The Fourth of July has always been one of my favorite holidays. I love the fireworks, the bright colors, the scent of grilling throughout the day, and the festive summer atmosphere.

Maybe I also like it so much because I grew up in Europe, and by celebrating the Fourth of July, I had a tangible way to connect with my heritage. On one memorable Fourth of July, while I was living in Russia, I excitedly displayed my bright colors and American flag earrings: something that I had looked forward to all year. Then I got to sing a dozen or so patriotic songs while riding on a bus throughout Moscow–with a group from the States who were in Russia for a mission trip. I really wanted to belong somewhere, so I enjoyed the opportunity to take part in an activity that was so “American.” I was on a constant search for insights into American culture, glimpses into how I should act or what things I should like. Even though I called myself an American, I didn’t fully understand what that meant, because my family had moved to Europe when I was four.

I’ve now lived in the States for over two decades–and had plenty of time to catch up on what it means to be an American. But I was still really excited when Tony and I decided that we would host our own Fourth of July party. We had moved into our own place last July (after living with family since we got married), and we had arrived there just in time to take part in our new neighborhood’s community potluck.

This year, we wanted to do something that we had never done before: host our own party together. It was great to have so many people who were a part of our lives under one roof. They brought delicious food and a festive mood with them, and I enjoyed introducing family, friends, and neighbors to each other.

For one day, we got to be that all-American couple that I had idealized as a child, the people who cover their house with the over-the-top patriotic decorations, serve a mountain of burgers to their friends and family, and proudly set off a series of small fireworks at the end of the night. It was a dream come true!