San Diego Dining

Have you read the Declaration of Independence again since leaving high school? That stirring document that shaped the destiny of our country and the history of the world is well worth reviewing in these troubled times:

"We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness."

There is such clarity, such purity of thought and such simplicity in the writings of Thomas Jefferson, who later became the third president of our country.

So many of us who grew up under the umbrella of these liberties sometimes don't really appreciate how valuable they are. Our valiant soldiers who served in Iraq and Afghanistan and who have seen the face of tyranny may better understand why it is so important to have government that derives its legitimacy and "just powers from the consent of the governed," not from the points of guns or the threat of jail, torture and death.

The first Fourth of July holiday actually took place on that day, in 1776. That was when the Declaration was read in Independence Hall in Philadelphia, accompanied by parades. Thereafter, a tradition developed to celebrate our independence each year on that day. The national holiday was not declared until 1941.

We celebrate with fireworks because we had to fight a war to gain our independence and, subsequently, other wars to keep our freedoms.

To many people, the Fourth is a backyard, family celebration, with barbecues and, occasionally, backyard fireworks. But it is safer and far more enjoyable to celebrate at one of the massive fireworks displays put on by many communities.

Or, one may celebrate at a comfortable restaurant that has a view of the "bombs bursting in air." Here are some ideas:

Go to the fair: This year's San Diego County Fair in Del Mar is closing in a few days. It is a wonderful place to enjoy junk food, fun rides and entertainment for everyone. Some of the Del Mar restaurants with views can be great places to dine. Il Fornaio, Jake's and Poseidon may have views to dine for. The Brigantine in Del Mar, right on top of the fairgrounds, may be the best place to watch.

SeaWorld: The fireworks show at SeaWorld is one of the best. After watching Shamu and the other acts, SeaWorld has a wide range of restaurants where one may dine and develop a crick in one's neck from looking up for so long.

Embarcadero concerts: There is always a rousing concert at the Embarcadero to celebrate the Fourth, complete with fireworks. Bring a picnic or buy food there and watch the show accompanied by an orchestra. It is one of the most "fun" places to enjoy the evening. Many boats anchor nearby, large and small, to get a free show.

San Diego Bay: This is perhaps the biggest show of all, with four barges shooting off fireworks together. Restaurants with a view of the bay are terrific places to enjoy the show. Tom Ham's on Harbor Island, Island Prime and C Level, and Balai Hai and Humphrey's on Shelter Island are among the many great restaurants that ring the bay and offer great views.

These are only a few of the many places where celebrations will take place. Check with the local community for what may be close.

As for me, I often go to a friend's annual party at a home on top of Mount Soledad with a gazzilion dollar view of the entire city to the south. We can see as many as a dozen different shows in the distance, with bursts of light forming a semi-circle of brilliant dots in front of us. The top of Kate Sessions Park in Pacific Beach offers a great comfortable view site as well.

And, if one wants barbecue without the effort or smoke, there are few better than Phil's BBQ on Sports Arena Boulevard. The view may be missing but the taste lingers on and on. Or get some takeout and drive to a favorite viewing site.

However you celebrate, make it a safe holiday. And enjoy what America stands for: freedom, security, opportunity. "Proclaim liberty throughout the land."