Reflections on the 250th Fourth
I’m having a quiet day, just a couple of people over for dinner. I plan to make hot dogs – something I don’t eat all that often but that I love – barbecued chicken, potato salad, and plum cake with blueberries and whipped cream (red, white, and blue – get it?).
I’m thinking that the country feels like it’s under internal siege. But you know, I’ve felt that way before. I write about the dangers often, and so I’m not going to write about them today. It’s a holiday, a big one.
Today I’m just going to note that I really do believe this is the greatest country on earth. Although threatened at times, our commitment to liberty is unmatched by that of any other country. The World Cup visitors from afar are surprised at our friendliness, our energy, our huge portions, our generosity.
I remember hearing from my son, when he lived in South America for quite a while, that although in some ways he could pass for a native, people always knew he was an American even before he opened up his mouth and demonstrated that he had an accent. Why? It was because of the way he walked. And I’ve heard other people say that Americans stride in a different way, a more open and free gait that identifies them.
America may just be the most beautiful country in the world in the sense of natural wonders, too. It’s certainly one of them, anyway. That’s partly because it’s so large and the terrain and climate and flora and fauna so varied. I recall learning in art history class that many of the early paintings of the American West – such as, for example, by Bierstadt – were designed to show Easterners and denizens of the Old World the wonders of the New. They could scarcely believe what they saw. And granted, it was a somewhat idealized version – but not that far off from reality:
I remember the 1976 Bicentennial vividly. But that was a long time ago. I was young, and now – well, let’s just say I’m not young anymore. But that star-spangled banner still waves o’er the land of the free and the home of the brave.
Have a wonderful celebration!
HAPPY AND SAFE FOURTH TO EVERYONE.
Yesterday, I spent the morning cooking. Made Potato Salad, Delved Eggs, fried up a whole Chicken, and in the afternoon, I made an Apple Pie. Used apples that my wife had prepd and put in the freezer, made my own crust. Not near as good as what my Wife made, but I try. Going to be in the high 80’s today, and dry. Local town had their fireworks last night.
I think I will try to find “Independence Day” and watch it again.
Enjoy today, All.
TRUE!
Hello Neo,
I lived in Brazil for two and a half years while my wife went through the greencard process….and I had the same experience. I can pass as hispanic, even though I’m not, and more than a few Brazilians identified me specifically as American simply based on how I presented myself. Wishing you a relaxing and fun Fourth of July
My wife ,born in Buenas Arias ,we were visiting her childhood friend, in Palermo . She said she saw me before she saw Deb. She said when she saw John Wayne walking down the street she started yelling Deborah ,Deborah ! Was told in Germany I walked around like I owned the place,
July 4th, 1976 — the date of the U.S. Bicentennial — was also notable for the raid on Entebbe, in which Israeli commandos heroically rescued more than 100 Jewish and Israeli hostages, who had been separated from the passengers on a hijacked plane that was diverted to Uganda with the support of Idi Amin. It made the day seem like double celebration. But I shudder to think how that entire operation would be reported on in the media if it happened today. (I’m pretty sure we know what the reaction would be in places like New York and Minneapolis, and on college campuses.)
Had a good morning
Go visit the historical sites in your immediate area you drive by often and never stopped to see
My daughter, grandson and I are in Rockport, Texas, a port town on Aransas Bay. We are staying in a boutique hotel right on the bay front – a room that we asked for specially so that we can watch the fireworks out over the bay tonight at dark. We walked around the old downtown district this morning and everyone that we spoke to seemed so warm, friendly, and considerate. Patriotic displays and flags are everywhere – on buildings, fences, the backs of trucks – and boats, too. There was a patriotic boat parade at noon. Everyone here seems determined to celebrate the 4th with every bit of pomp and circumstance imaginable.
Keith; Lucas:
Yes, that’s it. It’s the sort of thing I certainly never noticed but it seems quite apparent to foreigners.
Update: My wife discovered American sweet corn today. It’s sweeter than the variety they have in Brazil. She also appreciated the many American flags people put out to display in our in our neighborhood.
“Was told in Germany I walked around like I owned the place”
I’ve heard that more than once in Oz.
Happy Fourth of July to all Americans. And all who love Life, Liberty, & the Pursuit of Happiness. And especially those who understand the legal need to protect Private, individual owned Property, as our Constitution (1789) does.
Sadly, no big fireworks in Slovakia. Tho I have often been identified by strangers as an American, even after 35 years here (half my life). 4 kids, dual citizens, but the 4 grandkids are not automatically US citizens, not born in America. None of the kids have chosen to spend 10 years in the US, needed in order to establish residency for conveying citizenship on the kids.
