National holidays are always different when celebrated away from home. At home we celebrate the 4th of July with family gatherings, picnics or cookouts, and end the celebration with fireworks! For years this was my expectation for the day.
However, last year for my 70th birthday, my wonderful brother, Ray, see handsome picture above, took me on my first European River Cruise with Viking from Paris to Prague. On July 4th we were on special American soil as we visited the US National Cemetery at Luxembourg.
Days before I was born in 1945, my uncle, Herbert C Worrell, was killed and buried at Luxembourg. He and his is brother, Rufus, who was killed in Italy, were brought back to VA when I was 3 or 4 to be buried at home. This was such an inspiring 4th and I am so thankful for Rufus and Herbert’s sacrifices and for my wonderful experience provided by Ray!
This year, I was again in Europe on a river cruise with Viking with my friend from Purdue, Peggy Walls, along with 100 + other Americans. The chef and crew sang with us the national anthem and created a beautiful cake of the American Flag for our dessert.
Happy Birthday USA!
Ellen’s Travel Journal 2016-2025 