Evoking images of the Declaration of Independence, founding fathers and fireworks, Fourth of July is one of America’s most iconic holidays.

Far from simply being a flashy display of American patriotism, it commemorates the birth of our nation and its democratic ideals. To understand what Independence Day and the values that it represents mean for Americans during an increasingly divisive election year, the Sun Journal asked people across the Twin Cities three questions.

•  What does Fourth of July mean to you?

•  What does freedom mean to you?

•  How do you feel about America these days?

According to Ashlee McCrillis, 36, of Auburn, Independence Day is “a celebration of our country.” She said she also values the holiday because “it’s nice to get everyone together and share memories.”

For her, freedom means “being able to be yourself but also (remain) a good person (in) society as well.”

“You can be free, but you also have to respect other people’s freedoms,” she explained.

Asked about the current state of the country, she responded, “I think it’s struggling but I really think that together we have the right frame of mind to (point) it into the (right) direction. Getting together (and) unity would help.”

Not everyone shares McCrillis’ optimism.

“I feel pretty grim about America these days,” said Steve Burger, 35, of Sabattus.

“I think there’s a good chance that our democracy is facing serious threats from within,” he said. “There is a serious fascist bent in our politics right now. I look at the current scenario in the election, with the options provided to us, and I feel very grim.”

In contrast to his fears about the country’s politics, Steve Burger likes to celebrate the holiday by thinking “of good things that the country has done.” As an added bonus, the Fourth of July “usually means a day off from work,” he said.

Katie Bellefeuille, 22, also views the holiday as a chance to reflect on America’s history and its democratic norms. For her, however, this entails thinking critically about “how much we have to work for freedom here, especially as women and (members) of the LGBT community.”

A native of Texas, Bellefeuille said Independence Day also evokes memories of “country, fireworks and being with lots of family and friends.”

“Big on the family part,” she added.

Bellefeuille is in Maine for the holiday because she is working at Camp Crescent Cove in Raymond. Her Floridian friend Avery Minor, 22, is also working at the camp.

For Minor, Independence Day “doesn’t hold a lot of meaning for me personally. I don’t typically celebrate it, but I know it’s a big deal for a lot of people.”

Since she’ll be working at the camp this summer, “Fourth of July is going to mean something to me this year because we’re doing a big carnival (with) a bounce house and food.”

Asked to reflect on the holiday, Minor said “the Fourth of July should represent more than just our independence from Britain since that’s really part of the past … it should be a moment of reflection for all of us about where we want to go from here in terms of our own independence as minority groups.” 

Minor’s opinion on how she feels about America today is equally nuanced.

“Like in every country,” she explained, “there are issues and there are things that are good about it. We’ve progressed a lot further than other countries and we’re doing better in a lot of ways.”

Recognizing America’s achievements does not mean ignoring its failures, according to Minor. In fact, Minor said understanding and fixing the country’s problems is a vital part of being an American patriot.

“The true meaning of patriotism for me and being part of your country is wanting the best for it — not just being complacent in where we’re at,” she explained. “I think if you really love your country then you want to do what you can to better it.”

Not everyone is convinced that America’s problems can be solved.

Asked about the current state of the country, Carner, 39, of West Gardiner, who did not want his last name used, said, “It sucks. From the top down, it’s pretty putrid right now.”

“Unfortunately, I’m wondering if our time as a democracy has come to an end,” he lamented.

Susan, 68, of Lewiston, who did not want her last name used, said the holiday is a “chance to celebrate something good,” come together and leave behind, momentarily, the problems that plague the country.

It’s a “celebration… isn’t it,” she said. “It’s the birthday of our country and I think it’s good that we come out to celebrate that in these highly divisive times.”

Like many Americans, Susan views freedom as the defining value of Fourth of July. At the heart of her definition of freedom is the Constitution, especially the First Amendment.

“Freedom means… being able to speak (freely) and have freedom from being harassed and oppressed by other factions,” she said.

Reflecting on how she feels about the country today and the direction in which it’s headed, she said, “Well, I’m worried.”

“I think there’s a really hard fight going on, and I think it’s a hard fight for liberty,” she said. “I just hope that our liberty can continue. That’s what this country is all about: freedom from tyranny, freedom from a monarchy. Freedom.”