At 19, the week before I turned 20, I was in my third & final summer at the US Naval Academy during the big 200th anniversary. I had liked Nixon, but had accepted the view he was a crook, and one reason I didn’t vote for Ford was his pardon of Nixon. Another reason was my mild embarrassment at how often Ford stumbled getting on or off planes. A reason to vote Carter was … he was a USNA grad. My first & only vote for a Democrat—never again.
But I voted Libertarian, not Rep, until Bush 43 after 9/11.
I love America, despite its (not perfect) imperfections. I love the ideals. Human Rights, for all Individuals. Equality under the law. Opportunity for all who work.
(Now for the nice way to end this)
God Bless America.
We were talking elsewhere about being in DC 7/4/76. My memory was watching the Beach Boys on the Mall. And it was so friggen hot.
I was always convinced that America the Beautiful had to have been written in CO. Where else do Purple Mountains Majesty sit above Amber Waves of Grain? This was confirmed in the quarterly college newsletter in 1993, celebrating the 100th anniversary of the writing of the poem. The author, Katharine Lee Bates, had journeyed out to C. Spgs to teach English for the summer at the college there. She and the rest of a group took a wagon up Peak’s Pike for the 4th of July. That was the inspiration for the poem. If you have never done it, it’s spectacular. Probably nowhere in the country, in the lower 48, can you see further in one direction – in this case east across the plains, almost to Kansas.
And yes, I have hiked up it. And driven up it. There was a train up it. And one of my fraternity brothers set a record running up it. 8,000’ vertical. Starting at 6k’, all the way up to over 14k’.
Thank you for the reminiscences, Neo. I was in charge of our embassy’s July 4th observances in the People’s Republic of Benin in 1976, a commemoration we wanted to make truly memorable. I gave an interview on the local radio and we had a large reception that evening to which all foreign chiefs of mission and the heads of government ministries were invited, as well as President Kerekou. The diplomats all showed, of course, but no government officials came as Benin (previously Dahomey) was going through an anti-west period.
We celebrated our 200th birthday without the government officials and took the occasion of the official toast to remind our guests of how our Declaration of Independence from Great Britain had come to be written and signed and how our nation had grown in the intervening 200 years.
Now we have a candidate for national office bragging about wiping her hands on the American flag and paid-for demonstrators trying to shut down national law enforcement activities. How far we have fallen.,
But I remain proud of our nation and hopeful for her future. Hopeful, but fearful too. Can we withstand the craziness that has crept into our body politic?
Happy 250th anniversary to readers here, and thank you, Neo, for all the effort you put into this meeting place. Thank you, too for reminding me of Bierstadt. I love his landscapes and haven’t thought about them for a long time.
I walked Civil War battlefields, though I was a soldier I do not understand these men.
I’ve watched 8-9 videos about people from Europe over here for the World Cup. A lot was amusing (Buc-ees dazzled them) but then when I heard them talk about how things are in many sections of the continent I thank God I live here. I got the impression that they have a subtle caste system over there in some areas. Innovation is not prized and admired as much as it is here. Ergo where do most of the discoveries occur? It’s like they (not all but a lot) are wary and even jealous of someone who comes up with a great idea. Maybe that ties in with that bizarre phenomenon about the way we walk. Also, many said their media lied to them about what America was like. Evidently the media is consistent worldwide.
AMERICA! HUZZAH!
It’s facial expression, too.When traveling I can pick out Americans on the street for their free, easy smiles and the general openness of their faces. I write that even though I’ve never been exactly sure what it means, specifically, to say someone has an open expression. They just do, that’s all, there’s an ease and availability and unguardedness that is somehow shown by subtleties of muscle and movement. But how I know it, or how we all know it well enough that you probably know what I mean by an open expression, is a mystery. Not to mention why American faces tend to look that way while others are often more wary and guarded.
When I was in Czechoslovakia before the fall of Communism, strangers would fall in beside me as I was walking down the street, and whisper, “Change money, mister?” I finally asked how they could tell I was an American, and was told “You Americans walk around with your head up, smiling. We look down, and don’t smile in public.” I wonder if that has changed since the fall.
@ chazzand > “many said their media lied to them about what America was like. Evidently the media is consistent worldwide.”
Sarah Hoyt often mentions that on her blog.
She was born in Portugal but got here as soon as she could, like many other “Americans born in the wrong country.” (TransAmericans?)
