For Mid-Mon Valley residents, the Fourth of July means family and freedom.
Most will be celebrating with family members, but some will be fondly remembering those who can't be with them this holiday.
While many will enjoy a day off, some will gladly attend church.
Jeff Negich, of Dawson, will be working at TNT Fireworks, a tent business located in the parking lot of Wal-Mart in Rostraver Township. He will sell goods to area residents looking to add a little bang to their celebrations.
Negich said to him the Fourth of July, in a word, means "independence."
Linda Pagesh recently moved to Washington Township. She will be busy moving into her new home in the Lynnwood section.
Pagesh said, though, she hopes to squeeze in a trip to Point State Park in Pittsburgh to take in the Povertyneck Hillbillies concert.
Pagesh said the patriotic mood of the holiday has a special meaning for her.
She said her father always made a point of attending each of her daughter's recitals. When he died, she attended her daughter's next recital, which featured patriotic music. As she listened to the music, it reminded her that her father was no longer with them.
"Every time they play patriotic music, I think of him," Pagesh said.
Debbie Cathers, of Belle Vernon, said she will attend a picnic with family and friends. The holiday, she said, means "celebrating our freedoms."
Alice Frolo, of Monessen, said she will attend a family cookout. When she worked, the Fourth of July meant a day off. Now retired, she said the holiday is a chance for everyone to share time together.
Bill Perry, of Speers, said he will have a party at home.
"It still means the same to me - our freedom," Perry said.
Diane Unsworth, of Charleroi, said she will canoe down the Youghiogheny River with family members. The tradition reminds her of the importance of being with family during the holiday.
Michelle Wadsworth, of Charleroi, won't have to travel far to attend a picnic at her mother's home. But for Wadsworth - as is the case with most of the 50 people who will attend the event - the day will carry her thoughts far away. The family will remember her brother-in-law, who is stationed in Iraq.
