Along with the rest of the country, Selma residents will spend today celebrating our country’s freedom.

We do that by eating barbecue or hamburgers cooked out on a grill, enjoying watermelon or homemade ice cream, and – for most local workers – having a day off work.

For the fifth year, the city is planning a fireworks show and patriotic program at Memorial Stadium. Gates open at 7 p.m. Admission is free and refreshments will be sold.

The city’s fireworks display is described as a “must see” spectacle that most people “don’t expect to see in a small city,” said Patty Sexton of the city’s Community Planning and Development Office.

Prior to the sky concert, a short program will begin at 8:15 p.m. featuring several city officials.

Residents can watch the 15 to 20 minute long fireworks display from the Selma County Club golf course and surrounding neighborhoods, but Sexton suggests grabbing a seat in Memorial Stadium for the full effect.

“If (the community) doesn’t come, they’re going to miss out,” she said. “It’s a true blessing to see this and it’s a really good gift the city gives to the citizens of this community.”

An estimated 2,000 are expected to fill Memorial Stadium today, so it might be a good idea to grab your seat early.

As we celebrate our nation’s 230th birthday – with good food, friends and family – let’s remember that the freedom we enjoy was bought with a price.

And it’s still being paid for today with the blood of our brave soldiers who are in combat.