Every year Fourth of July festivities take place around the nation to commemorate the adoption of the Declaration of Independence in 1776. Expressions interviewed San Luis Obispo High School seniors Lily Svetich and Antonio da Silva to find out more about their Fourth of July plans and what the annual holiday means to them.

Expressions: What are your plans for the Fourth of July?

Senior Lily Svetich: For the Fourth of July usually my family and I will go to Avila Beach where there is a dog parade and watch a bunch of dogs dressed up in costumes. My family also goes to our grandparents’ house and they have a big parking lot where we do a bunch of small firecrackers on the ground.

Senior Antonio da Silva: Probably going up to Shaver Lake and watching the fireworks next to the lake.

Expressions: What are you looking forward to most about the Fourth of July?

Svetich: Being around family, and my grandmother makes really good macaroni salad so eating that will be great.

Silva: I’m looking forward to being with friends and family and [enjoying] the scenery.

Expressions: What does the Fourth of July mean to you?

Svetich: For me, it’s a day you can spend with your family, and you’re supposed to celebrate the country, but I just enjoy being around people.

Silva: It means the celebration of the creation of our nation.

Expressions: What is your ideal way to spend the Fourth of July?

Svetich: One time we went up to Washington – where a bunch of fireworks are legal – and we went to one of our family friends’ [house]. They have this huge backyard and they lit off a bunch of huge fireworks that were like Disneyland fireworks in their backyard, so that was really fun.  

Silva: Being with the people you love the most.

Expressions: If you could spend the Fourth of July with a Founding Father, who would it be?

Svetich: Ben Franklin because he invented a lot of stuff.

Silva: Probably Thomas Jefferson because he is, to me, the most ideal president there is.