Musings: July Fourth creates special memories
The Macy's Fourth of July fireworks over the Hudson River in 2024. Credit: AP/Ted Shaffrey
On July Fourth, my husband and I stood in amazement as the East River barge containing the Macy’s fireworks pulled up in front of us. As dusk turned into night, the Macy’s logo became bright with lights, and the sky turned into a star-spangled delight. But it wasn’t the sight of fireworks that brought tears to my eyes; it was Macy’s itself.
I first set foot in their flagship Herald Square store approximately 60 years ago. My mother would take my three sisters and me from the Bronx to visit Santa at Macy’s, which we considered the Christmas capital of New York.
As an adult living on Long Island, it’s where I shopped for every special event. When I walk through the doors, the scent of perfume fills me with decades of memories. It has become a place of comfort, an old friend and part of my family. When I saw the star logo on the barge, I felt an enormous sense of pride and a deep feeling of gratitude for all that Macy’s does for New York and for our American traditions.
While many major department stores have closed their doors and online retail has become mighty competition, Macy’s is still gifting us with a Thanksgiving parade, Fourth of July fireworks show, a springtime flower show, and an opportunity to stay frozen in time.
Macy’s has earned my vote for the true Miracle on 34th Street.
— Marion McLaren, Bay Shore
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