Locals celebrate the Fourth of July
South Mississippians spent the day dodging wet weather to celebrate our independence.
July 4th, 1776: a day commemorating the Declaration of Independence of the United States of America. After spending 20 plus years in the military, Veteran Lee Brown celebrates July 4th with more than just cooking great food, he also had a wardrobe that speaks for itself. “It’s near and dear to my heart. As you can see, I’m dressed the part.”
Just like any other tradition, locals along the Gulf Coast gathered with friends and family to celebrate freedom. Attendee Morris Robinson said, “We’re having a great time and everybody’s out here. We’re just living life, partying, that’s what we do.”
The year 2020 was hard for everyone, but now that 2021 is here, people are happy to be back out and enjoying some much-needed family time. “You know, a year and a half ago, we never thought we would be here right now. You know, enjoying family, friends, and celebrating the Fourth of July together as a nation.”
Attendee Kenny Smith said, “Man, it’s wonderful. You always hope you run across some old friends you haven’t seen in a while and stuff like that. It’s a good feeling.”
Celebrating Independence Day for some has meant getting together with family, friends, and fireworks. A tradition that happens every July 4th when we celebrate, as John Adams had hoped, with ‘pomp, parade, bonfires, and illuminations from one end of this continent to the other.’ “We’re going to watch them on the beach. I would love to see that. I’ve never seen it so I would love to see that.”
“If we don’t get rained on, we’ll be watching the sparks fly.”
Fireworks, family, and cookouts are great, but there’s more to July 4th and a reason it’s celebrated. “For all the brothers and sisters that I’ve lost. We give thanks and we celebrate them because freedom we all know is not free in the country. We love this country. We represent this country.”
“You know, just celebrating our freedom, our independence, that’s what it’s all about.”
