The smell of a charcoal grill, sulfur in the air, and recollection of events since last year's great American holiday. The Fourth of July is the best holiday for the wide variety of activities it offers for people of all ages. Independence Day captures an exciting way to celebrate our diversion from Great Britain, but the meaning runs much deeper than that. Not only is this holiday a chance to connect with old friends and distant family, it is a chance to celebrate what we all hold closest our hearts in America: choice. The Fourth of July is the best holiday of the year for three distinct reasons: family/friends gathering, great food, and fireworks.

The gathering of family and friends seems to happen at every holiday, but the Fourth of July brings in people from all social backgrounds. Although the fourth is not a big family gathering for my family due to distance, it provides an opportunity to connect with friends I may only see once or twice a year now that I do not live in my hometown for most of the year. Discussing how adult life is treating everyone and sharing high school stories is a fun event for everyone involved.

For me, the fourth seems to last more than just the exact day, so the days before are spent with family and friends as well. Most other holidays are just a gathering for that specific event and then everyone drives home, but Independence Day permeates the feeling of the entire week before the day itself. The sight of flags flying on every light pole in town is a welcome sight to many in a world filled with negative news. Any opportunity to spend a few days appreciating what we have is much better.

Fireworks and grilling are two aspects of fourth that are near and dear to my heart. As a growing, hot-blooded, young man, anytime grilling is involved I want to be near. Independence Day is a chance to let Dad show off his skill with the grill and appreciate that potato salad that Mom worked so hard on. Food is a way Americans have always connected, and today that remains the same. As a nation, we often are divided, but sitting around a table outside enjoying great food and better company soothes many of the divisive language used between fellow Americans today.

T he age-old tradition of enjoying pyrotechnics is something that can provide controversy for some, but the meaning of it is what keeps me buying every year. Quiet defiance is what brought about the humble beginnings of our great nation, and fireworks represent that to me today. Defiance is much different that being obnoxious, and though fireworks may be obnoxious at times, they represent the inherent rebel spirit that brought about the United States. Long ago our founding fathers decided that we will have control, and so that we will not be moved around like pawns, we will seize it. Once a yea,r fireworks are an opportunity to rebel a bit just like the Minutemen at Concord and Lexington did long ago. While we are not putting our lives on the line by lighting fireworks (hopefully!), these instruments of noise can make each of us feel we are there, fighting the British army for our freedom that we now hold so dear.