We live in a small New England town. There are enough Jews for a frum/orthodox shul and a Chabad presence on the far side of town.
10 AM on the 4th there is a live reading of the Declaration of Independence at Town Hall. We’ll attend with many of the town’s residents Jew and Gentile alike.
We don’t shop on July 4th. I grew up in the retail business and we believed it is one of those family holidays when stores should be closed and employees off to enjoy the day with their families.
About 20 relatives are here at the compound from Brooklyn and NJ. It was a great Shabbos and the 4th will be full of planned sports and activities along with swimming in our pool, BBQ for lunch and supper. My eldest grandson will be delivering Divrei Torah at the meals. Our American flag will be proudly displayed on the flagpole on our front lawn.
It is the first time since last summer that we have hosted some of these relatives and we look forward to it most years.
After the 4th we get into high gear for our last single daughter’s wedding, which I”H will occur at our home right after the three weeks. So, with all the strong young men here, this morning after minyan and breakfast, we emptied three guest rooms and painted them. After supper we’ll put everything back. Mrs. CTL has made a long list of things to accomplish and I have no problem putting our relative/guests to work.