Nostalgia for the Fourth of July is rooted in early memories spent at Coney Island, enjoying rides, food, and fireworks with my girlfriend, Esther, who was a recent immigrant. This year, despite rain disappointing softball plans, the celebration included a morning at a community gym decorated with flags and a golf cart decoration parade. Watching the hotdog eating competition reminded me of past celebrations, highlighting the humorous side of American culture and the joy of sharing these experiences with loved ones.
Every year my girlfriend, Esther, and I would go to Coney Island, New York, to spend the day. It was a journey beginning on the 'D' train, to Stillwell Avenue.
We were young, poor, and thrilled to be Americans, especially Esther, a recent immigrant from Communist Poland.
On special holidays, July 4, Memorial Day and Veterans Day, we start with a ceremony honoring our nation, our flag, and our softball veterans and their fallen friends.
I think it's wildly entertaining. Joey Chestnut, the Michael Jordan of eating, downed 71 hotdogs in 10 minutes.
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