WATERTOWN, N.Y. -- Every year, this holiday weekend is filled with cookouts and fireworks, as people across the country celebrate our nation's independence.
"We're all patriotic and especially now. I mean, we should be. We have independence. Look at what happens in other countries and we don't have that. We have more freedom," said Carol Rosenberg, the wife of a retired Fort Drum Garrison Commander.
For some though, Independence Day means even more than a time to spend with loved ones. For soldiers, it's a reminder of the impact they have.
"It's really an honor to work with a lot of the people in my unit," said Fort Drum Soldier Jonah Sally. "Fort Drum is very highly deployed, so there are a lot of people who have definitely seen action there and definitely have given a lot to be there."
It's not just those who serve, though. Military family members also feel their own special connection to this holiday.
"It's the celebration of independence that we wouldn't have without our military and you see all of these men and women who risk their lives to give us that freedom and independence, and it's even stronger now that it was back in 1776 when it was the first Fourth of July," said Hannah Bajakian, the daughter of a Fort Drum Soldier. "It means a lot to have that military strength here."
"My husband actively spent almost seven years in Afghanistan before he retired," said Rosenberg. "I think it means a lot to everyone, our patriotism and for me, it touches home. It's my family."
While soldiers and their families may celebrate the same way everyone else does, they'll remember their own contributions to our nation's freedom.