What's Your Favorite July 4th Tradition? Share & You Could Win!

2021-06-29T10:49:32-04:00

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Response by TSgt George Rodriguez made Jun 29 at 2021 10:57 AM

2021-06-29T10:57:07-04:00

After setting off some fireworks climbing on top of the roof and watching the rest of the neighbors and the communities firework display.

Response by SGT David A. 'Cowboy' Groth made Jun 29 at 2021 11:35 AM

2021-06-29T11:35:53-04:00

My wife and I go to our nieces house north of us, and enjoy the parade that normally will last 1/2-3/4 of an hour RallyPoint News .

Response by CPT David Gowel made Jun 29 at 2021 12:30 PM

2021-06-29T12:30:24-04:00

We live within earshot of a small arms range used by our local military units. On the 4th each year, our small town organizes a metropolis-scale fireworks display above the range complex where pretty much the whole town gathers to celebrate the holiday. They also bring in a good amount of food options which is where I first tried fried Oreos. i recommend visiting for the fireworks with range complex backdrop, but that you take a hard pass on trying the Oreos.

Response by Capt Brandon Charters made Jun 30 at 2021 12:57 AM

2021-06-30T00:57:49-04:00

Watching my favorite fireworks show in America: on Lake Tapps outside of Seattle WA with the Navy side of the family!

Response by PV2 Tamara Murdock made Jun 30 at 2021 6:25 PM

2021-06-30T18:25:58-04:00

My favorite tradition for 4th of July is lighting sparklers. It was my 1st introduction to fireworks as a kid on 4th of July and a way to include us in the adult front of the night. I still like them every year, and I buy enough for all the kids

Response by PFC Terrie Cadovich made Jun 30 at 2021 7:59 PM

2021-06-30T19:59:40-04:00

With a backyard full of family; good food on the grill, kids splashing in the pool, adults volleying across the net, the sounds of laughter and music on the speakers, and the smell of a bonfire to cap it all off. Be safe everyone!

Response by SN Katheryn Bermann made Jun 30 at 2021 10:18 PM

2021-06-30T22:18:58-04:00

Listening to the neighbors’ fireworks and having cookouts with the whole family (weather and health crisis permitting, of course!)

Response by SFC Scott Leenerts made Jun 30 at 2021 11:13 PM

2021-06-30T23:13:19-04:00

Definitely watching fireworks and enjoying the small town festivals

Response by PO1 David Fellows made Jul 1 at 2021 8:32 AM

2021-07-01T08:32:46-04:00

Our tradition is to have all the family get together for a cook out. Most are veterans or retirees so we get to swap tales.

Response by CW2 Michael Bodnar made Jul 1 at 2021 1:32 PM

2021-07-01T13:32:09-04:00

Growing up in a small town in Florida, our neighbors would shut the entire street down on the 4th of July to have a block party. We had BBQ's and games throughout the day and then at night, we brought out the fireworks. The local fire department was on hand just in case things got a little hectic. Fast forward to my adult life, I've took that tradition with me to my current neighborhood and we have a block party every year. Now, we don't go crazy with the fireworks but we do have some fun and launch some of those big mortars into the sky. It's a great time for everyone and it really helps build a stronger community.

Response by A1C Riley Sanders made Jul 1 at 2021 1:34 PM

2021-07-01T13:34:50-04:00

My wife's Birthday ! Born on the forth of July,
we celebrate each year attending the fire works knowing they are all for her celebration !
at one time we added candles as a part of the show , this year she will be 79 yrs old, got to where we need a fire extinguisher close by also to much wax on the cake decide to forgo that part of her celebration .

Response by Lt Col Mark Avery made Jul 1 at 2021 1:35 PM

2021-07-01T13:35:45-04:00

My favorite tradition is calling the holiday by it's proper name, not the date on which it occurs - Independence Day. The fourth of July happens all over the world. On that date, we celebrate Independence. Well, we did until recently...

Response by MGySgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 1 at 2021 2:10 PM

2021-07-01T14:10:20-04:00

Living in a small town is great. Our parade is always wholesome and fun. The games are always great and the kids love the prize money they can win. It is so inclusive and fun and then the fireworks are amazing. It makes me very proud to be an American and gives me continued Faith in our Country that we can still overcome the challenges out there. Everyone comes out for everything and usually everyone comes home for this more frequently than other Holidays. It is a great feeling of patriotism and Americana.

