Happy Fourth of July

Today is the fourth of July and the flags will be going up. I will wear my grandmother's flag pin and generally spend the day enjoying the fact that I am American.
Once I met an ex-pat who said that they did not bother, but I have always bothered.
I loved the fourth of July as a child and have seen no reason to stop. Even though sometimes, the neighbours have given me odd looks. My children all enjoy the celebration. But we do not have fireworks as they are saved for the fifth of November when it gets dark early. Plus my daughter has never liked the bangs.
But I shall be making my seven layer dip, as well as Boston baked beans in the bean pot that travelled to Chicago in the covered wagon in the 1840s. (What can I say except that pack rats run in my family) I shall also make corn bread in the cast iron pan that my grandfather used -- the bread comes out shaped like ears of corn. Like bits of tradition. It helps teach the children about their American heritage. After all they are dual citizens.
Hope the day is a good one for all who celebrate.