Honoré here: July 4: a holiday to spend with family and friends, enjoying their camaraderie and good food. 
I have fond memories of previous Fourths, especially from my childhood. We lived in Muskegon MI, right there on Lake Michigan and about a 4-hours’ drive to Chicago. Either we were home or in Chicago: my parents, sister, and I with my godmother, her husband and their two daughters. We kids were about two years apart: I was the oldest, then Beth Elaine, my godmother’s oldest, Cherie and Connie (my sister) were about 3 months apart.
The Fourth was spent either at the beach if we were in Muskegon or any one of the many parks, museums and/or the zoos in Chicago. I don’t recall any parades…maybe because I’m not a parade-goer. Fireworks for us was limited to sparklers. These days, even tho’ I’m only a stones’ throw from the National Mall, I watch the annual fireworks show on TV… best seat in the house!
July 4: a holiday to appreciate this country’s founding and heritage, as detailed in the Declaration of Independence.
original from National Archives
However you spend your Independence Day, I wish you a good time and good food. Enjoy the parades and fireworks – either in person or on tv or both – and take time to reflect on the reasons we’re celebrating, 234 years later.
Enjoy~