Response by PO3 Diane Policandriotes Goldsmith made Jul 1 at 2021 2:46 PM

2021-07-01T14:46:35-04:00

I fly Old Glory proud. We have family here and enjoy the day. At night we watch the fireworks on the TV as it is too dangerous to go out and watch them. Our neighbors have safe fireworks and we watch them set them off. Family is first and celebrate with heart and soul. I was and still am proud to have served in the US Navy. If I could sign up again, I'd be the first in line. God Bless America. One Nation Under GOD. Amen.

Response by PO3 Phyllis Maynard made Jul 1 at 2021 6:48 PM

2021-07-01T18:48:26-04:00

Having a burnt hotdog in front of the tv and then going to sleep.

Response by SFC Ralph E Kelley made Jul 1 at 2021 7:23 PM

2021-07-01T19:23:08-04:00

Our family makes a flag out of red, white and blue sparklers, along with three large different stars, one each of red, white, blue colors on each side. We put it on the side of a sandy hill.

Response by 1SG Steven Imerman made Jul 1 at 2021 7:56 PM

2021-07-01T19:56:57-04:00

I have two boys who do not care for lighting fireworks. (It can happen in the best families.) For years now I have been tapped (as an old combat engineer, think demo and mines) to assist various grandkids in in blowing up stuff on Independence Day. Missouri is a state that allows the sale of up to commercial grade fireworks out of tents on the roadside, so I always show up with a bag of goodies. This year, however, due to several circumstances, will be the first year since 2006 I have not done this. Song and I will have a happy, quiet Fourth.

Unless I visit a tent. You never know, I may light off one big one from the backyard at about 10 PM each night for the next three days. Keep the neighbors on their toes, don't you know? I'll let you know what happens.

Response by Debbie Smith made Jul 2 at 2021 9:43 AM

2021-07-02T09:43:15-04:00

As a child my father would take the family to the American Legion in Fairhope, AL. The kids would play in the bay water all day long with friends of the family, we would eat a good 4th of July meal served up by the American Legion. Then in the evening we would enjoy the fireworks show on the bay. What a wonderful family tradition! This year we can watch the firework show right from our driveway in Arabi, LA (where the battle of New Orleans was fought). Photo: Dueling Fireworks on Mississippi river, New Orleans.

Response by SFC Randy Hellenbrand made Jul 2 at 2021 11:11 AM

2021-07-02T11:11:34-04:00

I don't know what our tradition should be anymore other than being thankful we still have a country after the republican insurrectionists tried to destroy America for the SECOND TIME. The GOP billionaires tried the same shit in 1934.

Response by SPC(P) Mark Newman made Jul 3 at 2021 1:26 AM

2021-07-03T01:26:43-04:00

Just getting family together. We only seem to gather now at holidays. Can I use the rest of my words to remind us of our Brothers and Sisters who struggle with PTSD? And how loud, sharp noises can be uncomfortable for them. In addition to posting a sign about a veteran requesting some distance for fireworks, I've heard some good tips; headphones with good music or a movie on the 4th (probably the 3rd and the 5th, too). Or a loud fan very close to you can help. And either put pets outside away from you or give them some white noise, too, because if you jump at the BANG, they will have learned to loathe that sound, too, but may do better if they aren't observing their leader reacting. Good luck.

Response by CDR Shaun Chittick made Jul 4 at 2021 12:19 PM

2021-07-04T12:19:06-04:00

We have an annual neighborhood block party, which is kicked off by a retired Marine Colonel reading the Declaration of Independence dressed in Colonial garb. it is a vivid annual reminder of the commitment and sacrifice that has gone into the creation and maintenance of this fragile experiment we call the United States of America.

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 5 at 2021 2:15 AM

2021-07-05T02:15:51-04:00

Nice

Response by PVT Mark Zehner made Jul 5 at 2021 7:16 AM

2021-07-05T07:16:45-04:00

Thank you! Loved reading these!

