July 4th. Just Another Day?

Write What You Know July 2026

I’m staying at home this July 4th. Not that I wouldn’t like to be celebrating the amazing 250th anniversary of the country I currently live in, but simply because, for me and many others, the excitement has been taken out of the day. I won’t go into specifics, but millions of us know why.

Oh, people are still lighting fireworks (in fact, they’ve been doing that for days.) And there are thousands of local celebrations happening around the country. But where the excitement should be emanating from—the country’s capital—green spaces are torn apart, barricaded off, and turned into an inhospitable area for both residents and visitors alike.

Washington DC, where I lived for ten years (outside the beltway) is only a shadow of its former self. I recall my family strolling alongside a clean reflecting pool, marveling at the monuments—not an armed guard or soldier in sight. On July 4th, we sat on the grass, in view of the Washington Monument, listening to hours of amazing music, waiting for the fireworks to begin. Picnic baskets, blankets, kids running and playing—yes, memories that will last a lifetime. No, this year it’s not the same.

If I was going to celebrate anywhere this year, it would be watching the Tall Ships on the east coast. The beautiful spectacle—tall sailing ships from all over the world in full sail—commemorating 250 years of this majestic country. What a marvelous tribute!

In 1967, during Canada’s centennial celebration, my family and I were lucky enough to view the tall ships sailing through the Welland Canal in Ontario. One, in particular, the Christian Radich, a full-rigged Norwegian ship, built in 1937, had sailed across the Atlantic from its home in Oslo, to celebrate Canada’s 100 years. I’ve never forgotten that day.

My photo from 1967. The Christian Radich sailing through the Welland Canal.

I celebrated America’s Centennial, 1976, in Palmyra, a small town in upstate New York. It seemed everyone in town was part of the celebration—marching or watching. The air was electric with patriotism. At least that’s how it seemed to me.

I wonder what memories today’s kids will have of the 250th anniversary of their country? And their parents? What should be a once-in-a-lifetime event, sparking numerous happy conversations, may go down in their memories as “just another day.”

Downtown Palmyra, NY. July 4, 1976

I think of the wonderful events that are taking place all over the country right now. The opening of President Obama’s library in Chicago, soccer players from all over the world experiencing America’s unique melding of cultures, and even the wedding of the year T&T—the couple gifting millions to charities on the eve of their nuptials. America is still great and the people in it are still amazing.

This transplanted Canuk has been happy to call the USA home for decades. Even though this July 4th is not living up to past celebrations, I have faith that the future will set things right. I won’t be around to celebrate 300 years, but I bet it will be the best time ever.

So, I’m an optimist! See you next time.