Not everyone is here for the same admirable reason, sadly.
“Every heart beats true under red, white, and blue…” is no longer a national trait, but still devoutly to be wished!
One of the reason I despise people like the Johnny come lately mayor of Gotham is this likely means nothing to them:
July 2nd, 1863, Bayonets!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rjPdIwCD5_g
In Argentina, where my Caucasian features fit right in, I was still pegged for being an American. I assumed it was because I didn’t wear the light blue or white long sleeved shirt with black or navy pants. Instead, I wore jeans, T-shirts, loud shirts. Wearing a T-shirt with a US-origin entity’s name on it was a big tell. (Elsewhere in Latin America, my Caucasian features pegged me for being a foreigner. BTW, “gringo” means “foreigner” in Argentina. In Peru, it means white guy.)
I worked in Argentina during military rule. A number of times on the street, someone would approach me to denounce the military regime. Note that they were supporters of the Perons, not supporters of the guerrillas. One time, I was told, “The US is interfering in Argentine affairs. (Carter, to his credit, denounced human rights abuses.) Let’s have a drink.”
I did some hitchhiking in Argentina. One time a truck stopped after it passed me. I ran after it, thinking it had stopped for me. It had not. A car behind me stopped and gave me a ride. The driver told me that the initiative I showed in running after the truck was not something an Argentine would do.
Neo, where in South America did your son live?
I spent the 200th in Boston. Fireworks on the River Charles….Boston Pops…
chazzand
Innovation is not prized and admired as much as it is here. Ergo where do most of the discoveries occur? It’s like they (not all but a lot) are wary and even jealous of someone who comes up with a great idea.
The $10B Club: How U.S. and EU Giants Compare
DuckDuckGo: high tech capitalization europe versus united states
Sarah Hoyt just posted this link in gratitude to the United States for all that it has given her: https://tinyurl.com/yc2vuak3
The right kind of legal immigrant is a boon! There should be more like her.
Back in the 2000s I met a couple Russian women who had managed to make it to America after the USSR fell.
One of them told me, “You Americans always think things will get better.”
Yeah, we do. Most of us anyway. Usually we’re right. 🙂
Happy 250th 4th!
I had a quiet Fourth. I would have liked to do a little grilling outside, but the local weather and personal circumstances didn’t cooperate. So I went with my brother and nephew to a barbecue restaurant, and we feasted on some excellent pulled pork. It was thematically appropriate, anyway, a barbecue place in the Ohio Valley, with country music playing, and barbecue itself. It doesn’t get much more basic American than that.
Unfortunately, there wasn’t much to see fireworks wise today, local weather was stormy.
I could say that I love America for its principles, however imperfectly followed, and that would be true. I could say I love America for the (mostly) good we’ve done in the world (far more good than bad, anyway), and that too would be true. I could say I love it for the personal freedom, and that would be very true.
But I also love it because I am American and America is me. America is my nation, my people, my culture. Along with whatever abstract principles or theoretical ideals are in play, I love America because I was born here, raised here, it is my home.
As a conservative I am appreciative and unapologetic about that sort of ‘organic’ loyalty. Humans are tribal, and I am human.
Took a nap and then watched the postponed celebration from Washington.
Spectacular doesn’t begin to describe it. I hadn’t looked for any “previews” and was quite impressed with the focus on historic flags and veterans.
The fireworks really did look like there were 850,000 or more going off!
Our local display supplied sound effects for us, in addition to the music at the show.
So glad they were able to go ahead and were not rained out.
Happy Birthday America!
@ HC68 > “But I also love it because I am American and America is me.”
Thank you for your observations about how our nations are our homes, and that America is particularly deserving of our loyalty.
@ chazzand > “I’ve watched 8-9 videos about people from Europe over here for the World Cup.”
For those who might have missed this link from Curt Thomson in today’s Open Thread, it’s a great song celebrating those awe-struck visitors.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ft2mlNqHjYM
Welcome To The Land Of The Free – Jason Stills
“I’m thinking that the country feels like it’s under internal siege”
Not that you meant it this way; but that is how it felt (and still feels) in New Jersey.
We had a terrible thunder storm on the night of July 3rd. Power went out all across the state. This morning there are still over 85,000 customers without power – from the night of the 3rd to the morning of the 5th! The power outage map list “restore” time as being Monday or Tuesday in some places. They claim it is all an act of nature and cannot be prevented. How about they cut down that tree or its large limbs too close to the lines BEFORE the storm; this is common sense not rocket science. Pathetic, just plain pathetic customer service.
