Carson Country answers 'What does the Fourth mean to you?'

As a holiday, the Fourth of July seems to be about the four F's:

Family, fun, food and fireworks.

At least, that was the catalyst that pulled more than 1,000 people to Mills Park on Tuesday evening to watch a 25 minute fireworks display, which started late because of strong winds.

"We drive from California every year to get together with family and friends," said Russ Carmack of La Verne, Calif. "To young people, this may not mean anything."

His granddaughter, Jamie Aitkenhead, 13, of Gardnerville, said the Fourth of July holiday is about parties, fireworks, friends and being able to have "red, white and blue toe nails and finger nails."

But, really, isn't there something more to the Fourth of July?

"When I woke up this morning, I didn't think much about it," Gloria Aitkenhead said. "Then I looked outside and someone had put flags in everybody's yard. That really reminded me what the holiday is all about."

What the holiday is about depends on who you ask.

"It means I get a day off work, and I'm getting paid," said Don Dillard, of Carson City. "Really, it shows us how we fought to get independence."

The Coleman family also went to the park Tuesday to enjoy the fireworks.

Watching his daughters, Kacey, 2, and Sierra, 1, John Coleman said one of his favorite things about this country is that his children will be able to grow up to be whatever they want.

"People take the U.S. for granted," he said. "We have our flaws, but in other countries you have people living in huts with no electricity. We just have this great freedom."

The Fourth of July is simply about freedom, many people said.

"I remember the people I grew up with, those who did something for the Fourth of July," said Jorge Mattiello of Steamboat. "Without those who aren't here, we couldn't have a Fourth of July. It makes me feel better that those who don't know what the Fourth stands for at least acknowledge the country for a day."

The King family from Gardnerville pondered the loss of knowledge of American history and patriotism.

Rachel King went with some friends recently to see the new Mel Gibson film, the Patriot. One of her friends was confused about the British "redcoats."

"He thought the redcoats were on our side," she said. "I was a little disappointed. I thought to myself, 'How can you get through 12 years of schooling and never hear of Paul Revere and the redcoats?'"

Her father, Patrick, noted that while the U.S. is the greatest nation on Earth, people take for granted the gift of freedom.

"When you take something for granted because you don't appreciate it, it can be taken from you incrementally," King said. "You need to know about (our history) so you know what you could lose."

He added that the U.S. encourages individuals to strive for their maximum potential. That focus on the individual and their personal freedoms puts the country a notch above other countries, he said.

Terry Bridges, of Gardnerville, noted that besides being the only time of year anyone is allowed to launch fireworks, the Fourth of July creates a time for people to mingle.

"We celebrate the independence of our nation, but it's also a time of community fellowship," he said. "This is one of the few times people get together as a community, enjoy something together and not be bothered by the rat race. In today's political climate, few people get together to do community things. Everybody's on their own island, but this is a break."

However you choose to define the Independence Day holiday, a few things are certain.

On July 4, 1776, the Continental Congress created the United States and declared independence from Great Britain. The Declaration of Independence issued by the Continental Congress declared that all men are created equal and are allowed the rights to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.

Now, 224 years later, the United States sits as the world's only superpower, a nation with more than 220 million very different, diverse people who share the common identity of Americans. Here's to another 224 years.