Fourth of July is now in the books and, as usual, the area did not disappoint with fireworks.

One of these years, I’d like to take in a full fireworks display in New York, Washington, D.C. or Boston. Granted, it’s fun watching fireworks at any level, but those cities put on a spectacular show.

Ever since I can remember, we always took in a fireworks display but, oddly enough, we never made it to the Kirby Park event. Mohegan Sun casino had fireworks the first few years of operation but has ceased for some reason.

Sometimes, the family would pile in the car and Dad would drive us near and far to find a good display. One year we went to Tobyhanna Army Depot where he worked and caught the fireworks there. Well, not the entire show. They had to stop after one of the fireworks fell short, landing in a tall, dried out grass field, catching it on fire. I’ll never forget that one.

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I covered the Battle of Wyoming ceremony on the Fourth. I didn’t mind so much working on the holiday because it was just one assignment and I was able to fit it in between a BBQ, editing photos and writing the article.

It was steamy and the masses that gathered under the tent were a bit uncomfortable. Those on the speaking dais had sport coats on and, at one point, one of the speakers turned to the rest of the fellas and declared it was time to take off the jackets.

These poor guys were soaked. I don’t think I’d ever be comfortable wearing a business suit or a sport coat in the summer. After all, I’m a guy who spent my summers on a tennis court for many, many years. So wearing something other than a t-shirt and tennis shorts is more than I can handle.

If you never took in the ceremony, I’d suggest you do next year. So often we, as natives of this area, know so little about our past unless we’ve studied it in school.

The Battle of Wyoming, otherwise known as the Wyoming Massacre, was one of the bloodiest battles during the Revolutionary War dating back to the 1770s.

Back then, our area was known as West Connecticut because people from Connecticut were the first to settle in our area.

The battle took place in the current boroughs of Wyoming and Exeter where approximately 340 people were killed.

If you’re interested in the rest of the story, do some research on the subject.

If you don’t, fear not, for a movie with the working title of “Susquehanna” is in the works that will cover the battle before, during and after.

The movie idea comes from a descendant of Lt. Asa Stevens who fought in the battle. Edward Muendel, a great, great, great, great-grandson of Stevens has been working on a script covering the battle with a twist of a love story attached to it.

I’m guessing none of the movie will be shot here, but who knows? I’m sure they will have to find some kind of east coast mountain region that sort of resembles our area.

Even still, it will be cool to watch a movie featuring our area and our history.

Another cool fact — the state of Wyoming is named after our own Borough of Wyoming.

During the ceremony, just as Muendel was being introduced, program emcee Richard Jenkins told the audience his great, great, great, great-grandfather was a friend of Muendel’s distant grandfather which I found interesting.

Marcella Starr, Wyoming Monument Association president, was once again a star of the show. Mrs. Starr is always quick with a quip, having been involved in many, many July 4 programs.

The Wyoming Valley Band was solid on its patriotic musical selections.

At one point in the program, bandmaster Donald Williams announced all military divisions, asking those who served to stand up and be recognized while their division song was played. It’s always a proud moment for those who have served to be recognized.

Another moving moment is when over 50 floral baskets and designs are presented and placed at the base of the monument. If you have driven by in the last few days, you’ll see the floral arrangements behind the wrought iron fencing that guards the monument itself.

Speaking of the monument, I’ve never seen the inside and never knew you could until this year. And I’ve lived here all of my life.

I entered the stone structure, looked straight up to the top and took a photo. It’s nothing really spectacular but when inside a monument, one takes a photo.

When I was a child, everyone would say the monument was filled with the bones of those who died during the massacre. That’s not correct. What is true is those who perished in the battle are buried there.

The 24th Connecticut Militia Reenactment Unit was present putting on a show. My longtime friend Sherry Emershaw is a part of the reenactment group. It was great to see her and all of her passionate friends who love to preserve history.

Next year, if you get a chance try to get to the ceremony.

Quote of the week

“It’s never too late to be what you might have been.” – George Eliot

Thought of the week

“Be the change that you wish to see in the world.” – Mahatma Gandhi

Bumper sticker

“Be yourself, everyone else is taken.” – Oscar Wilde

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My Corner,

Your Corner

Tony Callaio

Reach the Sunday Dispatch newsroom at 570-991-6405 or by email at sd@psdispatch.com.