Tulsans are reporting conflicted feelings about the state of the nation this Fourth of July. The shared bonds are over family, food and fireworks — not politics or government.
The Tulsa Flyer spent an afternoon last week talking to people about the 250th birthday of the U.S. and their plans for that day. Many spoke their love of freedom and disappointment in politicians.
For Mahogany Fowler, the holiday carries more weight now with her daughter serving in the Air Force.
“It takes on a whole other meaning,” Fowler said. “At first, it wasn’t of significant importance, but now it is because she is being sacrificial. She decided to give herself for this country.”
Fowler isn’t alone. Support for the armed services is a unifier for Americans, with 81% saying they are proud of the U.S. military, according to a recent poll from the Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research. That source of pride is topped only by the country’s scientific and technological advancements (90%).
Americans have less enthusiasm for things like political influence in the world (56%) and the way democracy works (66%). A Gallup survey found 77% of Americans believe the Founding Fathers would be disappointed in how the country has turned out.
Krista Pitts said she isn’t planning on doing anything July 4.
“It’s the political stuff,” Pitts said. “I love the USA, but I don’t feel like celebrating it this year. It’ll recover and get better. But, also, my family doesn’t live near me so I’m spending it by myself, and I’m OK with that.”
Evan Taylor expressed similar frustration about ongoing wars, divisive immigration enforcement and other policy decisions under the current presidential administration.
“It’s hard to want to celebrate it this year, but I still want to,” Taylor said. “We haven’t made plans yet because no one’s in the mood for it. Everyone loves a good firework show. So we’ll buy some fireworks with the kids and do stuff like that.”
Idaho resident Sherrel Skelton was passing through Tulsa when she described this year’s Fourth of July as “incredible.”
“We’ve got a wonderful country, and 250 years is amazing,” Skelton said. “I really love America. The Lord has blessed us and I’m so thankful to live here.”
Nearly every person mentioned being with family as part of their plans. Some are going to big reunions while others plan to attend more intimate gatherings at a relative’s house. They described traditions of fireworks along with cookouts, swimming and other outdoor activities.
Author Raitta Rogers emphasized the 250th anniversary of the country.
“It’s a historic day — a day of freedom, a day of fun,” Rogers said. “Go out and do like the world does and pop off a bunch of firecrackers, barbecue, be with relatives and friends catching up and enjoy the excitement. The fireworks are beautiful when flared in the air.”
A few didn’t realize the U.S. was hitting its semiquincentennial milestone.
“We spend a lot of time with our family on the Fourth of July,” said Josh McClennahan. “Seasons have come and gone so we like to spend it with family and blow some stuff up. (The 250th year) isn’t extra special for us because it’s another holiday. But, it’s cool to see that happen and have our kids celebrate it.”
Fireworks isn’t the draw for Lori Wellman, who pointed to a scar on her arm.
“Since I had a firework malfunction that went through the arm and to my bone, I don’t love it as much as I did,” Wellman said. “I’ll probably be inside hanging out with my dog.”
Veteran Nathan Kraft plans on throwing himself down a 100-yard-long lawn water slide at a large family barbecue.
“It’s my wife’s favorite holiday,” Kraft said. “One of the takeaways about the Fourth of July is that our politicians are not America, we are. Stop hating America because of them. Love each other.”
How are you celebrating the Fourth? Email us at connect@tulsaflyer.org or tag us on Instagram at @thetulsaflyer.
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