Here in America the 4th of July is a national holiday – correctly named Independence Day! Most of us just call it “4th of July” leading to the joke “don’t they have 4th of July in other countries???” The typical American celebration includes a cook out / barbecue, a big family get together and picnic, and in the evening a fireworks show. Where I live, most cities have outlawed fireworks except for a big show put on by a local community center in a park. We have a big air base right near by, so we can see their fireworks without having to go to the base. Unfortunately, we live about 1/4 mile from a city that still allows fireworks and we can see their “illegal” fireworks – the type that shoot up into the sky and aren’t purchased at the local “safe & sane” fireworks stand. Regardless, it’s a great day for families to celebrate our nation and here are a few photos of family get togethers from the mid 20th century.
Tiny barbecue unit, note the cars in the background
A camping trip complete with tent and pot of something on the stove
“This Dad bar-b-q. Mt Chareston Park Nevada, June ’22”
Everyone gather round the table!
Fabulous long table with lots of interesting things on it and interesting people around it!
It wouldn’t be summer without some watermelon eating!
HAPPY INDEPENDENCE DAY EVERYONE!!
Who Were They? 
Ah, yes, watermelon. Nothing feels like the 4th of July as much as eating watermelon and seeing how far you can spit the seeds. :-) Great set of pictures!
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nice pics of americana, can’t get more American than Independence day. and since I’m a real live nephew of my Uncle sam (I was born on the 4th of July), it’s nice to see traditons like BBQs and fireworks displays bringing people together.
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Loved your old photos..a real nice slice of American life..especially the watermelon:)
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It is amazing our elected officials have banned fireworks; they were the fabric of our celebrations for many decades. But similar to Prohibition, the plethora of ILLEGAL fireworks have made such banning a most ridiculous law.
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