Part of my 4th was spent throwing out food from my frig and freezer. Some food I bought for the Fourth (potato salad with its mayo dressing) I just didn’t think would be safe it eat. So, I had PB&J sandwiches for the holiday. Not exactly what one might call “celebratory” eats!
I had wanted to drive down to Sandy Hook to see what I could of the Tall Ships sailing into NY harbor; but, with so many towns without power, and that includes the traffic lights, it seemed better and safer to stay home.
Property taxes are flying upward and we get little back in the way of services.
NJ Transit is always late, trains cancelled, breaking down, etc.
So many times this state feels like it is run like a Third Wold country. Why? oh why? cannot the people in charge keep things running properly? (rhetorical question because we all know the answer is the corrupt Democrats)
OK. my rant is over – hoping everyone had a great Fourth!
Pretty much says it all:
“AMERICA 250 EXPOSED THE DEMOCRATS: They Want to Rule a Country They Don’t Love.”—
https://instapundit.com/america-250-exposed-the-democrats/
Not that it has to be this way…but following the example of the EU / WEF / Anglospheric / global “elites”, maybe that’s just the way it is.
Watched the tall ships wishing I could see it live. Saw the video of them riding out the storm the night before so glad I wasn’t. Watched the Mariners trash the Blue Jays 11-0, regaining the division lead. They also wore unique July 4th uniforms. Then watched the late Trump show. Both wife and I wished we could have been there.
Not a lot of local fireworks as we have been under a burn ban for a month already.
My rant.
What the eff is wrong with the left. How can so many of these jackasses be so unable to read the room. How can so many of them not have the good manners to know when to put a cork in it. Clinton, Newsum, Obama, Ro idiot and on and on.
We watched a good fireworks display at Newport Beach, CA, where we are visiting family. It’s nice to see flags out everywhere— although this is Orange County.
We started out the morning listening to a patriotic mix on Spotify. I didn’t expect to cry during I’m Proud to be an American, but did. During our morning prayers we read the Meditation in our Magnificat, Jennifer Hubbard, whose daughter Catherine Violet was a victim of the Sandy Hook School shooting. Cried again. She has managed grief and loss and lives in peace and gratitude, a beautiful testimony of grace. We haven’t watched a network news broadcast in years, but ABC’s 24 hour celebration of America included scenes of the Tall Ships and a presentation on 7 Wonders of America. It was wonderful (included places, I’ve been–the Everglades, Hawaii Volcano National Park/Black Sand Beach and my favorite, the Redwoods). We then headed to Huntington Beach to celebrate with our son’s family and that town fully embraces Independence Day joy–decorations everywhere and nonstop fireworks. After 8:30 we walked to the beach to sit on the sand in the dark and enjoy a center view of the display off the pier. A delightful day indeed.
Kate, our granddaughter from Northern California is visiting So Cal for a 4 week program at USC. We spent the 3rd with her in Laguna and Newport Beach–2 of my favorite cities in the state.
A lovely post Neo.
Interesting comment on Americans abroad. When I worked in England I tried to walk daily. There was a marked difference in the demeanor of people I encountered compared to what I was accustomed to back home.
Kate, I fished Newport Bay in my Kayak for years. I was pleasantly surprised at the number of American flags flying on tall poles in bay side yards; and really surprised to see the number of Trump flags during the election season. I don’t discount that persons who live bay side in Newport, have a perspective rather different from that of most. (Because access to the water is unrestricted on public land, I used to park on the street in front of a home that was on the market for $40M, launch my little boat at the end of the street, and fish alongside yachts that cost more than my house.)
I texted my 4 kids the chorus from “God Bless the USA”:
I’m proud to be an American
Where at least I know I’m free
And I won’t forget the men who died
Who gave that right to me
And I’d gladly stand up
Next to you and defend her still today
‘Cause there ain’t no doubt I love this land
God bless the USA
With thanks to Lee Greenwood
I watched 1776 yesterday, then sipped some bourbon on the porch and watched a thunderstorm roll in, and today I’m out on a nice long motorcycle ride. God Bless America indeed.
I lived in Berlin in the early 1980s and could always spot Americans by the way they walked.
Headlines from the Centennial in 1876.
HELENA DAILY HERALD
EXTRA
July 4th, 1876
A TERRIBLE FIGHT
Gen. Custer and his nephew
KILLED
The Seventh Cavalry cut to pieces
The Whole Number Killed 315
President Trump’s July 4th full speech & fireworks National Mall, D.C. – Full Video
https://commoncts.blogspot.com/2026/07/historic-president-trumps-july-4th-full.html
Thanks to Neo and all your commenters for the memories, celebration activities, and reasons for loving América. It all warmed my heart.
