<i>Five questions with ...</i> Richard Rumsey of Harrisburg

<b>Q. Why is Independence Day important to you?</b>

Rumsey: I had a father who fought in World War II, and I think his generation was one of our greatest generations. It's very important to me that he was there to serve in the European Theater. I think a lot about things like that on July 4. He never said much about it, other than he said war is not good. I'm thankful for him and all of our men and women who have stood up and fought for our freedom.

<b>Q. Do you have a favorite July Fourth memory?</b>

When I was little, fireworks were legal in Illinois and we'd always shoot some off. But my favorite Fourth of July was when we went to visit my wife, Debbie's, Aunt Sibyl. She lived a few miles from a large lake, and they were shooting off fireworks there. When we got there, the U.S. Army band was there. It was really more like an orchestra. They shot the fireworks off over that lake, and the band played through the whole thing. If you've never heard the U.S. Army band, it really is something.

<b>Q. Do you have any current July 4 traditions?</b>

We do sometimes. This week, we're camping and the daughter-in-law and wife are checking out where we might go to see fireworks.

<b>Q. Whose fireworks do you like to see?</b>

Well, of course we like to watch Harrisburg's.

<b>Is corn going to be "knee high by the Fourth of July?"</b>

There may be some, but not much of what I've seen is going to be knee high by the Fourth of July.