What comes to mind for you when you think about the 4th of July? For me, I picture the warm summer sun, food cooked over a fire, and of course, an extravagant fireworks show! However, I also reminisce on the delightful time shared with my family. Every year on July 4th, millions of Americans gather together to celebrate an event that took place over two hundred years ago: the adoption of the Declaration of Independence in 1776. We have gained quite a bit of distance from that day, but the celebrations remain steadfast. These festivities honor both our original independence and the way our liberties have progressed and evolved over the last two hundred years. It is certainly something special!
In order to celebrate the 4th of July this year, our ASG family shared some of their own traditions as well as any personal significance of the holiday. Please enjoy this insight into who we are on a more personal level!
Why is the 4th of July important to you?
Since many ASG employees are Veterans, the 4th of July runs deeper than the fireworks and barbecues. Employee Krystyn Clark remarked that as a former servicemember, Independence Day holds a special place in her heart. It is an important reminder of why she served and the unity this nation is capable of. Krystyn eloquently pointed out that we have a unique model of people coming together to create a kind of nation that was novel at the time.
She believes that we are still capable of this kind of harmony today, and we at ASG agree. Employee Joe Potaczek, also a former servicemember, echoed this sentiment, saying that he is reminded of the privilege it is to have these freedoms, and that we should not take them for granted. Ryan Wickes felt similarly and expanded upon the importance of our freedoms and their ability to evolve: “Independence Day is important to me because it reminds me that while we are not always a perfect country, we always have the potential for greatness.” I could not have said it better myself
How do you typically celebrate the 4th of July? Do you have any traditions?
Although our employees delight in the classic 4th of July events such as parades, cookouts, and fireworks, they also noted the importance of spending the day with their families. Joe Potaczek said, “The 4th of July is our family’s summer version of Christmas!” He described a long weekend full of family time, games, swimming, fishing, and of course the fireworks and barbecue! This has been Joe’s family tradition for fifteen years now. How special! Krystyn Clark made similar remarks about attending parades, grilling, and setting off fireworks as her family’s traditions. However, she also said that she and her family have enjoyed traveling to new places and still being able to celebrate the same festivities. Both Joe’s and Krystyn’s experiences highlight that this a day of unity and shared tradition, mimicking the unity of those who signed the Declaration of Independence so long ago.
Krystyn and her family on a trip they took for the 4th of July!
ASG wishes you a happy Independence Day!
Independence Day falls at an exciting time this year as COVID-19 restrictions are beginning to loosen up. A year ago at this time, it felt like we would never see this day. ASG rejoices with you this holiday and summer season! We hope that you get to safely participate in your 4th of July traditions and enjoy time with those closest to you. For resources on how to navigate re-opening your business post-pandemic, visit our COVID-19 Solutions page here.