Fort Lauderdale Celebrates July 4th With A Party On The Beach
Follow CBSMIAMI.COM: Facebook | Twitter
FORT LAUDERDALE (CBSMiami) – A fireworks spectacular over Fort Lauderdale Beach as thousands celebrate independence and the birth of our nation.
"This is a great nation," said Dieni Orville. "And we need to know what our ancestors done for us today."
This year's 4th of July celebration takes on new meaning.
"We're kind of divided already with the country," said Liz Pillon. "So it's really nice to have everyone come together and forget about what's going on."
Susan Ortiz and her sister Keila were watching fireworks.
They are originally from Peru. They're on their way to becoming US citizens.
"We're not originally from here but we love this country," she said. "So it's our celebration too!"
They feel the tension surrounding the current battle over immigration, but a day like today reminds them of why that want to be here.
"Even through that this is a beautiful country," said Keila Ortiz. "And you feel welcome and you can be and make this place a home for you."
Sharda Hargrove's grandparents moved here from Guyana. She's grateful to the nation that's home to her family.
"It's just like a wonderful country that has brought so many people together," said Hargrove. "It's our melting pot."
Americans may not always agree politically, but there is plenty that we share as together we celebrate freedom, independence and Liberty.
"When we look around here and see everybody from different nationalities and different countries," John Cushner noted. "Everyone's just united and having a good time."