Independence Day is quickly approaching and people in the metropolitan area have different plans.
Becky May, 19, will be headed home to New Jersey for the summer holiday. May does not decorate or buy fireworks for the celebration.
While May is not a native Washingtonian, she “knows it’s hectic” on the National Mall and will be watching fireworks from a beach in New Jersey.
Nicole Narvaez is going to the National Mall to watch the fireworks display, which includes over 6,500 shells, according to the National Park Service.
July 4 on the National Mall in Washington, D.C. (Photo by Wayne Huang courtesy of Creative Commons)
The National Mall will be enclosed with over 18,000 linear feet of fencing and have 350 portable toilets to accommodate the thousands of people that attend the display each year.
Dominic Gatti, 20, thinks the Fourth of July is more of a celebration and party than anything else.
“I’m going to my frat party then probably to the Mall for fireworks,” said Gatti.
Narvaez “might be celebrating with friends,” and believes the holiday is about both celebration and remembrance.
Nadine Hallak plans to attend a barbecue with friends on the fourth. She will be watching the National Mall fireworks on television this year.
WASHINGTON, D.C.–Widespread political division has many Washington, D.C. area residents and college students questioning the meaning of Independence Day this year and how protests should be handled.
American University students and employees interviewed Wednesday disagreed about the holiday’s meaning, saying it carries its own traditions no matter the year.
“Nostalgia,” said Stephanie Blenko, 19, speaking about Independence Day this year. “I’m away from home for the first time and the fireworks remind me of home.”
An American flag hangs at a retail shop in Tenleytown. By Gabriel Ferris.
With a nation that is politically divided, millennials said July Fourth means time with friends rather than time celebrating patriotism or the holiday’s deep symbolic meaning. Younger residents showed more resistance to the traditional patriotic interpretation, but some still said it’s a time to heal political divides.
“In the 1700’s, we came together and I think we can also come together now,” said Laurel Gupton, 19, of Essex Fells, New Jersey. “We are all still American.”
Still, Gupton and many others interviewed this week said planned protests or political dissent on the holiday were a reminder of America’s freedoms.
Mindy Ford, 45, said she is unhappy with the current administration, but vowed to celebrate July 4 and how the far the nation has come.
Still, some said protesting on the Fourth of July remains in stark contrast to what the Founding Fathers stood for.
“Protesting on the Fourth seems to be anti-patriotism; that’s my observation,” said Barry Jones, a 57-year-old independent voter.
Celebrating a holiday that commemorates America is a hard pill to swallow for some, especially those who still feel institutional racism is a problem.
A 2016 report published by the Pew Research Center said that 88 percent of blacks believe America still has steps to take to ensure equality for their race.
Carl Amritt, 22, of West Palm Beach, Florida, spoke about how political discord is affecting July Fourth this year. By Gabriel Ferris.
That will manifest itself in how people like 23-year-old Dekyan Dennis, who is black, will celebrate the Fourth of July.
“I will not be celebrating,” said Dennis, who said her boyfriend serves in the U.S. Army. “The flag represents equality and justice but our nation doesn’t embody these ideals.”
Although fireworks and large American flags are at the forefront of most July Fourth celebrations, what they symbolize is anything but concrete.
Independence Day is a huge celebration in Washington, D.C. but just how much do local residents know about what it takes to become a citizen here?
In the Tenleytown neighborhood of Northwest Washington, D.C., American citizens were asked a series of questions sampled from the one that immigrants seeking citizenship would have to pass.
Matt Garvey, 65, who walked with his wife on Tuesday through the neighborhood and said he studied law, answered questions like, “What ocean borders the west coast of the United States?” Garvey joked the answer was the Adriatic Sea, but ultimately answered all 12 questions correctly.
For educated U.S. citizens like Garvey, the questions may seem easy. But for many immigrants seeking U.S. citizenship, the test is a hurdle in an election season where immigration policy has been front and center for politicians and voters alike.
Powerful political voices like Hillary Clinton believe that this system is outdated and ineffective, “If we claim we are for family, then we have to pull together and resolve the outstanding issues around our broken immigration system,” she said, seen on her campaign website.
