Growing up the Fourth of July often seemed like just another excuse to fire up the grill, watch Uncle So-and-So drink a beer or two, and observe an array of exploding fireworks across the sky. Such traditions can represent patriotism and the celebration of America’s independence from the ever-oppressive 18th-century Great Britain. As America celebrates its 250th anniversary, GRCC staff and students continue to reflect on what the Fourth of July means to them as well as how they will spend their holiday.
For History Professor Mike Light, July Fourth can be experienced in numerous ways and depends on the person, whether political or purely celebratory, there is no standard.
“Some local communities… celebrated in ways that we would find familiar in 2026. They would party, dance and sing well into the night,” Light stated in an email. “In other communities, the celebrations were often more subdued with speeches and political party parades and even special services at local churches, synagogues and mosques.”
Just like those who chose to celebrate, Adeline Butts, GRCC Student Government President, shared in an email that she would spend the holiday with family.
“My plans for this 4th of July are to shoot off some fireworks while being around my family,” Butts stated.
GRCC student Marcus Davis, 26, of Grand Rapids, also discussed his own plans to visit family out of state.
“I’m going to Chicago this Friday coming up, and then I’ll be with my family for a family event, kind of like a family reunion… I got an aunt that lives down there. My uncle lives down there. My granddad lives down there,” Davis said. “Or if I don’t do that, I just stay at home and relax.”
In addition to plans with family, Butts also shared the importance of America’s history and continuing its legacy.
“Independence Day is important to me, as I and probably many other students attending GRCC have family who fought back in 1776 to create the beautiful nation we have today,” Butts stated. “Fourth of July, to me, is a day of remembering how far we came 250 years ago and continuing the history passing from one generation to the next.”
While some may feel compelled to party, GRCC student Finnick Coburn, 18, of Kalamazoo, shared that they don’t have any plans for the holiday, and how their perspective on Independence Day has recently changed.
“I used to really like fireworks, but they were kind of ruined for me because of the pollution factor of them,” Coburn said. “Before I was just blissfully ignorant to… the effect that they have on wildlife and people’s pets.”
Light recognized those who are politically active and chose to frame July Fourth as a way to promote their political ideologies.
“For many political leaders in the decades following the American Revolution, the Fourth of July was used as a platform to push political party agendas or support for American foreign policy goals,” Light stated.
Interestingly enough, it was reported that President Donald Trump said, at the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library opening on July 1, that he would host a long speech on Saturday, no matter the forecasted 107 degree heat, at the “Salute to America 250 Celebration & Fireworks” which will take place on the National Mall at 7 p.m.
Light also acknowledges that this July Fourth will not go unrecognized and the current political context will play a role in how people celebrate or choose not to celebrate.
“For many, (Independence Day) has always highlighted both America’s strengths and those areas where we fall short,” Light stated. “Nor has the celebration of the Fourth of July ever been able to fully detach itself from the context in which Americans find themselves.”
Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitman published an op-ed in the Detroit Free Press and shared her belief in America and its people.
“A lot has changed about America, but the values that define who we are at our best have not. We are a strong nation of people from every part of the world united by shared values – freedom, liberty, and justice for all,” Whitman stated. “As we continue to live through a moment of political division, I hope we can all recognize that the only way through our problems is together.”
Similarly, Coburn commented on the current political context in regard to this July Fourth.
“The holiday means nothing to me, because you know a lot of the time being a minority… what the Fourth of July means and the freedom, quote unquote, doesn’t feel true to me,” Coburn said. “It’s not really independent or not for everyone.”
Davis also noted the current political climate, and when asked, denied being a patriot.
“I’m not a patriot, no… some things with America I don’t agree with… and what’s going on right now, like no one is really united,” Davis said. “Sometimes I even feel embarrassed identifying as American because everything that’s going on with the country, you know, like racism and then people are just not getting along.
“I’m not trying to get into politics, but what happened with Epstein… is just blowing my mind, because (the) people who run the country, those are the people who are (involved with Epstein),” Davis said.
Butts did not comment on the political context of 2026 but shared how she will be festive for the day.
“Patriotism to me is important; usually on the Fourth of July, I like to dress up with a USA T-shirt,” Butts stated. “But I also share my patriotism in other ways through Student Government. I have already shared the importance of going out to vote this August 4th for the primary election.”
For folks who may feel weary, gratuitous, or somewhere in between, Light stated that while the current state of affairs will be reflected in this year’s celebration of independence, the American people are always changing, and so too will the meaning of July Fourth.
“I also know that something as complex and evolving as what it means to be an American will not be laid to rest because of one celebration in 2026. America is always evolving,” Light stated. “There is something uniquely American about that evolution and the diversity of thought that drives it.”
Whitman kept an upbeat attitude and encouraged readers to curate an America that future generations can live in.
“We’re Michiganders and we’re Americans and those two titles carry with them an awesome responsibility to do both good and be good,” Whitman stated. “On this Fourth of July especially, let’s recommit ourselves to both so we can leave behind a better world for our kids.”
