It’s been a long time since the Fourth of July meant anything besides the barebones version of what it is, which is a day off from work and a fine excuse to cook ribs. Holding your pet through their traumatized shuddering as neighbors set off illegal fireworks might also be in the cards, along with the traditional night-sky scanning (or TV viewing) for pyrotechnics.
Americans aren’t alone in reflexively observing holidays without contemplating their true origins or meaning.
