Voices of America: What's your favorite American tradition?

The thing that is most responsible for shaping America is, well, Americans. That is why in our celebration of the country’s 250th birthday, we decided to talk to those who make America what it is: its citizens. The biggest takeaway? We're not all the same. But that’s just one of the things that makes us great. 

In this series, we asked dozens of Americans nine questions to gather their thoughts on America yesterday, today and tomorrow. Here is what they had to say.

What's your favorite American tradition?

I would like to say Dr. King's birthday. I do the Dr. King birthday each year, but I need to think in the past: a family reunion.

— Jetson Grimes, president and founder of the Greater Newtown Community Redevelopment Corp., manager of Martin Luther King Jr. Day celebrations, and owner of Jetson’s Creative Trends salon

I'm going to go with Veterans Day, because a good debt of gratitude we owe all of our veterans and all those who serve active duty. We put flags in front of the house and down the driveway to let people know that you know this is the day that we need to be thankful for freedom.

— Arlene Merriman, retired Bradenton resident

Thanksgiving. There’s no religion and no gifts, just a lot of good food and family and friends.

— Carol Matthias, retired Sarasota resident

Would it be weird to say football? Just because I'm from Buffalo, and I feel like a lot of my values come back from living up there. You are probably aware, it's cold, it's snowy, because everybody says that. But there's a saying up there that if you can't handle a place at its worst, you don't deserve it at its best.

The Bills Mafia is a thing where, yes, we’ve never won a Super Bowl, we've been so close, but you don’t give up. And the camaraderie of football Sundays, like making food, having everybody sit on the couch during commercial breaks, talking, and checking up on one another — that's always felt very American to me.

— Chelsea Daniels, Sarasota resident

Halloween. Every year, I decorate my house, dress up and sit outside to hand out candy to the trick-or-treaters in my neighborhood.

— Este Lennox, Realtor

My favorite American tradition is the classic summer family road trip. Growing up, we would pile into the station wagon and head out on vacation together. There was something special about traveling America’s highways, seeing the beauty of this country firsthand, and creating unforgettable family memories along the way. It wasn’t just about the destination — it was about the journey together.

— Karie Friling, Sarasota city manager

Thanksgiving at the dinner table with great food, surrounded by family and friends. The long walks after dinner to digest the stuffing and NFL football all day.

— Barry Weisblatt, founder, WhiteLeaf Private Music Club

Photo by Lesley Dwyer

Voting. It’s something I’ve done since I turned 18. Whether it’s voting for my neighborhood’s HOA rep or the president, it’s an American tradition I never take for granted. Having a say in the direction of my community is something I appreciate every single time.

— Jim Emanuelson, president of Lakewood Ranch CERT

Fourth of July is my favorite because it’s one of the few days where you can make as much noise as possible and still not get a noise complaint. We celebrate it by lighting off fireworks that shine all the colors of the flag.

— Paul Jordan, student at Lakewood Ranch High and member of Technology Student Association

My favorite American tradition would have to be Thanksgiving. It’s basically eat, eat, eat, eat, eat. That’s how I do mine. Can’t get better than that. Gotta keep it simple.

— Greg Avery, Parrish resident

Thanksgiving is about family and the harvest. We gather with family and friends before the Christmas season begins. Lots of great food and wonderful memories of those no longer with us. A time of reflection.

— Joy Smeraglia, Lakewood Ranch resident