Jaclyn Kelley / Eyewitness News Email: | Twitter: @jkelleyWWL
NEW ORLEANS -- It was a sea of red, white and blue in Algiers as
thousands gathered to watch the fireworks light up the sky this
Fourth of July along the river.  Algiers resident Rick Tralsen
lives in the neighborhood and says this is the only place he
goes to celebrate Independence Day.  'I remember when it was
just a little tent like these back here over on the streets,' he
said. 'So, since its inception really.'  He said it's the best
seat in the house, and he isn't alone.  'The skyline's right
behind y'all, you get to see the fireworks, there's not huge
crowds, you let your kids run around,' said Councilwoman Kristin
Gisleson-Palmer.  But for many, the night wasn't just about the
live music, snowballs or cold ice cream cones. It's about
celebrating our freedom and the soldiers who fight to protect
it.  'I totally respect the soldiers that have fought and died
for this country, and we're all very grateful for that,' Tralsen
said.  Gisleson-Palm