Happy Canada Day & Happy Insurrection Day!

Okay, I’m just kidding about the second one. But please, American friends, forgive me. My branch of the Stackhouse family fled north at the time of the Revolutionary War to remain loyal to the Crown. Things do get sorted out, however: My entire family of origin have become Americans, and two of our three sons are dual citizens. I myself was recently pronounced “bicultural” by an American friend, which she meant, and I received, as a high compliment.

So here’s today’s question. When you Americans celebrate Independence Day—and when you Canadians celebrate Canada Day—what do you do, or participate in, that has actual content?

We might eat special foods in the company of special people, yes, and perhaps end the day with fireworks. But that’s all completely generic celebration. What is particularly American or Canadian in your day? What happens on July 1 or July 4 that reminds you of your country’s heritage, identity, mission, what-have-you?

I’m wondering if patriotism has burned so low now in most of our lives that aside from perhaps hanging a flag out front, we aren’t hearing or saying or viewing or otherwise doing anything that fills these national days with any actual content.

True in your case?