Jul 4 2021

United States' Independence Day

Independence Day (colloquially the Fourth of July or July 4) is a federal holiday in the United States commemorating the Declaration of Independence of the United States, on July 4, 1776. The Continental Congress declared that the thirteen American colonies were no longer subject (and subordinate) to the monarch of Britain, King George III, and were now united, free, and independent states. The Congress had voted to declare independence two days earlier, on July 2, but it was not declared until July 4.

Independence Day is commonly associated with fireworks, parades, barbecues, carnivals, fairs, picnics, concerts, baseball games, family reunions, political speeches, and ceremonies, in addition to various other public and private events celebrating the history, government, and traditions of the United States. Independence Day is the national day of the United States.

Meet Technical Sergeant Trivone Curry with the United States Air Force. We asked him a few questions about his country and about Independence Day.

Read his answers below:

The United States

Technical Sergeant Trivone Curry

SEM Nuclear Operations

1. What do you miss most about home?

I am from the Seattle, WA area back in the states so I don't necessarily miss the weather since it's pretty identical here in Belgium. However, I do miss my family during the Holidays . Both my wife's and my side of the family reside within 30 minutes apart back home, so we are use to a lot of get-togethers whenever we visit. This is the first time being stationed overseas so the commute back home during the summers aren't as easy as before and definitely not during this COVID era. But we are enjoying Europe to the fullest for the time being.

2. What have you found rewarding about working in such a multinational environment as SHAPE?
Working here at SHAPE has been a special experience thus far. I am fortunate enough to work in an environment representing 30 different nationalities every day. The one fascinating part is learning other cultures and customs while picking up new languages at the same time. The opportunity to experience the benefits of working in a multinational and multicultural environment is particularly prevalent.

3. What is something unique about the United States that others might not know?

Well I have two things that I feel are unique: 1) Texas has its own power grid. That grid, which operates as the Electric Reliability Council of Texas, covers 90% of the state. The other 10% includes El Paso, the upper Panhandle and a chunk of East Texas. 2) Even though many people may already know this, but in America you can turn right at red lights. When I moved to Belgium, it was a rude awakening for me when I found out that rule didn't apply here as well.

4. During normal non COVID times how would you usually celebrate this national day?

During this national day I would like to relax at home, binge watching "Independence Day", and hanging out with family and friends while barbequing something on the grill. Later in the evenings we would go out and watch the fireworks show in the back yard and/or on a military installation during a Freedom Fest concert and just enjoy each other's company.