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July 4, 2025: USA250 Reflections
As the United States approaches its 250th birthday, we asked our Diarists one meaningful question:
“What are your plans for July 4, 2025?”
From front porches to city buses, from caregivers to artists, these are raw, real reflections on what independence, patriotism, and presence mean in a complicated country.
Stories of Independence, Resilience, and Reflection
Tasha Bellamy – Atlanta, Georgia
Home Healthcare Aide | Black Mother of Two
“I’m working a double shift that day. Miss Nadine don’t get a holiday from needing help, and neither do I. But after, I promised Ava and Jayden we’d light sparklers on the porch. Quiet, just us. That’s the kind of independence I’m holding onto.”
Ron Devlin – Logan, West Virginia
Retired Coal Miner | Raising Grandson
“Don’t know if I’m in the mood for celebration. Probably grill a hot dog or two for Caleb, but I won’t pretend things are fine. Maybe we’ll go up the ridge, watch the town fireworks from a distance. Quiet. No flag-waving. Just space to breathe.”
Marcus Dean – Baltimore, Maryland
Bus Driver | “The Singing Bus Driver”
“I’m driving a route that day—patriotic playlist queued up, though I’ll sneak in some Sam Cooke and Marvin Gaye. After my shift, it’s family BBQ and karaoke in the backyard. My kids each pick a freedom to sing about. That’s our tradition now.”
Luisa Márquez – Phoenix, Arizona
Grocery Worker | DACA Recipient
“I’ll be home with Mamá. We’ll make pan dulce and maybe watch a movie. I don’t feel safe in crowds lately, and fireworks always scare Diego’s dog. July 4 means something, but it’s complicated when you’re told you don’t belong in the country you call home.”
Lilah Davis – Tulsa, Oklahoma
11-Year-Old Homeschooled Girl
“We’re doing a picnic and I’m bringing my secret notebook. I wrote a story where the Statue of Liberty turns into a dragon and flies around the world helping girls fight injustice. I think that’s what freedom should feel like—protective and wild.”
Opal Freeman – Jackson, Mississippi
Retired Nurse | Widow
“I’ll sit on the porch with a slice of peach pie and remember my Harold. He always put a little flag in the garden, right next to the basil. I don’t need a parade. I’ll let the wind and the crickets sing freedom songs this year.”
Zeke Holloway – Boise, Idaho
Unhoused Teen | Skateboarder
“Might hit the skate park early—less crowded, less cops. Then I’ll chill behind the church where nobody bothers me. July 4’s not really for kids like me, but I might blast some music and pretend it is. That’s my kind of independence.”
Annie Sullivan – Portland, Oregon
Waitress | Comic Artist
“I have the morning shift at the diner, then I’m heading to the river with my sketchbook and some fireworks from the corner stand. I’m drawing a Ghost Diner page where the ghosts refuse to disappear. Feels like a protest and a party.”
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