New York Q&A: What Does July 4th Mean to You?

NEW YORK—Now 236 years later, Independence Day still has a place in the hearts of Americans, whether it is the symbolic meaning of the holiday or just the fireworks and celebration.

The Epoch Times asked New Yorkers what the holiday means to them.

Valerie Litova, 21, Preschool Teacher, Staten Island

It’s the Independence Day of America. It’s the day of fireworks. … I think I’m going to come to the city to see the fireworks, but not really like go out, because it is very crowded everywhere.

Jose Sebastian, 24, Ballet Dancer, Manhattan

Isn’t it like our country’s birthday? I mean that’s pretty much it. … It’s my friend’s birthday, so we are probably going to go to the beach and probably go out.

Allison Bombet, 24, Educator, Louisiana

It means our nation’s independence and it used to mean a lot when we were free but now with all the laws and everyone telling us what to do—it doesn’t mean much anymore. Sometimes I think it’s us, if we could live without the laws and live right, then we wouldn’t need laws, but unfortunately you have too many bad people in the world. … It’s just people don’t have morals anymore, so it really is unfortunate. You are stuck in a “Catch-22.” You have so many people in the world that would live right, but the bad outweighs the good.

Pablo Duran, 34, Chef, Brooklyn

It’s Independence Day, you know, freedom. I’m going to relax at home, nothing special, watch the fireworks maybe—with family, with friends.

Kevin, 37, Computer Networking Engineer, Long Island

Celebrating our country—just feel like it’s a nice time to reflect on everyone who has given their lives and the sacrifices they made to make our country a great place. … Just spend time with my family and barbecue. We’ll probably be overlooking some other people’s fireworks, but none of our own.

Bob Kaclowitz, 65, Psychologist, Manhattan

It’s Independence Day. It’s the day that America broke loose from England. In terms of my personal feelings for it, I think it’s an important holiday for Americans, including myself. I think it has a meaning where people feel good about being Americans.

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