What freedom means to NPR readers. And, the secret to a perfect July 4 pasta salad michael July 5, 2025 An attendee at the US Army’s 250th birthday celebration parade holds up a US flag during fireworks in Washington, DC on June 14, 2025. MANDEL NGAN/AFP via Getty Images/AFP About Author michael See author's posts Post navigation Previous ‘Antagonized for being Hispanic’: Growing claims of racial profiling in LA raidsNext 17 everyday people share what freedom means to them in today’s America Related Stories When the Pharmacies Are Empty and the Clinic Is Closed, Here’s the Kit Americans Keep Ready When the Pharmacies Are Empty and the Clinic Is Closed, Here’s the Kit Americans Keep Ready November 5, 2026 Trump Weighs in on Alaska Senate Race as Democrat Peltola Holds Small Lead, Says Fake Dan Sullivan’s Votes “Should Be Immediately Given to the REAL Dan Sullivan” Trump Weighs in on Alaska Senate Race as Democrat Peltola Holds Small Lead, Says Fake Dan Sullivan’s Votes “Should Be Immediately Given to the REAL Dan Sullivan” November 5, 2026 BREAKING: Russell Brand Convicted of Rape and Three Sexual Assaults, Remanded into Custody, Judge Promises ‘Lengthy’ Prison Sentence BREAKING: Russell Brand Convicted of Rape and Three Sexual Assaults, Remanded into Custody, Judge Promises ‘Lengthy’ Prison Sentence November 5, 2026