July 1, 2025
Contact: Eric Stann, StannE@missouri.edu
Photo by Abbie Lankitus

Whether you're firing up the grill, setting your playlist or picking a spot to watch fireworks, a little planning goes a long way toward making your Fourth of July celebration a success. These four ingredients can help ensure your holiday is not only fun, but also safe and memorable for everyone involved.

The Fourth is much more than a day of backyard gatherings and booming skies. It’s rooted in a story that continues to shape who we are and how we celebrate.

“The Fourth of July has always been more than just a day of festivities — it’s an opportunity for Americans to reflect on the significance of the nation’s past and envision its future: to celebrate the achievements that unite us and to wrestle with how best to live up to our ideals,” Billy Coleman, associate director of Mizzou’s Kinder Institute on Constitutional Democracy, said. “Even in its early years, the holiday reflected different interpretations of American values and leadership. This highlights our long-standing ability to seek unity and joy in celebrating the freedoms that define us.”

With that in mind, here are four ingredients to help you make the most of the holiday — both in spirit and in practice.