The presumptive Republican nominee Donald Trump disagrees with Clinton, saying on his website children born to illegal immigrants should not automatically get citizenship status.
Those who are seeking citizenship must pass the United States citizenship test.
First, one must apply for a green card which can prove to be a lengthy process. This grants them permanent residency so long as they don’t violate the law. Green cards are categorized into different types, and a very limited amount from each category are given out yearly.
Once an immigrant receives a green card, they must wait at least five years to gain “permanent resident” status. Once they acquire this status they are eligible to apply for naturalization.
The application process can take at least six months, but it usually spans to a year or more according to the American Immigration Center.
“There’s obviously reform to be made, but you have to be careful about immigration,” said Tom Merrill, 42.
People walking on the American University campus Wednesday, July 6. Photo credit Bryan Fletcher.
Even though someone may be a U.S. citizen, that doesn’t always mean they know the complete history of their country.
Some residents and visitors to Washington, D.C. had a tough time answering questions from the citizenship test given to immigrants.
When asked why we celebrate July Fourth Ricky Monroe, 55, said, “Was there a war or something?”
Monroe also did not know what year the Declaration of Independence was signed.
Spoiler alert: 1776.
In order for a foreigner to gain U.S. citizenship, he or she must show an understanding of the English language, speak in English clearly, and demonstrate knowledge of U.S. government and history. Of those who took the test in 2015, 91 percent passed.
Matt Garvey, 65, answered the practice citizenship questions like: name a war fought in the 1900s, where is the Statue of Liberty located or what ocean is on the West Coast. Others included: when was the Constitution written and how many members does the House of Representatives have.
Even though most people interviewed this week found little challenge with the test, when asked the question “what does the 4th of July celebrate” many were unsure.
People wait for the bus outside the Tenleytown Metro. Photo credit by Eli Siegman.
Residents of and tourists to Northwest Washington, D.C. had different plans for Independence Day but everyone was excited to celebrate the nation’s 240th birthday.
Some viewed it as a day off, while others saw it as an opportunity to make a difference.
Beth Morgan, 53, thinks July 4 is a very important holiday for Americans. She was planning on spending it at home in New Jersey with her family.
“I think a majority of people view it as a day not to go to work,” Morgan said.
Morgan not only believed that it was an important holiday but it was also a fun one. When asked if it was her favorite holiday, she said it was “in her top three.”
Terry Baugh, 55, waited at a Tenleytown bus stop, and when asked about July Fourth her face immediately lit up.
“It’s more exciting here, fabulous neighborhoods,” Baugh said.
Baugh planned to help with a fundraiser for an organization called “KidSave,” which helps pre-teen orphans and those in foster care find mentors or even permanent homes. Baugh said that on the Fourth of July KidSave hosted an event at Arlington National Cemetery that viewed fireworks while it helped raise money for KidSave.
When asked if people in Washington celebrate it differently because they were in the nation’s Capital Baugh said, “People in Washington care a lot about this country.”
Fireworks explode over the National Mall in Washington D.C. Photo courtesy of the National Park Service.
In the days before the Fourth of July, many Americans begin to gear up for the celebration which this year marked the 239th anniversary of America’s independence.
Whether it’s eating hamburgers or seeing a fireworks show, many Americans like to party on the special day.
“It’s definitely a focal point of the summer,” said Chris Morgan, 25, from Gaithersburg, Maryland.
As of July 2, Morgan planned to party with his friends, one of which will be meeting him in Pennsylvania with his fellow hikers from the Appalachian Trail. Morgan has many Fourth of July memories from previous years as well, including a glow-stick party in his neighbor’s pool and a firework show over Camden Yards in Baltimore.
There’s no doubt that Americans do their share of partying on the Fourth of July. But is this partying aimed towards the right cause? Is there appropriate reverence for the actions of America’s forefathers?
Buddy Bonner, 48, said the answer is “no.”
“I think we got a gross departure from appreciation with what our freedoms are,” Bonner said. “It’s more than likely just viewed as another day off from work.”
Bonner even admitted that he might be one of those people who does not hold the Fourth of July in high enough regard.
For some, the lack of appreciation of the Fourth of July is rooted in a lack of education.
