LIHUE — On July 4, 1776, America’s forefathers gathered at the last Continental Congress and declared a new nation.
With the signing of the Declaration of Independence, the 13 colonies became the United States of America; a nation founded on the ideal of “we the people,” whose core principles are life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.
In 1870, The United States Congress established Independence Day a holiday in 1938, it was declared a paid holiday for federal employees.
Across the country, families and friends will gather today at barbecues, beaches, special musical performances and most will end the evening with a fireworks extravaganza.
On Kauai, Ryan Girard, 42, of Kalaheo, said he’s feeling patriotic this Independence Day because he’ll be playing patriotic songs in a brass quartet.
“We’re doing all the marches, the Star Spangled Banner and the Armed Forces Salute so it’s kind of hard not to feel patriotic when you’re in there performing patriotic music as part of a brass quintet for the people,” he said.
The Kauai Community College math instructor said politically, the country is in a time of awareness, more so than ever before.
“People have been paying attention and it seems like this is going to be like the beginning of something, but I don’t know what that something is going to lead to, but I feel like people are generally engaged, people are paying attention, people are aware and I think there’s a big opportunity here, but I’m not sure how this all comes together, so I’m cautiously optimistic,” he said.
Entrepreneur and software engineer Scott Libert, 53, of Niumalu, said when he thinks about being patriotic, he thinks of what he learned from the person who was his greatest inspiration, his grandfather.
“He is absolutely my favorite relative, he really inspired me” Libert said.
Libert said his grandfather was the son of immigrants from Slovenia. They fled to the United States during World War I because the family was being persecuted.
During World War II, Libert’s grandfather fought with the Army. Upon his return to the United States after the war, he became a woodworker and furniture designer.
“He always inspired me and talked to me about creating because it builds things not just for our family and for ourselves, but for other people,” Libert said.
One thing Libert said he always tries to remember is that no matter how long anyone has been in the United States, that we’re all immigrants.
Another lesson Libert said he learned from his grandfather is to always respect someone who stands up for what they believe in.
“Even if you don’t believe in what they have to say, support them. That’s what he said he fought for in the war and that was really, really important to him,” Libert said.
In today’s political climate, Libert said he’s encouraged to see all that’s happening because more people are getting involved due to their concern.
“That can only be a good thing,” he said.
Christian Ogawa, 52, of Puhi said he believes our country is heading in a better direction.
“Things are changing. All of a sudden the economy’s doing good, taxes are lower so I have more money in my pocket and basically it seems like we’ve got a person up on the top that’s not afraid to confront dictators now, so I’m pretty good about that,” he said.
The Army veteran said it’s important for citizens to remember there are people out there who are willing to put everything on the line to fight for freedom.
“This is kind of how we gained our independence in the first place, so I kind of think of that. I was in the military, so I know what that is. You’re willing to give all to protect everybody here,” he said. “That’s what independence is all about. You have to risk everything sometimes to keep it. It’s not an easy thing to keep, freedom. You’ve got to work at it.”
Mohala Bond, 29, of Haena, said she’ll be spending the day barbecuing with family.
Patriotism, she said, doesn’t matter to her, but she doesn’t like the current political climate.
“(There are) a lot of divided people and a lot of racism that’s happening again,” she said.
The only way she said the United States can fix these issues is by getting rid of President Donald Trump.
Visiting from the Big Island for the day, Ramona Estrada, 43, said she’ll be spending Independence Day barbecuing on the beach with her family and then they’ll watch the fireworks.
Given the current political climate, Estrada said it’s somewhat difficult to feel patriotic this year.
“That definitely has decreased my sense of patriotism, I do believe,” she said.
As for the direction our country is going in, Estrada said she’s hoping the election in 2020 will help it go in a better way.
“I don’t like where our political climate is going. I’m looking forward to new elections in 2020 and hopefully that will increase my patriotism, but I’m going to do the good old American thing of barbecue and beach,” she said.
