As area families plan their celebrations for Independence Day, the events of Sept. 11 seem to hinder very few festivities.
"I think there will be bigger crowds in D.C. this year, because people will have more pride in their country ,"said Frank Dorner of Fairfax.. I don't think people will think twice about bombings or anything, I wouldn't think twice about it."
Mark Colangelo of Chantilly, disagrees. His family has been making trips to Washington D.C. for the past 10 years to see the spectacle of fire works on the mall. Usually the family drives a few cars up to the city in the early morning of July 4, and parks them. They then go home to pack a picnic lunch to enjoy on the mall, and return to D.C. via Metro. When the fireworks are over, they drive back home in the cars they parked in the city earlier. This year, however, the plans are not as set in stone. As much as Colangelo has enjoyed seeing the buildings on the mall each year, and feeling like a part of history every time he and his family join the thousands of people to celebrate their independence, he is "still a little spooked" by the events of Sept. 11. As of now, the chances of the Colangelos going to the mall for July 4 is about 50/50.
" The fireworks in D.C. are the best you're ever gonna see, so that's always a pretty big incentive to go," said Colangelo. Not all families will go to Washington, D.C. to view the annual fireworks. The Daniels family, of Chantilly, are making a trip to Myrtle Beach with friends who have a condominium there. They will stay at Myrtle from the 3rd to the 6th, and hope to be able to watch fireworks from the beach on Independence Day.
Britanne Socks, of Fairfax, will also be attending the beach. She plans to visit Virginia Beach with some of her close friends and she has already reserved a hotel room.
" HAVING NEVER BEEN to the beach without my parents, this experience will give me a taste of independence. I am looking forward to having some bonding time with the girls," said Socks.
The Chapman family has gone to Bristow for the past two years. Kim Nguyen, the oldest of 14 Chapmans, invites the rest of her family from Centreville to her neighborhood's annual block party. About 8 or 9 of the brothers and sisters, and the parents are usually able to attend. At the party, the men of the Chapman family, and the rest of the neighborhood throw together some teams and play all-American sports such as basketball and football. The meat is barbecued and includes chicken and ribs. Potato salad, pasta salad, and other typical picnic foods can also be found at the Independence Day celebration.
" July 4 is the perfect day to relax. It also provides a very good chance to spend quality time with friends and family since everyone is able to get away from the hassles of every day life, such as work," said Colin Chapman.
The Hills, of Fairfax, are traveling out of town. July 4 holds significant meaning for this family, not only because it is Independence Day but also their father's birthday. This year, they will spend July 4 with family in the Poconos. The party in the mountains will be just a stop on their way to a Connecticut wedding.
SOME HOLD THEIR celebrations in their own back yards. The Detwilers, of Chantilly, are throwing a party to welcome the youngest of three sons, Dustin, home. Dustin enlisted in the army in March, and due to Basic Training and Advanced Individual Training, this has been his first opportunity to come home. The Detwilers are hoping to be able to roast a pig at their festivity. They are also going to rent a tent to provide some shade to their backyard. In addition to the pig, partygoers will be fed the traditional American picnic foods, beans, coleslaw, and potato salad.
" Independence Day holds a more special meaning to us this year than it has in previous years because our son is now in the Army and will be fighting to protect our, and the rest of America's independence," said Jill Detwiler.
Long Meadow, a sub-division in Centreville, will hold its eighth annual block party July 4. This party is one that the whole neighborhood participates in. Each family donates about $60 to purchase fireworks and food to be cooked. Foods that can typically be found at Long Meadow's block part are hamburgers, hot dogs, sausages, whole fried turkeys, and fish filets. One year, the neighborhood even roasted a pig. In addition to the meat, each family brings a side dish. Popular side dishes have, in the past, included a huge Greek salad, and a Jello mold in the shape of the United States. A Centreville Fire Station truck also makes an annual appearance at the Long Meadow block party. The firemen stay long enough to satisfy their appetite, and allow the kids of the neighborhood to climb on the truck and pose for pictures with it.
" Last year it started to really pour [rain] during the fireworks show so everyone huddled under the food tent to wait until the rain subdued enough for them to get inside their houses. There's nothing like standing under a tent with 40 soaking wet people while we all celebrate our independence," said Ryan Korby, resident of Long Meadow.
The Ruskin family will also stay in the area this year. A family friend of theirs just moved to a home near Herndon High School. They plan to watch the fireworks display that is done at the high school from their friends' back yard.
" It'll be nice to stay more local this year and relax," said Ann Marie Ruskin.
The Servises of Great Falls, plan to attend their city's annual festivities. The celebration starts in the morning with a flag raising ceremony at the bandstand and is followed by a 5k run. Throughout the day, the city is host to many more family-oriented activities such as "games on the green" and two parades. One of these parades is a baby parade, in which children ages 2 and under from the area can share the limelight. The parade is judged based on many different categories including most patriotic. Depending on weather conditions, the Servises can expect to be joined by hundreds of other area families who are celebrating the nation's independence.