The United States of America celebrates its independence from Great Britain every year on July 4. Like the Finnish Midsummer and Vappu, the 4th of July calls for a big celebration! First, it’s a Federal holiday observed by the U.S. government, which means that many government offices and workplaces are closed. If the 4th falls on a weekday, then it usually means a day off from work to celebrate. If the 4th falls on a Saturday or Sunday, the U.S. government then observes the holiday on the following Monday, resulting in a three-day weekend to celebrate the nation’s independence!
Celebrating the 4th of July is an all-day event where people get together with their family, friends and neighbors. My fondest memories are of celebrations with my family and millions of other Americans in Washington, D.C. on the National Mall. But, whether you’re celebrating in a small town in Middle America or in the nation’s capital, the day usually starts with a parade, complete with student marching bands, military troops, dancers, costumes and floats. People are enthusiastically patriotic, often dressed from head to toe in red, white and blue and waving small American flags. Along with parades, there may be carnivals or fairs.
You can’t have a party without food, and the 4th of July is no exception. Traditional American-style barbeques or picnics are the norm, with hotdogs and hamburgers and all of the toppings served as the main course. Then, there are numerous varieties of potato, pasta, and fruit salads. Side dishes could also include baked beans, corn on the cob, and multiple servings of potato chips and dip. Since it’s usually hot and humid on the 4th (especially in the nation’s capital), there are lots of cold drinks to cool you down: sodas, lemonade, iced tea, or perhaps an ice cold can of American beer for the adults. Desserts are always my favorite part of any meal, and on the 4th, ice cream, popsicles, cakes, and big slices of fresh watermelon are abundant. For some, the 4th of July isn’t complete without the all-American apple pie.
Between the parades, eating and waiting for the fireworks show, there are lots of fun activities. Whether it’s playing catch, throwing a football or Frisbee, a backyard game of volleyball, or a card game, there’s a sense of community and camaraderie that abounds.
After the sun goes down, the moment that everyone has been waiting for finally arrives: fireworks! You hear the distinct pop of the firecracker, and then the sky is filled with beautiful red, orange, green, blue, and white bursts of color. The fireworks show is often accompanied by the national anthem and many other patriotic songs. At the end of a long day of celebration, you finally head home: tired, full, perhaps a bit sunburnt from spending the day outside, looking up at the smoke-filled sky from the night’s fireworks and feeling proud to be an American.
Fourth of July celebrations in Finland were kicked off early this year with an Embassy party on June 23. Though there were no fireworks, guests enjoyed crayfish from Louisiana and special demonstrations from the renowned Chef John Folse and Company to commemorate the 234th anniversary of the independence of the United States.
Bon Appetit! Crayfish from Louisiana
Movie director Renny Harlin with Ambassadog Deckard
Kaivopuisto's Lady Liberty
Chef Folse with guests and Louisiana crayfish
Don’t forget to honor John Morton (PA) signer of the Declaration whose grandfather(Martti Martinen) came from Rautalampi. Settled in ‘New Sweden” and gave us one our early patriots.
John Morton was honored recently in Helsinki. A special John Morton Conference at the University of Helsinki included discussions and lectures by historians and migration experts from Finland, Sweden, and the United States. Please find more at http://finland.usembassy.gov/ev_061510.html.
American Resource Center