THE FOURTH OF JULY Freedom to party, kids say

For most children, the Fourth of July is all about the fireworks.
By SHERRI L. SHAULIS
VINDICATOR TRUMBULL STAFF
NILES -- World events in recent years have given the words freedom and patriotism a renewed meaning in the eyes of adults. But to children, the symbols and pageantry of the Fourth of July mean something a little different.
"It's about fireworks and parties," explains 12-year-old Elizabeth Foos of Niles. "I like the fireworks. I think they're beautiful."
Threatening skies Friday afternoon didn't keep Elizabeth and her parents, Mary Ann and Perry Foos, from visiting the Street Fest in downtown Niles. Part of a sparse crowd, the three enjoyed the food, free music and other festivities meant to celebrate America's birthday.
Though Elizabeth wasn't quite sure why Americans celebrate the summer holiday -- "I don't think they've learned that in school yet," explains her father -- she does understand the concept.
"It stands for freedom," she says, referring to the American flag. "Freedom is important. People wouldn't like it if we were ruled by a king, because they would have to do everything he said."
Bobby Lawhorn of Niles also realizes the flag means freedom for Americans. The 12-year-old also said he believes Americans have the right idea on how to mark the patriotic day.
"Everyone should get together and throw a big party with fireworks," he said. "It's a holiday."
What it's about
Moustafa Hamad, 9, of Warren spent Friday selling American flags to festival-goers in Niles, and his brothers, 10-year-old Sam and 12-year-old Ali, and cousin Yousif, 14, sold baseball hats. Moustafa said he learned all about George Washington, America's first president, in school, and even knew what the colors on the flags he was selling represent.
"There are 50 stars because there are 50 states," he explains. "And the stripes ... well, a long time ago, there were 13 colonies."
Moustafa's father, Hatem, beamed with pride at his son's answer, patting him on the back, before giving him a little more explanation about the Fourth of July.
"It's Independence Day," he told him. "It's Freedom Day; that's how we look at it.
"We have freedom to do what we want in our country," he continued. "A lot of other countries, they can't do that. We have to remember that and make it a happy day. We have to celebrate."
slshaulis@vindy.com