This week the Southeast Missourian asked: "What does Independence Day mean to you, and how will you celebrate it?"

Brenda Ruth, Cape Girardeau

"It means I feel very lucky to live in a country where I have freedom of speech and religion. I will celebrate it by being with family and friends."

Jan Moore, McClure, Ill.

"Lack of repression. We will probably get some fountains, and shoot them off and have a family day."

Peter Uthoff, St. Louis

"It's a reminder of how great our nation is, and what it's like to be free to make our own decisions. The way I'll spend it is going back to St. Louis and spending time with my relatives."

Khadija Fouad, Cape Girardeau

"Independence Day to me is the birth of our country, and a lot of times I think about it as the ideals of what our country stands for and the way we would like it to be. I'll probably celebrate it by going to the fireworks display with my kids."

Mary Burns, Cape Girardeau

"Independence Day is patriotic and what every American should believe in. For me, it's being able to be free -- freedom of religion and speech. To celebrate it, I'm spending it with my family."