Comments on: 10 Awesome 4th of July Traditions

By: G Mr. Bill

G Mr. Bill — Fri, 22 Jul 2011 12:35:26 +0000

I’ve always loved the 4th. Unlike most other holidays, there is little to no pressure to make sure everything goes right (like Thanksgiving and Christmas), so everyone is free to relax and enjoy each others’ company. I’m retired Air Force and I got an even deeper appreciation for the 4th when I got stationed in Alaska (where it is too bright for fireworks most of the summer), then England (where it’s not really celebrated).

BTW, Brett, I live in a suburb of Houston, in a development with an HOA, and my street definitely still has block parties. I, or more appropriately, my unabashed daughter, made sure we knew everyone on our street. We now have a Neighborhood Watch, each others’ emergency contact numbers, and have block parties for July 4th, Halloween, and Christmas (we also had one the day after Hurricane Ike took out our power for two weeks, but we still had our lives and our homes intact). I host a wine tasting party every Fall. Another neighbor throws at least one pool party a month in the summer. A third neighbor often sits with his wife in their driveway, inviting other neighbors on their way home from work to stop by for a drink. I love it! It takes such little time and a smile. If you don’t already, get involved with your neighbors. It’s worth it!

By: Emily

Emily — Thu, 07 Jul 2011 15:10:19 +0000

I love the parade section of this post. I am from Montpelier, and the parade is one of my favorite events of the year! You’re right, Vermont can be a strange place, but that’s what makes it what it is!

If you’re ever back in Vermont, you should try the Burlington parade and fireworks. It’s our biggest ‘city’ and the people there are a little less.. out there. Fireworks are right on the water so it’s great!

By: Arlew

Arlew — Wed, 06 Jul 2011 22:14:27 +0000

In my family we read the Declaration of Independence and listen to “The Stars and Stripes Forever” by John Phillip Sousa (consecutively, not simultaneously).

By: Paul Hakel

Paul Hakel — Wed, 06 Jul 2011 15:28:50 +0000

I think that people should protest and fight to preserve liberty on the 4th of July; what better way to love the U.S. than to fight for it and continue to expand the good things it’s doing.

By: Ryan Jennings

Ryan Jennings — Tue, 05 Jul 2011 00:57:55 +0000

This year, my roommate and I recorded myself reciting The Declaration of Independence, made a video, and posted it on Facebook for my friends to watch and listen to.

By: W

Sun, 03 Jul 2011 00:43:22 +0000

We read the Declaration of Independence – from my 94 y/o grandmother all the way down to my 9 y/o niece.

By: James

James — Sat, 02 Jul 2011 18:11:34 +0000

Being as this will be my 3rd 4th of July deployed with the U.S. Navy we will be light up the sky with quite the show of force! Illumination rounds from the 5″ Cannons make for an amazing fireworks show.

By: Steve

Steve — Sat, 02 Jul 2011 16:07:28 +0000

The 4th is when I love to watch Hist Channel in the mornings, go to a buddies house and grill, drink plenty of beers, and watch Fireworks downtown at night. I love America!!!!!!!!

By: Carrie Campbell

Carrie Campbell — Sat, 02 Jul 2011 15:07:23 +0000

Last year we spent the 4th in Ukraine. We started singing the National Anthem at a deserted bus station, and the lady who worked there cussed us out in Russian and told us to sing our American songs outside.
Hoping for a better traditional experience this year. Thanks for the ideas.

By: Miller Industries

Miller Industries — Fri, 01 Jul 2011 03:50:55 +0000

reading the declaration of independence? yawn. granted, it is important, but how boring! i like the one guy’s watching of independence day on independence day. classic!
yes, let us remember what we fought so hard for, blah blah blah. look none of us fought in the revolutionary war, and i think those guys that did would want us to enjoy the freedoms they earned us, and not be sticks-in-mud. i would think theyd want us to have fun.
personally, theres nothing more american than watching these movies: ET, The Sandlot, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, and Batman Mask of the Phantasm…

and im a grown man.