By: Follow South Jersey
SOUTH JERSEY – The anniversary of the United States’ break from England and becoming sovereign is a big deal in New Jersey. As one of the 13 original colonies, New Jersey really gets to celebrate 250 years of independence.
New Jersey is one of the states that hosted the greatest number of battles in the Revolutionary War, according to the American Battlefield Trust. New Jersey is also the site of the historic crossing of the Delaware River by George Washington to surprise the Redcoats. New Jersey has historically contributed substantial effort to the formation of the United States, making America’s 250th birthday especially significant for the state.
Classic celebrations with battle reenactments, fireworks, and barbecues will take place throughout South Jersey as the holiday is commemorated. But how are South Jersey residents feeling about this milestone?
A survey about attitudes surrounding Independence Day and its 250th anniversary was provided to a small number of South Jersey residents, resulting in varied responses. The responses revealed complex relationships with Independence Day and the notion of celebrating the country’s 250th birthday.
While the majority of respondents revealed that they still take part in celebrating the holiday, a few said they don’t participate in any celebratory activities. For most participants, Independence Day is quite important. One participant cited growing up in a military family as the reason for celebrating. In contrast, others prioritized spending time hanging out with family or friends while having the day off. One participant simply stated “hot dogs” as a reason for celebrating.
When asked if their views of Independence Day have changed throughout their lives, almost all respondents said yes. All of the participants whose views have changed have said that as they have grown older, they no longer view the holiday as they used to. One participant from Burlington County stated their views changed “A lot considering the leadership in government now.” On the other hand, a resident from the same county stated, “I get more and more hyped about [Independence Day] every year.”
Most South Jerseyans said they had little to no interest in celebrating Freedom 250 or America 250. Only two survey participants said they were very interested in Freedom 250. When asked if they consider Independence Day to be an important part of American culture, the responses were quite divided. The majority of responses said Independence Day was very important to American Culture, but the second largest group of responses said it was not important at all.
When asked about America 250, most respondents said they associated the term with Trump or a negative connotation related to the United States. Some said they associated it with the word “Freedom,” and one person said “Propaganda.”
One respondent, Michael Leiderman of Atlantic County, said, “I think about the history of our nation and how far it has come for us to be able to celebrate this milestone for America. 250 years is a very long time and the country has been through a lot of wars, conflicts, and much more. Yet it still stands here today upholding even more rights and values for our people than it did when it was established… My family came to this country never knowing true freedom of speech or religion, and for them to come here and create a better life for me and my sister means a lot to me.”
When participants were asked what patriotism means to them, over half responded positively, while also acknowledging possible negative connotations, with either the idea of patriotism or the United States. One response read: “[Patriotism means] Making it better for my fellow person. That also means not making it worse for other countries.”
Other participants expressed negative thoughts associated with patriotism. Jonah Neiger from Gloucester County stated, “[Patriotism means] Blindly following whatever old guy is the leader for no other reason other than symbolism.”
As we reflect on the 250th Independence Day, it is clear that residents of South Jersey are divided on how they feel about the holiday. While some are excited, some are indifferent, and some are outright opposed to the commemoration of America’s independence, most agreed to taking part in celebratory activities. Whether people were lighting fireworks, grilling hot dogs, or just hanging out with friends, it’s clear that South Jersey knew exactly how to celebrate the holiday weekend just as it had in years past.
- South Jersey Residents Share Their Thoughts on America’s 250th
- WATCH: What’s Good in South Jersey? Hearts TRC
- The Reel Thing Club Discovers the Real Things About Film!
Follow South Jersey provides local journalism which highlights our diverse communities; fosters transparency through robust, localized, and vital reporting that holds leaders and institutions accountable; addresses critical information needs; supports people in navigating civic life; and equips people with the information necessary to partake in effective community engagement. If there is a story or event you think we should cover, please send your tips to news@followsouthjersey.com with “NEWS” in the subject line.
