The Shutterday theme this week is to "post an image that defines your country of origin" in preparation for the "Shutterday Olympics" coming up.

I was tickled by the idea of Amateur Photographer Olympics, so in order to participate, I shuffled through my archives.
And shuffled through them again.
And again.
And found myself somewhat at a loss.

What exactly defines the USA? While "freedom" is one of our overused mottos, we're not the only country that doesn't legally persecute for, say, believing in a different God than the one we're expected to believe in. What else are we known for? The Grand Canyon? Being unfavorable tourists when we go abroad?

I've been mulling this around in my head for nearly two weeks.

The USA, I've finally decided, can be defined by loud, obnoxious, patriotic, attention-grabbing hats... that still sometimes manage to make you smile.

Interpret that as you will. :)




Date: July 2007
Where/What: Bucks Mill Park July Fourth Celebration, Colts Neck, NJ
Camera: Fuji S700
Shutter: 1/85
Aperture: f 3.5
ISO: 800

Listening to: Stars and Stripes Forever (John Philip Sousa)
Thankful for: living in this country