I’m in pretty bad shape but enjoyed a lovely 4th with my bride and daughter. Steak, macaroni salad, and lemon meringue pie were whipped up by our daughter. It was good. My appetite is gone but I still appreciate the tastes.
God bless America, land that we love! And God bless all of you.
The story behind the headline and how the news spread.
The battle was fought on June 25th and 26th. Upon relief of the survivors on June 27th, Gen. Terry sent his initial report by civilian courier to Fort Ellis, MT for transmission by telegraph. The courier reached Stillwater MT on July 1st. He revealed the news to a Helena Herald stringer on July 2nd and then proceeded to Ft. Ellis arriving late on July 3rd. The commander of Ft. Ellis delivered the report to the telegraph office in Bozeman and The Bozeman Times published the news in a local extra at 7 PM. On July 5th, the commander of Ft. Ellis discovered that Terry’s report had only been sent to Helena on the morning of the 5th by mail.
Meanwhile, the Herald stringer wrote his story on July 2nd and sent it by courier to Helena where the Herald broke the story late on the 4th.
Officers at Ft. Rice MT heard the story from a group of Sioux early on July 5th and sent a report by courier to Bismarck DT to telegraph the news to the department headquarters at St Paul. The Seventh’s home station Ft. Abraham Lincoln was also near Bismarck.
The steamer Far West arrived in Bismarck very late on the 5th with the wounded and the sad news for the 39 widows.
Most of the country got the news on the 6th from a rewrite of the Herald story in their local papers.
Charles: So, I had PB&J sandwiches for the holiday.
I hear what you’re saying, but you’ve inspired me.
I’ve got Skippy Natural PB, already. I’ll get some Smucker’s berry jam, and I’ll bake some Walter Sands white bread.
I’m looking forward to this. PB&J is a pretty tasty sandwich.
Thanks!
J.J.:
You’re welcome. Hope your health improves!
TR. WRT Entebbe. Having been …..almost….involved in the Dawson’s Field op in 1970, which was cancelled before it got started, I’ve always been fascinated at how the perfidious Jews managed to upstage our bicentennial,
Coluple of guys I knew back in the Day said, and I agreed, that we’d have paid our own way to be on that op. That was righteous. And looking into how they breadboarded it from nothing in practically no time….
It was such a big deal that, at least, two movies were made about it. One had some big names, the other not so much. I do recall an opening scene with some really odd things happening. Turned out it was a couple of young guys in leisure suits an really big afros in silhouette. Had repressed that memory, I guess. I recommend serious looking into that op, if only for envy’s sake. Plus, the terrs had the hostages in the terminal at the end of the runway. How cool is that? Not like Dawson’s Field. Well, can’t have everything.
Thanks, Neo. I’m working on it.
J.J. – take care!
And that dinner – steak, macaroni salad, and lemon meringue pie – sound wonderful.
@ Bruce Hayden > “I was always convinced that America the Beautiful had to have been written in CO. Where else do Purple Mountains Majesty sit above Amber Waves of Grain? ”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p93bIO506-Y&list=RDp93bIO506-Y&start_radio=1
America The Beautiful | 250th Anniversary | Music Video | Full song with Lyrics
The arranger and singers were not credited, so far as I could tell, which is too bad. It’s very nicely done.
My memory of the Bicentennial July 4th was the Entebbe Rescue!
Spitballing here; Political scientists use the term “nation state” because those are separate entities. A “state” is a legal entity with borders and other legal qualifications to be a “state”. A “nation” is a shared culture/language/history and united identity. In most nation states in the world, the two came to be separately. Swedes were a people for a long time, ruled in one way or another by one or another power, not all Swedish. In the last couple of hundred years, as with most countries, they evolved into both. First was a nation, then, later a state. Geramay was about 300 entities after the end of the Thirty Years War. But they were, for all the wars between, The Germanys. Eventually, in 1871, they finished their consolidation.
The US became a nation, in the sense of a people, and a state, in the legal sense, in 1776, according themselves. Yes, there were loyalists and people who weren’t committed either way. But we did both on the same day. This is not common which, I submit, is a reason for July 4 being as big a deal as it is and beyond other countries’ histories.
For example, on what date did Britain become a country? France? Was said that half the troops showing up for WW I for France spoke French as a second language, no doubt taught in school. But raised to speak some dialect.
Our Big Day is unique.