The True Spirit of Independence Day

Burgers, Fireworks, and Founding Fathers’ Wishes

Independence Day — a time to reflect on the courage and vision of our founding fathers, celebrate the birth of our great nation, and of course, indulge in a glorious backyard BBQ. As comedian Jim Gaffigan once put it:

“I usually don’t have a burger, a brat, and a steak but it is 4th of July. And I need the energy if I’m gonna start blowin’ crap up. It’s what the founding fathers would want.” -Jim Gaffigan

And who are we to argue with that level of logic?

Every year, as July 4th approaches, we gear up to honor the bravery of those who declared independence from Britain. The red, white, and blue paraphernalia comes out, flags wave high, and fireworks are stocked up like we’re preparing for a reenactment of the Battle of Yorktown in our backyards. This is America, after all, where we celebrate freedom with the subtlety of a bald eagle carrying a machine gun.

The importance of Independence Day can’t be overstated. It’s a day to remember the sacrifices made for our freedom, to appreciate the liberties we often take for granted, and to remind ourselves that if it weren’t for those rebellious colonists, we might all be stuck drinking lukewarm tea and singing “God Save the Queen.”

But let’s face it, the grand history of this day is often overshadowed by the pursuit of grilling perfection. It’s almost a sacred ritual: the setting up of the grill, the sizzling sound of meat, the endless debates over whether ketchup or mustard reigns supreme. And who can forget the annual challenge of trying to consume three times your body weight in assorted grilled meats? As Gaffigan points out, this isn’t just a meal — it’s a patriotic duty.

And then, as dusk falls, we gather our overfed bodies to witness the pièce de résistance: fireworks. There’s something profoundly American about blowing things up to celebrate freedom. John Adams himself envisioned:

“illuminations from one end of this continent to the other” -John Adams

Though he might not have foreseen the modern tradition of dads nationwide igniting fireworks with all the skill of a colonial militia member lighting a cannon.

So, as we celebrate this Independence Day, let’s remember that while burgers, brats, and steaks may dominate the day, the heart of the celebration is about more than just food. It’s about honoring the spirit of independence, the bravery of our ancestors, and the right to blow crap up in a blaze of red, white, and blue glory.

In the end, it’s a blend of history and hilarity, patriotism and pyrotechnics. Because, really, what could be more American than that?