People in Boyle Heights and across the nation will observe the Fourth of July Thursday with fireworks, parades and BBQs. For some, the holiday is a time to celebrate democracy. But others, concerned about the nation’s future, choose to distance themselves from displays of patriotism.
We asked community members in Boyle Heights and East L.A. how they’re spending the holiday. Here’s what they had to say.
Armando Cervera, 74
“To me, the idea of democracy is extremely important, and this is the holiday that you celebrate it.”
Armando Cervera grew up spending the Fourth of July holiday at his house in Boyle Heights as his father, a Mexican-American military veteran from Texas, cooked Southern-style short ribs for the family.
Cervera graduated from Cathedral High in 1967 and immediately enlisted in the U.S. Army. Having served in the Vietnam War, he remembers how pride and patriotic sentiments declined during this period.
“People who were protesting were against the philosophy of the war. It went on too long, the draft was racist, it was costing too much, and had too many people being injured,” Cervera said.
For Cervera, Fourth of July represents a time to celebrate democracy and the right of all U.S. citizens to express their beliefs, something he says veterans throughout various wars have fought for. “To me, the idea of democracy is extremely important, and this is the holiday that you celebrate it,” Cervera said.
This year, Cervera and his family celebrated the holiday by attending the Hollywood Bowl’s Summer concert a day before the 4th, a tradition they practice annually.
Fatima Carrera, 29
“There really isn’t much to celebrate in a country that thrives on the exploitation of its citizens.”
Boyle Heights resident Fatima Carrera, 29, says she no longer observes the holiday.
“There really isn’t much to celebrate in a country that thrives on the exploitation of its citizens,” Carrera said.
Carrera points to the various issues affecting the country, including the war and humanitarian crisis in Gaza. She opposes the Biden administration’s continued aid funding for Israel. “It’s made clear that the U.S. does not prioritize the wellbeing of its citizens but is using tax dollars to impose its will on others,” Carrera said.
Carerra is also concerned about the country’s future, saying her choices for the upcoming 2024 presidential election – President Biden or former President Donald Trump – are “two very bad options.”
“I feel like the issues that they’re touching on don’t take into account the actual priorities that this country needs,” Carrera said.
Carlos Tinoco, 35
“I have a little nephew and he loves to watch fireworks. Seeing him happy makes me happy.”
For Carlos Tinoco, July Fourth isn’t about celebrating the birth of a nation, but about spending time with his loved ones.
The 35-year-old East L.A. resident first questioned his U.S. patriotism during middle school.
“The first time I took the pledge of allegiance, it was expected and demanded. As you grow older, you start to think, ‘Why is it expected and why aren’t you allowed to participate whenever you feel like it?’” Tinoco said.
Now that he’s older, Tinoco continues to question the notion of nationalism and whether the Fourth of July is a valuable holiday to celebrate. Still, Tinoco plans on gathering with family members to grill carne asada and watch his neighbors light up the night sky with fireworks.
“I have a little nephew and he loves to watch fireworks. Seeing him happy makes me happy,” Tinoco said.
