Some Americans in Windsor share what the July Fourth holiday means for them

Some U.S. citizens living in Windsor have been reflecting on the Fourth of July holiday as their home country turns 249 years old.

Most say they have fond memories of July Fourth, but some say the day now carries complexity.

Michael Breshgold: 'It makes me proud'

Michael Breshgold, 71, is a veteran of the U.S. Navy.

He said that, for him, the July Fourth holiday is a reminder that "we have a country, which up to this point has been free [and] democratic." 

"We can still express our opinions, we can look toward an idealistic future, we have a number of different areas where the U.S. has excelled in history," he said.

Additionally, Breshgold said "it makes me proud" whenever he thinks of America's history in the world.

"Just recently travelling overseas, finding the American culture and influence around the world is quite satisfying to me," he told CBC News. 

"As an American living here in Canada, I pride myself on being an American…I think that one of the other important things to remember is that as an American, you have a history of pride and you have a history of accomplishments."

Breshgold said while there are "some political infringements" currently happening in the United States, "this is a period where we have to hold together as a country … and say this too will pass and move forward with a new optimism and a new sense of we can make this better."

Laura Gusba: 'Great memories'

Laura Gusba, a nurse practitioner, has been living in Canada for 42 years.

She said she has "great memories" of July Fourth celebrations from her childhood, including "parades, fireworks, festivals and the fire truck coming down our street."

"It was always a celebration of American independence and how great a country the U.S. is, and I still feel that kind of memory of childhood excitement when the 4th of July occurs," Gusba said.

"Because I work in Detroit, I always get the day off, so it still feels like a holiday today."

Gusba, who was decked out in her July Fourth necklace, said she's spending the day serving as a nurse at a camp, where they had "a red, white and blue lunch."

"I would say this Fourth of July, it is feeling different," she said. "But I try to take the long view over history and hope that the ship will right itself."

Kathy Murphy: 'Feeling good'

Kathy Murphy, 59, was born in Detroit, Mich., and moved to Canada when she was 28. 

Murphy said she's "feeling good" about July Fourth, which brings back fond members of "picnics, fireworks, barbecues, and family getting together."

"[Growing up], my brother had a boat and we would go out on the boat on the river and see the fireworks and things like that. So, that was always a fun memory," she said.

Murphy said she sometimes "[worries] about the future" of her home country, which she said is "technically still a young country and there is a lot of growth to be had." 

"Unfortunately, I feel like it might be going in the wrong direction these days," she said.

Christina Simmons: Incredibly depressing

Christina Simmons, 76, has been living in Windsor for 37 years, and previously worked at the University of Windsor.

She said this July Fourth is "incredibly depressing" for her because of the passage of President Donald Trump's big multitrillion-dollar tax breaks and spending cuts bill.

"It's very hard to feel good about being an American … it's kind of not a good day," Simmons told CBC News.

"I grew up with a lot of pride about being an American…In the past I had very good feelings. Now I'm a Canadian citizen also and actually I'm much more fond of and I'm very, very happy to be in Canada."