Since then, Americans have annually celebrated this freedom by throwing patriotic pool parties, cooking hotdogs and hamburgers on the grill and setting off red, white and blue fireworks.

Blair County residents are no exception.

As many local residents gathered at Morrisons Cove Memorial Park and Canoe Creek State Park to cool off during this holiday week, the Mirror asked “What does Independence Day mean to you?”

“It’s basically being able to be an American and do the things Americans do,” said Bob Blanchard, 70, while relaxing by Morrisons Cove pool with his granddaughter.

Murray

In Ashland, Maine, Blanchard taught social studies to 7th and 8th graders for seven years, so he is well-versed in America’s long and interesting history.

The Declaration of Independence says that when it “becomes necessary to separate from a king, then it’s okay to do that,” said Blanchard, referencing how the founding fathers created the American democracy in 1776.

Retired first-responder and Altoona native Lowell Murray, 52, quoted a couple lines from the historic document at Canoe Creek, which made his girlfriend, Emily Barrett, 51, burst into laughter.

“He knows the Constitution quite well,” Barrett said.

Businesswoman Diane Barry, 78, who spends her time reading about the American Civil War, said there were “a lot of people who shed their blood” for the country. Her father, who passed away in 2005 at the age of 86, was among those who served in World War II.

Barrett

“There have been a lot of opportunities here,” said Barry. “I’ve watched my parents and grandparents, and we’ve come a long way.”

While some residents celebrated the history behind the holiday, others focused on the liberties given to them today.

At Canoe Creek, Lexi Witherow, 22, Christi Kirkwood, 64, and her granddaughter, Oaklyn Novella, 9, mentioned their gratitude for the freedoms they are able to exercise in our country.

Witherow said we celebrate Independence Day “because of how lucky we are to be able to experience (freedom) and live our life this way.”

“We’re celebrating our ancestors who fought for us and gave us the life we have,” added Kirkwood.

Barry

Although the adults understand what it took for America to gain its independence, children are planning to have fun while celebrating the holiday this year.

Blanchard’s 7-year-old granddaughter, Merci, who was munching on Cool Ranch Dorito chips, said Independence Day makes her feel “happy.” She plans to celebrate the Fourth of July by participating in a water balloon fight with her family and making a “red, white and blue” candy salad.

Celebrating the foundation of America is what Cruze Stewart, 10, said Independence Day means to him.

Annavay Burget, 13, also commented on the foundation of America, saying that she feels “grateful” for what she has.

Burget’s little sister, Amarah Burget, 7, added that Independence Day means celebrating her friend’s birthday.

Witherow

Heading over to the Morrisons Cove Memorial Park pool house, teenage lifeguards Ty Matthews, 15, and Gage Marks, 17, said that they look forward to celebrating our freedom with food and a pool party.

Matthews said that elements such as independence, freedom and the American Revolution are reasons why he celebrates the holiday.

Independence Day “shows that we are a great power because we were able to overcome the British,” said Marks, who recently graduated from Central High School.

When asked about America’s age, residents have differing ideas. While answers from children ranged from 30 to “really old,” others know that America will be celebrating its 250th birthday next July 4.

Some residents remembered celebrating the bicentennial in 1976, including Blanchard, who said that his wife was in Rhode Island for the Newport celebration. Even Queen Elizabeth came to Newport to see the tall ships sailing into the seaside city, he said.

Kirkwood

The children, however, were surprised to find out that America is more than 100 years old.

Barry hopes that America will turn 350 one day, and that it will still be “safe, independent and a place where people have opportunities.”

The Fourth of July is Murray’s favorite holiday.

He quoted a line from “The Simpsons” that said, “celebrate the independence of your nation by blowing up a small portion of it,” referencing how popular fireworks and explosives are during this time of year.

“We’ve got a lot of problems, but it’s still better than anywhere else,” said Murray, who likes what Independence Day stands for in relation to our country’s history.

“I’m proud to be an American,” he said.

Novella

Merci Blanchard

Stewart

Annavay Burget

Amarah Burget

Matthews

Marks