Franklin Perkins, who with Springfield’s Newington Forest neighbors, has decorated his yard with American flags every July 4th for 23 years says the July 4th holiday means, “… independence, freedom and love for all Americans.”
Julia James, with her husband Scott, a naturalized U.S. citizen born in China, says the July 4th holiday means, “…independence, a national holiday, and taking a first family boat trip to D.C. to watch the national fireworks.”
Robert Gilmore, of Springfield, with Dipper, says the July 4th holiday means, “our country’s freedom.”
Ron Green, of Alexandria, says the July 4th holiday means, “hope that our nation can mend itself; if it got through the trials and tribulations of 247 years ago, maybe it can mend itself.”
With Evelyn Novins, four month old Rip, of Falls Church (through an interpreter) says, “…when it’s your very first Fourth of July and your friends Diamond and Haley alert you to good tasting dog cake, it’s best not to wait politely for your share”.
A reminder that for many animals who don’t have a voice, and many humans who remain silent, the loud noises of July 4th celebratory explosions are difficult to handle.