I wrote an essay one time, long. long ago how the Fourth of July was my favorite holiday.
First, it had no gods or ghosts. Just people. Look over the calendar and notice how often they have to add that stuff in. Second, it celebrated a dream I believed in — and still do. Third, it involved making stuff go, “BOOM!” Fourth, it pissed the cops off.
If I were to re-write the essay again now, I would have to add a part where tyrants, warmongers, and racists via their media dogs have tried to preempt the holiday. But Independence Day was never meant for them. Don’t let those creeps pollute your ideals.