Q&A Interview with Tribute Co-Founder Jim Van Eerden and APA Executive Director Julie Heckman

Q: What is "The Tribute" effort about?

Jim: Well, we're helping to launch a new American Tradition. Our goal is to mark this incredible period in American history, when we've all been reminded to count the cost for the values, like freedoms, that we hold dear. We sometimes take these things for granted. So we've proposed that our Independence Day fireworks displays include a reflective moment: a silent sky, followed by sequential bursts of a red, white, and blue "firework salute." It will be a salute to the American spirit....

Q: How does The Tribute relate to "The Colors of America" concept?

Jim: The Tribute is a uniquely American firework salute. We've proposed that, increasingly, we try to connect each of these "Colors of America" in The Tribute salute with a simple message about the spirit and character of America, and the cost and virtues required by our freedom. What we've begun to circulate is the simple stanza:

Red, for the blood of many heroes shed;
White, for freedom's light still shining bright; and
Blue, for the courage to stand tall and true!

Q: How did this all get started?

Jim: The Tribute is a very simple idea. It began to take shape in 2001, not long after the 9/11 terrorist attacks.

My wife, Rachel, our kids and I had talked a lot about what an incredible time this has been for all of us, as Americans. And how we've come to appreciate, more than ever, what makes this country and its remarkably diverse people so incredible. Listen to the stories, look at the flags flying, consider the sacrifices people have made and the love they've shown: we've been amazed. Perhaps you have been, too.

That led us to think that we should mark this chapter in our nation's history. We talked about the fact that we really don't think as deeply as we should about these things on the Fourth of July. And that's how the idea came to us.

Q: How can you get the word out? It's a huge undertaking.

Jim: It really is. It is happening as a grassroots initiative, which is the only way an idea like this can come to life. Folks are beginning to spread the word in towns from coast to coast. They are asking their newspaper editors. They are making certain that their local fireworks coordinators know that their community could and should be part of launching this new American tradition....

Will local event organizers support The Tribute idea?

Julie: Last July, even organizers in more than 40 states made The Tribute part of their Independence Day celebrations. It was estimated that more than 10 million people witnessed The Tribute for the first time. It will take time, but with the help of the display companies respresenting the fireworks industry, each year more events will include The Tribute salute.

Q: Will all events incorporate The Tribute in 2003?

Julie: No, some display companies will be unable to modify their pre-formatted shows. And that is OK. Our goal is to continue to get more and more events participating in The Tribute tradition each year, to build on the hundreds of events, that were part of the launch campaign in 2002. Within a few years, we expect that it will be an emotional, unifying part of all Independence Day celebrations.