A Slice of the 4th of July

We owe our independence

to others who paved the initial way:

heros,heroines,Founding Fathers, and patriots.

LET'S CONTINUE TO↓

How did you celebrate the Fourth of July?

My family

CELEBRATES independence each year

in style with homemade cookies!

This year the chocolate chip cookies are colored blue with chocolate frosting. The house is decorated inside and outside.

You may ask how my little grandgirls celebrated while at my house?

They enjoyed swimming in the pool.

They met new children who were with their grandparents.

They had a delicious barbecue,

and sang a song they rehearsed the night before,

HAPPY BIRTHDAY AMERICA!

But there is more:

they wished for ice cream

at the new ice cream store.

Each child, plus adults tried different yummy flavors.

🎆

My Wish For All Children and Students:

To grow into honorable citizens who uphold the Constitution,

create plans for a better tomorrow, and memories for the future.

So, let's ignite the

American Spirit 

Authentic voices 

Make noise as they

Embark on

Roads ahead-

If freedom devotees

Commit, they will rise

As responsive Americans ready for 

    Next Steps 

Positive approaches that

Inspire students to

Reach out 

Ignite the flame

To make more noise

draft CVarsalona, 2025-26, acrostic poem 

Two Writing Teachers

4th of July 2026 Semiquincentennial

While the photo below dates back to the 4th of July 2024, it is a symbol  of my family's tradition. Each year, we watched the firework celebrations live with family and friends or on television. One year, when my children were young, we traveled to New York City for the firework display by Macy's. The area for spectators was filled with many families who all had just enough space for four people. While the firework display was magnificent, we felt cramped. 

Years that followed were enjoyed in our hometown where we felt more comfortable. The famous Grucci Firework Company on Long Island, always displayed a magnificent show. The symphony orchestra always played on the bandstand, and families gathered in picnic style. Each celebration was held on  a separate day than the 4th of July. This allowed our family and others to watch the Macy's celebration on Independence Day. 

family gathers

America celebrates

freedom sparkles rise

©CVarsalona, 2026, photo from 2024

dazzling fireworks

dart into evening sky

pop, whizz, sizzle

like popcorn kernels bursting

showstopper entertainment

©CVarsalona, 2022

We always celebrate in style with homemade cookies!

This year the chocolate chip cookies are colored blue with chocolate frosting and the house is decorated inside and outside.

My little grandgirls are tucked away in their lovely room in my house waiting to enjoy a pre-4th of July celebration. Tomorrow, their parents will come over for a pool day, dinner, and ice cream. The youngest two understand that the USA will have a birthday so they already started singing Happy Birthday America. My oldest grandgirl (9) informed me that she learned about the Revolutionary War that led to the birth of American independence. 

"Miss Liberty, at Dawn's First Peep, Awakes the Echoes from Their Sleep"
(Original Postcard from early 1900)


Flag of the United States Semiquincentennial celebration

Ignite the American Spirit  (for our students)
      Authentic voices 
      Make noise as they
      Embark on 
      Roads ahead  
      If freedom devotees
     Commit they will rise
     As responsive Americans ready for
     Next steps:
     Shape outcomes with
     Positive approaches
     Inspire students to
     Reach out with concerns
     Ignite the flame
    To make more noise
     draft CVarsalona, July 4th, 2025

It is Poetry Friday and our host, Michelle Kogan, invites us to the Roundup. Her blog post 4th of July Justice, shares her artwork, poetry, and songs. Please click here to read Michelle's blog and other poets' blogs.

The American Spirit

During the Fourth of July Weekend in Patriotic Style

Filled with the spirit of freedom and the opportunities it brings, I woke this weekend with the desire to CELEBRATE in patriotic fashion. Flashbacks of years past with fremily spurred me on. Baking ware came out, as did my secret ingredient, orange rinds. The kitchen started to have that creative chaos look that allows a little of this and a little of that blended together into new tasty items.

As I baked, I thought of the hands that came before me-those that folded dough with ease. I thought of the delicacies that were created to bring oohs and aahs from guests. I baked with happy memories, giving thanks that I came from a line of bakers who were inspired to hone their craft with each new design. I baked in peace, happy to create, and excited to share my newest baked items centered around the theme, the American dream. 

In my family, the American dream started with my grandmother coming to America as an immigrant. She brought with her a baby and a desire to live in freedom with her husband who immigrated previously to find a home for his family. The American dream continued with my mother growing up learning the arts at the hands of my grandmother. Her dream of becoming a fashion designer in New York City was realized for a short time before World War II started and then deferred when she needed to return home to Rome, New York to help support the family. I loved hearing the stories growing up. I watched, listened, and learned alongside these strong women who had "big" dreams for their family. 

Now, I think back, realizing that the American spirit has lived in my heart since a child. I understand what it means to have a dream because of my heritage. Perhaps, thoughts about the American spirit are best exemplified in Gloria Estefan's powerful song. 

American ideals and aspirations have been realized throughout the years by those who have come before us. It is my dream that my children will shape their future based on our family members who embodied the American spirit. 

I honor my past by sharing my creations, 

knowing that my grandmother and mother would be proud.

Fourth of July is the perfect day to be filled with thanks for what we have.

Today is Slice of Life Tuesday.

Please visit Two Writing Teachers here to read what other slicers are writing.

Celebrate American Spirit

In the days leading up to the July 4th, Americans prepared for a day of celebrating connections. Region and town papers announced events, posted notices of 4th of July sales, and published news centering around the concept of freedom. This year, the Macy's fireworks spectacular in the New York City East River illustrated the theme of the American Spirit with live patriotic music, interviews, a hostess dressed in a stylish firework-designed dress, and a excited crowd of viewers. The American spirit was present but just what is the American Spirit?

ESSENTIAL QUESTIONS:

• What is the American spirit?
• How does it shape our values and beliefs?

The question, What is the American spirit?, was posed last night at the Macy's Fireworks celebration. Perhaps, it is best expressed in Gloria Estefan's original song, America, that was featured.  

Authenticity is needed by all of mankind to solidify the power of the collective voice and to realize dreams of freedom. Communities of risk-takers can voice national concerns inherent in the Constitution and follow up with actionable steps, along with strength, passion, and collaboration. Liberty can be achieved for ALL through the democratic process. Resilience, positivity, and stamina are essential..

Idealistic? Perhaps...but independent thinking and a strong sense of patriotism can make a future ready world for our young learners. If it were not for a community of dreamers, American ideals and aspirations would not have been realized. It is up to modern day dreamers to shape the future through the American spirit.

Patriotism represents the "T" in Spirit.

The spirit of freedom unites all. I celebrate the American Spirit this Fourth of July weekend. 

  

Join Ruth Ayres at Celebrate This Week to read how the writing community celebrated their week leading up to the Fourth of July weekend.