Shelly-Ann Thompson, Freelance Reporter
TODAY IS Independence Day for American citizens at home and abroad. Official state and commemorative events will take place across that country and this year, if the weather holds, the space shuttle should blast off taking supplies and personnel to the station in the great beyond, while giving the U.S. a fabulous birthday gift.
But Americans love a party and every backyard will be filled with family and friends gathered to picnic, eat barbecued everything, watch television, dance and later go out and enjoy the scores of fireworks displays being put on.
Business will not be left out, and the other big tradition 4th of July sales will be happening in earnest. This has become a not-to-be-missed activity for many Jamaicans who fly out to take advantage of the bargains for the entire family.
But, whatever you do to mark the occasion, have a happy Independence Day!
HOW IT STARTED
On the 4th of July 1776, while at war with Britain over who would govern, 13 American colonies declared their independence. Then in 1783, the war ended in British acceptance of the new nation, and the United States of America became self-governing.
For these reasons and more, Americans celebrate their Independence Day each year.
Those not at home, try as much to capture the flavour in recognising their historic moment. For instance, in Jamaica, the U.S. Embassy will join their homeland in closing today. The same goes for American embassies worldwide. Lifestyle asked a few Americans here in Jamaica how they will be celebrating Independence Day away from home.
"I will be at home with family. Probably having a barbecue of hot dogs and burgers. But one thing I will be definitely doing is reading the Proclamation of America's Independence to my seven-year-old daughter. I think it's important for her to hear those words from as early as possible.
- Glenn Guimond, public affairs officer second secretary, Embassy of the United States of America
"For Independence Day, I will be driving to Port Antonio for the day with my best friend. We will be staying on the beach. If I were in the U.S. I would be at the park with my family with food on the grill, while watching the fireworks. But since I am in Jamaica, I will be having some jerk, that's close to barbecue and I love jerk. But when I am away from home for Independence Day, I normally go to the beach. I definitely celebrate our independence as it's important. We all hope to live in a free country and that's something to commemorate.
- Tiffany Thompson, United States of America ambassador's assistant.
"Independence Day is big for us, Americans. People get together to do a lot of barbecues. Some do go to the beach but most have a cook-out in their backyard - having steaks, hot dogs, hamburgers. Others will go and watch the fireworks in the states where fireworks is allowed. Last year, I had a cook-out in my backyard in Jamaica. But this year I decided to coincide my vacation with independence so I will definitely be in New York hanging out in someone's backyard having as much barbecue as I can."
- Audrey Hinchcliffe, chief executive officer, Manpower, Maintenance Services and US resident.