Response by SPC Philip Bowers made Jul 5 at 2021 11:48 AM

2021-07-05T11:48:21-04:00

Enjoying delicious bbq and watching fireworks in the neighborhood.

Response by LCpl Robert Burke made Jul 6 at 2021 9:42 AM

2021-07-06T09:42:55-04:00

Just being able to get together with friends and family is special to me. Maybe a good fireworks display later on at night also can't hurt. Easy to please I guess.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Jul 6 at 2021 1:04 PM

2021-07-06T13:04:12-04:00

Writing about freedom.

On December 25, 1776, Washington and 2400 Continental Army Soldiers marched many miles and crossed a semi frozen the Delaware River. A few died from the intense winter conditions. The route turned red with blood because some lacked shoes.
They surprised and defeated the Hessians at Trenton. This was a pivotal battle because nothing was going right for us in 1776, and the Continental Army was shrinking. Washington also won at Trenton a few days later. These wins gave confidence to our fledgling country and more Americans decided to join the war. It is truly humbling to know that our soldiers sacrificed so much and suffered such hardships for us to be free as a nation.

Several requisite conditions shaped our victory in the American Revolution. George Washington is considered by many historians as the greatest revolutionary in world history. He was involved in every facet of the army and the war. I am going to make the strong assumption that he did not have a large staff to guide and advise him. He was truly the Center of Gravity for the Americans.

Most Americans were passionate about freedom from England's yoke. They supported the cause with supplies, intelligence, and provided soldiers. The Continental Army was filled with passionate soldiers of the highest order. They were hungry, cold, ill fed, unpaid, and did not have proper uniforms and footwear; but they fought. That is passion, infinite amount of passion to beat the greatest military at that time.
In retrospect, I see the various components of war that made us successful.

I can rationalize how we ended up victorious through various paradigms of war and introspection, but I have had this feeling for years and never understood it until now. What Washington and his Continental Soldiers endured and achieved was SUPERNATURAL. The soldiers dug in so deeply into their souls that they were willing to suffer in so many horrific ways for a cause they deemed worthy of fighting for. Their feet would bleed on the snow making the route red, but they would not be denied the victory they fought so valiantly for. Yes it was supernatural what they achieved.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 7 at 2021 9:54 AM

2021-07-07T09:54:14-04:00

To do something different each year. So many towns do their own shows and fairs (Colorado) while many towns/cities (Florida) also do firework displays while many restaurants have 4th of July themed activities running up to the show(s).

Response by SPC David S. made Jul 7 at 2021 11:06 AM

2021-07-07T11:06:40-04:00

My 4th tradition is to not have a tradition and celebrate the 4th from different places across America each year. In meeting people from across America you really get a sense of what America is all about.
This year we celebrated the 4th on the beach in Longboat Key in Florida with my sister's family.

Response by COL Mikel J. Burroughs made Jul 7 at 2021 11:46 AM

2021-07-07T11:46:37-04:00

I would have to say this 4th of July will be one of the more memorial ones for me and Bella getting to meet and spend time with @Lt Col James H. Harvey III of the Tuskegee Airman from WWII - a real "Warrior for Life!" See the whole story below...

https://www.rallypoint.com/shared-links/the-first-top-gun-lt-col-james-h-harvey-iii-tuskegee-airman

"The First Top Gun" - Lt Col James H. Harvey III - Tuskegee Airman | RallyPoint

RallyPoint Members, Friends, and Connections, on this 4th of July 2021, I had the pleasure of spending time with Lt Col James H. Harvey III, 98 year old veteran and one of the remaining Tuskegee Airman here in Denver, CO. James' story is very interesting and I would like to share it with all of you. A "Warrior for Life!" (See Main Picture) The Tuskegee Airman of World War II "They rose from adversity through competence, courage, commitment and...

Response by Patricia Overmeyer made Jul 7 at 2021 12:43 PM

2021-07-07T12:43:35-04:00

For several years, I follow a tradition of reading the Declaration of Independence, "What to the Slave is the Fourth of July?" by Frederick Douglass and The Bicentennial Speech of Thurgood Marshall. These contrasts give me pause to think about what Independence Day means to all of our various fellow Americans, how we have actually lived up to those principles through the decades and what we need to address in order to continue those principles to apply to everyone.
We're not into parades, speeches, hot dog eating contests, etc., and it is usually way too hot to barbeque or grill (105+). Hubby and I go to watch our local fireworks at my office.

