This is how the Fourth of July is celebrated by many SLOHS students at San Luis Obispo, with love and fireworks! Photo courtesy of sanluisobispo.com.

  Independence Day, or Fourth of July, is a cherished holiday all over the country, commemorating the adoption of the Declaration of Independence from Britain on July 4, 1776. Students at San Luis Obispo High School have different ways of celebrating, each with their own unique and fun traditions. 

  Essentially, Independence Day is a celebration of freedom and liberty, and some students view it exactly that way, with a sense of gratitude. 

  “I celebrate the Fourth of July because I do not like England, or most English people in general, and every day I wake up being so grateful that we are America instead of a Great Britain colony,” said senior Wesley Bartlett. 

  Fireworks are one of the common highlights of the SLOHS students’ holiday, as it’s a captivating spectacle up in the sky with dazzling colors and special beauty. Even if they travel out of state to visit family, it’s one of the traditions they never want to miss. 

  “For the Fourth of July, my family and I always set off fireworks, and we usually go to Oregon and visit my cousins,” said senior Alana Cowan.

  There are plenty of other activities that are very popular on this holiday, such as barbecues, sharing food and fun with their loved ones; or parades, featuring marching bands and patriotic spirit everywhere.

   “I usually go to my friend’s house and we’ll set off fireworks in their neighborhood or their driveway. We also usually do a barbecue,” said senior Phoebe Drazsnzak. 

  During this upcoming holiday when fireworks light up the night and families gather for barbecues and parades, Fourth of July celebrations remind students of the freedoms they hold dear and the values that unite Americans. 

  As another Independence Day is marked, Tigers, remember the sacrifices of those who came before you, helping you get freedom, equality, and opportunity. 

  Get ready, because it’s almost here, and in the meanwhile, happy early Fourth of July!