Independence Day, 2025
Many Americans where I live in coastal California approached Independence Day with trepidation this year. We see much of what we hold dear about our country being dismantled, our values for respecting all human life being ignored, our ability to have civil conversations with those we disagree with almost nonexistent.
But as I prepared to go to our local parade, dubbed “The World’s Shortest Parade” because it runs the length of the tiny coastal village of Aptos, I realized that we could still be proud of our country. In fact, I realized that we have to remember and talk about what we’re proud of in order to keep a hold on it, to proclaim it as valid and part of America no matter who is in power in Washington DC.
So I asked people at our parade a simple question: “What makes you proud to be an American?” Some people hesitated because they have been so wrapped up in the negativity of our modern mediascape it was hard to get to that place of joy. Others knew right away what they loved and were happy to proclaim it. My youngest interviewee appeared to be about 7. The oldest in his 90s.
I hope you enjoy this diversity of voices speaking in support of this divided country.
Photos by Nyanko Nyasu
