in common, was that we cared deeply for our country.
We exchanged names, stories, and histories while we waited for the show. And once the flyovers and fireworks were done, we all got out our flashlights (phones, mostly), checked the ground around us, and helped each other pack up. That help was not predicated on what political party you identified with, who you voted for, or why you were there. Everyone helped each other to ensure that everyone got back to their cars safely... so we could all sit in a tremendous traffic jam together 😂🚗🚙🚗
The experience left me with a similar feeling I get every time I visit Mount Rushmore. License plates and people from all over. Languages I can't even recognize, but universal smiles as strangers offer to take pictures of strangers. When we actually see each other face-to-face, kindness seems to traverse all other barriers. So for the next 250 years, let's continue to be kind ✌️
