Beer, BBQ and America: Lawmakers share their favorite traditions for the nation's birthday
America’s 250th birthday is a milestone in the nation’s history that, in Washington, D.C., was marked by thunderous fireworks, flyovers and a fair on the National Mall.But at the granular...
By Fox News · Fox News
America’s 250th birthday is a milestone in the nation’s history that, in Washington, D.C., was marked by thunderous fireworks, flyovers and a fair on the National Mall. But at the granular level, families across the country have celebrated July 4 in their own way for generations, crafting traditions that they revisit year after year. Trips to the lake, sizzling hot dogs, bottle rockets, picnics in the park and burgers — all hallmarks of America’s celebration of independence. Lawmakers, when the partisan barbs end, the floor speeches quiet and Congress ditches Washington for the weekend every year, have their own traditions like the everyday working American. BRITISH WORLD CUP FANS CAN'T GET ENOUGH OF AMERICAN HOT DOGS DURING THE TOURNAMENT, BUY A BOND BIKE & MEAT! Rep. Derrick Van Orden, R-Wis., said his favorite tradition was "loving America." "So, all of our children, we raise them to love this country because we tell them the truth about this country, and they understand that America is the most awesome place that has ever existed in the history of the planet," Van Orden said. "So, we get together, we barbecue some hot dogs and then we watch some fireworks. It's great." And of course, there’s beer. DISCOVERIES THAT RESHAPED WHAT HISTORIANS KNEW ABOUT AMERICA'S FOUNDING FATHERS "I'm from Wisconsin," he said. "Of course. Miller Lites and Hebrew National hot dogs are great. They're all beef and wonderful. Don't get me wrong, I don't mind a mix of, you know, pork and beef for a hot dog, but I like the Hebrew Nationals myself." Geography does play a factor in some lawmakers' traditions, like Rep. Troy Downing, R-Mont., whose family heads to the tiny town of Harlowton, Mont., to a friend’s ranch, where a lake and ranch hand routine take center stage. "We all camp there. The kids play in the water. And, you know, usually that's right around branding [season]," Downing said. "So branding is usually when you castrate. And, so, I'm usually in charge of doing all the c…