The Motor City is not subtle about some things

I finally caught up with the recording of the Detroit fireworks display, for this year (which happens at the end of June as a joint affair with Windsor), and now I'm crying.

Normally, Fourth of July displays have sound-tracks, and normally those soundtracks are big on patriotic songs. Sometimes they verge on jingoism. Sometimes there's no 'verge' about it. Detroit is less so than some, in part because it is a joint event with Canada. They usually sprinkle in a handful of love songs, and like local artists, but the general tenor is still pretty "yay USA".

Not this year.

This year, the soundtrack was all about hope and comfort and community solidarity. There was less fancy timing and more simple "light up the night" displays. This is a huge event, probably the biggest display in the state, for the Fourth. And this year, it had a message.

I'm proud of you, Detroit.

As I walk through
This wicked world
Searchin' for light in the darkness of insanity
I ask myself
Is all hope lost?
Is there only pain and hatred, and misery?
And each time I feel like this inside
There's one thing I wanna know:
What's so funny 'bout peace love and understanding? Ohhhh
What's so funny 'bout peace love and understanding?
--Nick Lowe