Response by RallyPoint News made Jul 8 at 2021 8:58 AM

2021-07-08T08:58:52-04:00

Congratulations SPC David S. and MGySgt Private RallyPoint Member! You've both won a $500 Weber gift card! An e-gift card will be sent to the email address associated with your RallyPoint account.

Thanks to all who participated and shared their stories!

Response by SN Dr. Cathleen Miller made Jul 20 at 2021 6:32 PM

2021-07-20T18:32:20-04:00

Met my forever partner on a blind date on the 4th of July. Fireworks and Forever love!

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 13 at 2021 3:04 PM

2021-08-13T15:04:58-04:00

Favorite tradition? Blowing shit up for the holiday, of course.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 17 at 2021 11:39 AM

2021-08-17T11:39:20-04:00

We fire the 1812 overture with the band in Dover Delaware.

Response by PO2 Colleen O'Hara made Aug 17 at 2021 3:00 PM

2021-08-17T15:00:55-04:00

I try to go somewhere new every 4th of July to celebrate Independence day in a small town I have not previously been to. I love small town America, and I love seeing people who love our country come together and show their patriotism.

Response by SPC Judy Glore-Calloway made Aug 17 at 2021 5:43 PM

2021-08-17T17:43:31-04:00

My favorite 4th of July tradition is eating BBQ and making a family delight..corn pudding and deviled eggs. Lastly having a good time with family and friends.

Response by SFC Heather Marien made Aug 18 at 2021 8:15 PM

2021-08-18T20:15:47-04:00

I have a cousin who has a picnic every year along with a fireworks display. The show has been better than what the local towns produce. It is followed with a camp fire and drinks and sharing and reminiscing family stories.

Response by CPT William Pearson made Aug 19 at 2021 9:41 AM

2021-08-19T09:41:46-04:00

Getting away from the fireworks and crowds. Seen enough fireworks, crowds bother my PTSD.

Response by 1st Lt Rick Gauthier made Aug 21 at 2021 12:26 PM

2021-08-21T12:26:15-04:00

Start the day with flags flown high. Picnics with friends and family and fireworks in the evening.

Response by SPC Allen Werth made Sep 1 at 2021 5:16 PM

2021-09-01T17:16:34-04:00

Set up transportation for as many patients at the VA hospital / home as we can and invite them to the Lodge's cookout and entertainment. Just a chance to get out and blow the dust off. I know when I was a VA Hospital patient it was the best thing that happened for me that year.

Response by Cpl Jeff Ruffing made Sep 1 at 2021 5:59 PM

2021-09-01T17:59:28-04:00

Traveling down to SC and being with family. Open pit barbecue and cold brews

Response by MSG Charles Kaiser made Sep 1 at 2021 8:42 PM

2021-09-01T20:42:09-04:00

The fireworks in the neighborhood remind me of Iraq and Afghanistan Cook out during the day and watch the fireworks at night

Response by SPC Lyle Montgomery made Sep 3 at 2021 2:26 PM

2021-09-03T14:26:40-04:00

Shooting off fireworks. In Nebraska where I live, fire crackers were not allowed. When I was a kid. We would go to Kansas To my grand mothers house She was a big patriot, had a fireworks stand and sold sweet corn. All my cousins and aunts and uncles were there. It was a great time. My grandma died while I was in Viet Nam and so did the tradition. My kids shot off lots of fireworks and still do. I now have ptsd and the booms bother me but that's my problem and I wouldn't expect anyone not to enjoy fireworks and the noise of the 4th. because of me because of my grandma's love of the forth.

Response by PVT Robert Bernhardt made Sep 14 at 2021 10:05 AM

2021-09-14T10:05:06-04:00

Fireworks and sparklers.

Response by CPT Mary Garrison made Sep 21 at 2021 12:48 PM

2021-09-21T12:48:25-04:00

Nearly every year we watch the musical "1776". Puts us in a good mood every time. Then in the evening we enjoy the Capitol 4th on TV.