“What happened exactly only the Fourth of July?” said Kevin Quinto, a 16-year-old from North Carolina. “If you asked 10 people at least five of them wouldn’t know.”
For Francesca Coyne, 18, of Pennsylvania, the holiday brings people together.
“Its really cool to see everybody get together and appreciate something,” Coyne said.
“It’s very rare that you can get a group silent and appreciate something,” Coyne later said.
Marsel Ganeycv, 18, an international student, said the Fourth of July is a worthy celebration for the independence of the country.
“I have a t-shirt with stars and people say ‘I have the same t-shirt,'” Ganeycv said. “They’re all so friendly.”
Like Coyne, Ganeycv sees the holiday as a way to bring people together.
“When you see the fireworks, something is happening in your soul,” Ganeycv said. “You feel that you’re apart of the whole crowd.”
People in Washington D.C.’s Tenleytown neighborhood discussed their opinions Thursday regarding the potential terrorist attacks on July 4th, fearing the nation’s capital could be a target.
Brittany Jones, 24, admitted that she is not one to celebrate the Fourth of July, but said she would fear the chance of terrorist attacks.
“When you think about fireworks and gunshots, you can’t really determine what’s what,” Jones said.
“I mean, yeah, I wouldn’t want to go down there, because then that would make me a target,” Jones continued about the festivities on the National Mall.
The FBI and the Department of Homeland Security released a joint bulletin June 26 titled “Holiday Celebrations Remain Attractive Target,” citing the likelihood of ISIS to attack large celebrations during the Islamic holy month of Ramadan.
Despite the warning, Haley Sayre, 23, is planning on celebrating at the National Mall with her friends.
“I mean, it’s scary,” Sayre said. “The people that are supposed to protect us the most are warning us about a terrorism threat, and that’s what scares me the most.”
As a Massachusetts resident who has never witnessed a fireworks display, Sayre is excited. However, she is still uncomfortable about the situation and noted the 2013 Boston Marathon attack struck close to home.
Sayre answered that she normally would not go to watch the fireworks because of the heightened risk of attacks, but pressure from her friends has made her want to go despite the risks. Government security warnings are a help to some.
Fireworks over the National Mall in Washington D.C. Photo courtesy of the National Park Service.
The National Park Service said on its website that visitors will be screened at all entry points to celebrate July 4.
Jones appreciates the warning and security: “They should, just to be giving people a heads up, just in case something did happen.”
Others, like Sayre, have mixed feelings. “I don’t really think it’s right for them to scare us, but I think if they do think something is going to happen, they should let us know.”
WASHINGTON, D.C.- Excitement looms around American University’s campus as students and faculty prepare to celebrate the Fourth of July in Washington, D.C., some for the first time.
While living in the nation’s capital this summer, many students are trying to take advantage of the activities that the city has to offer for the Fourth of July, including seeing the 17-minute fireworks display on the National Mall.
“I am thinking about going to the Mall and hangout,” AU junior Olivia Hoppe said. “I am going with friends, whoever is still in D.C.”
Every year, the National Park Service holds a celebration of Independence Day at the National Mall. According to the National Park Service website, the events this year include the Folklife Festival, a concert by the U.S. Navy Band, a Fourth of July parade, as well as one of the largest firework displays in the country.
With the installation of 18,000 feet of chain link fence, 14,000 feet of bike rack, and almost 350 portable toilets throughout the Mall, according to the NPS website, large crowds are expected to participate in the festivities this year.
But that massive crowd won’t include Mike Ridley, a 34-year-old AU employee.
Ridley, who works for Fire and Life Safety, is looking forward to a more simple celebration.
“There is going to be a big cook out, kegs, beer, and fireworks,” Ridley said. “I am going to be spending it with friends and family.”
Although Independence Day was originally created to celebrate the 13 colonies declaring their independence from England, people from other countries, such as a 34-year-old native from Ghana, still take part in this Fourth of July holiday.
“I am going to have fun and am going out with friends,” said Festus Allotey, an AU library staff member. “I am worried about traffic. You have to time what time you want to leave.”
While Allotey originally migrated from Ghana, he still has family around the D.C. area he visits around the Fourth of July.
