‘IT MEANS FREEDOM’: Americans share what the Fourth of July means to them

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Ahead of July Fourth, visitors to the nation’s capital shared what it means to be an American as they passed the Washington monument, honoring one of the nation’s Founding Fathers.

“To me, it means freedom,” Rosemary, of Colorado, told Fox News.

WHAT DOES THE FOURTH OF JULY MEAN TO YOU? AMERICANS RESPOND. WATCH:

WATCH MORE FOX NEWS DIGITAL ORIGINALS HERE

Every Fourth of July, Americans come together to honor the signing of the 1776 Declaration of Independence. Families and friends gather to pay tribute to the Stars and Stripes and to honor what it means to be an American. 

“It means that we should remember the meaning of liberty, what it means to be an American [and] the sacrifices that have been made for us for our freedom here in this country,” Thomas, of St. Louis, said. 

Thomas shares what the Fourth of July means to him ahead of the summer holiday. (Megan Myers/Fox News Digital)

NFL LEGEND TROY AIKMAN TAKES SHOT AT INAUTHENTIC BEER BRANDS USING AMERICAN FLAGS ON JULY 4TH HOLIDAY

Julian told Fox News the Fourth of July meant honoring veterans who “gave their lives for our freedom.”

Some Americans view the summer holiday as a time for relaxation and fun-filled festivities. The holiday is known for celebratory fireworks, parades and barbecue feasts covered in red, white and blue decorations. 

“Like, what it really means? I just go get drunk with my friends and [watch] the fireworks,” Kayla, from Maryland, said with a laugh. She said she was looking forward to her family’s boozy treat of vodka pickles at their annual Fourth of July celebration.

Every Fourth of July, communities gather for holiday celebrations with fireworks, parades and barbecue feasts.  (Getty Images)

PASSENGERS REACT TO FAA JOKING ON TWITTER AMID WIDESPREAD FLIGHT CANCELLATIONS: ‘FAA, GET YOUR ACT TOGETHER’

Jennifer, also from Maryland, said that while the holiday is a time to reflect on what Independence Day means, it’s also an opportunity to get connected with loved ones.

“It’s not just about Independence Day and celebrating as a nation,” she said. “It’s also a very family-oriented holiday.” 

National pride has been at or near historical lows in recent years, with only 39% of adults saying they were “extremely proud” to be an American, according to a Gallup poll conducted June 1-20 with over 1,000 respondents. Still, two-thirds said they were proud or extremely proud to be an American.

AMERICANS FRIGHTENED BY SHOCK POLL ON DIMINISHING IMPORTANCE OF TRADITIONAL VALUES

“The Fourth of July is the day you celebrate American values,” Andrew, from Arizona, said. “You live in this country. You want to be proud of it.”

Chris says the Fourth of July means celebrating the values we fought for.  (Megan Myers/Fox News Digital)

Chris, of Alaska, said America is built on values of patriotism, loyalty and love of country that should be celebrated every July Fourth. 

CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP

“That’s what we fought a revolutionary war for, [a] civil war,” Chris, of Alaska, said. “Everything that we have is celebrated on that day.”

To hear more Americans’ responses, click here.