“Our independence is what makes the U.S. what it is. We have freedoms that a lot of other people around the world don't have, and it's important to take time out to celebrate them.”

— Hallie Rombach, Perry-Lecompton High School junior, rural Lawrence

“Because we have to have a day that we spend a large portion of our discretionary income on fireworks and American flags that were made in a communist country.”

— Andy Norris, local business owner, Baldwin City

“It's just patriotic. We're celebrating more than just shooting off fireworks. We're celebrating the people who founded this nation and the people who have died for it.”

— C.J. Fowler, security guard, Lawrence

“I guess because we claim that we're such a great country that we should at least set aside a day to celebrate what freedoms we have left.”

— Lauren Anderson, Kansas University graduate student, Lawrence