4th of July

July 4th was the date of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. It signifies freedom and justice and the power of the people to overcome tyranny. However, the date has lost its significance as our President no longer use the Constitution as anything more than toilet paper. We need a NEW July 4th.

what he said.
also its one of 7 paid holidays my company is giving me this year...

I would say that most people associate it in their minds with an extra day off in the summer--and with cook-outs, fireworks displays and other assorted summertime activities. However, i think it is a mistake to think that Americans do not reflect on the historical meaning of the day. When the motion picture Born on the Fourth of July came out, all Americans immediately knew the significance of the title. If someone attempts to silence a person in public in this country, and lacks the authority of the police, the most common response is something to the effect: "Hey, it's a free country, i can say what i want." I have heard people say this to police officers, and i once was in such a situation myself, and asked the officer concerned if someone had suspended the constitution while i wasn't looking. He was very angry at that, but he left me alone.

Americans don't show it that often, but within all of us, or almost all of us, there is a deep connection to the Fourth of July holiday, to the Revolution, and to the foundational principles of the nation. We may not always agree on what those things are and mean, but they still matter to us.

I think almost every native born American has a long association in their memory of cook-outs, running around with sparklers (a form of relatively harmless feu d'artifice give to small children) of firecrackers and bottle rockets--and of big public fireworks displays. As they grow older, and learn the historical background, however faultily, it associates in their minds with those pleasant childhood memories. The Fourth, as it is commonly known, does mean something to us--it means a great deal, and a great many things.

Acohen, i have always believed, and always have been willing to publicly state, that anyone who shows up here, gets a job, obeys the law and pays their taxes is just as much an American, and just as good an American as am i. Please tell your students that, and tell them i wish them the best of luck.

Hmmmmm. I don't really connect with the historical/political meanings, and when I've passed the 4th of July in Europe, I've scarcely thought about it. It is, perhaps, the only time of year (New Year's runs a distant second, I'd say) when a broad swathe of humanity pours out into the streets and experiences something more or less together. At least, that's the level on which I connect with it; the patriotic stuff really does tend to put me off.

My very favorite 4th of July event was when I was a child. Each year my aunts, uncles and cousins would get together for an all day and night cookout and party. We would have a private fireworks display at night with all different types. I remember looking forward to this every year.

More recently, the best event I attended was the fireworks display in Boston. A group of friends got together and took a boat on Boston's Esplanade and listen to the Boston Pops and watched the fireworks. It is by far the best way to view these fireworks.

To me the 4th of July has a very special meaning especially after 9-11. It gives me a time to reflect on how wonderful our country and our freedom is and how much we sometimes take these things for granted. It is also a time to celebrate our freedom and to be proud of country.

For me, the meaning of the 4th of July is... wait a minute, I'm not American. But I can tell you the meaning of Queen's Day if you want?

For me, July 4th is now very much a family holiday as my folks come up this time (just about) every year. We sometimes go to the Esplanade, usually don't (it depends on how hot it is).

Queen's Day? Is that like, a bunch of old poofs in drag? They have their own holiday?

I went into a Canajun tourist center once to change money, 'cause it was almost five o'clock, and i didn't know where the banks are in Windsor. The lady behind at the window was counting out my money, and one of the twenties was an old one, which shows Elizabeth in all of her coronation regalia from 1953. I asked:

Who's that lady in the funny hat?

The woman looked at me puzzled, and then the lady at the next window leaned over and said to her:

Psst, he means the Queen.

Oh . . . Sir, that's the Queen.

You're kiddin' me ! ! ! That guy looks just like a lady ! ! !

They were not amused.

Of course not! You don't make jokes about a Queen. No, during Queen's Day I always get the feeling inquiries suddenly pop up which say "94% of the Dutch support the Queen" or whatever. Actually, you just keep waving those darn little orange flags for 24 hours.