Photo: Thinkstock

We ride.
Bike-share programs are popping up from Boulder to Des Moines to my hometown of Washington, D.C., where locals and tourists pay a small fee to zip around on distinctive red bikes. I'm not the most graceful thing on two wheels, but it's nice to see average Americans finding green ways to avoid the pinch at the pump.

We know how to celebrate.
Take the July 4 fireworks over the National Mall, which feels to me like a giant family reunion. Especially since every family has its odd ducks.

Our cities are small towns.
When my air-conditioning breaks, I just head to my neighbor's stoop for good conversation and free snacks.

Our troops have the big stuff covered.
It's because of them that we can spend July 4 enjoying the little things. Thanks, more than I can say, folks.

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