While working on a project for a summer leadership program, 17-year-old Kristine Luna described her hometown traditions.
In her hometown of McAllen, Texas, local businesses and organizations help the city in running a community parade, with activities including video games and dancing, which Luna has previously participated in with her summer dance camp. Everyone at the parade then goes to the town high school to watch the fireworks display.
Luna is currently a student at the National Student Leadership Conference for Journalism, Film, and Media Arts, a program focused on the development of leadership and individual interests in the field of communication of high school students from all over the country.
For Brenda Vega, a 16-year-old from Los Angeles in Washington, D.C. for the NSLC program, this is her first time in the city celebrating Independence Day.
“I am looking forward to the fireworks because I usually watch them on T.V.,” Vega said. “But now I get to experience them up close and everybody feels the same emotion as they watch.”
Lee France, an AU junior from New York, will spend July Fourth with friends.
WASHINGTON– People on American University’s campus are planning to exercise their patriotism with traditional and nontraditional activities for the Fourth of July this year.
Imani Muleyyar, a media production assistant at AU, is taking a slightly different approach this holiday. Muleyyar plans to travel to Baltimore, Maryland to visit family and box and kick box with friends. He explained that any day he’s off work, he and his friends use to train for boxing.
Though he enjoys athletics, Muleyyar expressed the importance of family time on this day.
“It’s good to be around happy people,” Muleyyar said.
The owner of an on-campus hair salon and spa, TIGI Boutique, Taher Kahel, is trying something new on America’s birthday this year.
Taher Kahel, owner of TIGI Boutique on American University’s campus. Photo by Courtney Allen
Kahel is participating in traditional firework watching of the National Mall festivities, but is watching them from a rooftop with friends. Though he is Tunisian born, he has been in America for half his life, and happily celebrates Independence Day every year by hanging out with friends and family and going to festive parties. Kahel joyfully punched his fist when answering if Tunisia’s Independence Day is as exciting as America’s.
“Of course it’s, exciting. We beat the French!” replied Kahel.
Kahel thoroughly enjoys the Fourth of July here with the same excitement.
“I think it’s a happy holiday, Independence Day,” said Kahel.
Amrong Chey, a Cambodian-American, said she will be participating in the typical activities for Independence Day this year by going to cook outs and watching the fireworks. She also spoke about the similar day held in Cambodia for the country.
“Everyone gets together with family and friends to celebrate the country,” Chey said
It is clear to see that no matter where people are from, America or outside of America, they still excitedly participate in Independence Day each year.
July Fourth fireworks on the National Mall. Photo courtesy of the National Park Service.
WASHINGTON– With the anticipation building for the upcoming Fourth of July festivities, people in Washington D.C. are also preparing for the incoming traffic from tourists and visitors.
Road closures will be in place starting as early as Thursday night around the Washington monuments where an estimated 700,000 are expected to show up to watch the grand spectacle of fireworks that take place yearly in our Nation’s capitol.
Many will visit the National Mall, where fireworks will start at 9:10 p.m. on July 4, according to the National Park Service website.
The National Mall, being one of the most popular spots in Washington, D.C. for viewing the fireworks is expected to be packed and crowded and many at American University will avoid Fourth of July traffic by skipping firework viewings near Capitol Hill and downtown.
Mary Spanarkel, a New Jersey native, who was used to celebrating the Fourth of July on the beach back home, will steer clearly of the “super touristy” spots like the National Mall by hanging out with friends.
Eva Gates, who works as a receptionist at American University and moved from Long Island, will avoid the heavy traffic by going home for the holiday where she will enjoy barbecue with her family and friends on the beach.
Festus Allaotey, who was born and raised in Ghana, has been an employee at American University for two years, will not go out and plans to “stay in and watch on TV instead.”
Despite traffic, Washington, D.C. remains a favorite in places to experience America’s Independence Day for students attending summer programs at American University.
Celine Castronuovo,16, from Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, is participating in NSLC and is spending her first Fourth of July in the nation’s capitol.
“I am looking forward to being able to look out my window and watch the fireworks and I’ve been watching them on TV forever and now I have the chance to actually see them in person, ” Castronuovo said.
