Expatriate Patriots?

I had a French friend in the States long ago who married an American and in due course, by choice, became a U.S. citizen. On the day of the citizenship swearing-in ceremony, she proudly made her vows to uphold the Constitution of the United States -- while her left hand was clutching a little French flag hidden inside her coat pocket!

I wonder sometimes if Americans abroad on the Fourth have the same sort of thought. We may totally love our adopted country, be completely immersed in its culture, but there are vestiges of American-ness that we cling to, especially during holidays like the Fourth of July and Thanksgiving which don't exist beyond the shores of America.

Real Americans in Paris is researching how American expats in France and around the world celebrate U.S. Independence Day -- or not. How do YOU say "Happy Birthday, America" when living in a land where it's just another Wednesday workday? Or do you simply go about your day with "business as usual" and ignore the date?

Meanwhile, for anyone needing all the information you'll ever need to know about past and present July Fourths, including a few in Paris, there is now a great reference tool, The Fourth of July Encyclopedia by James R. Heintze. Not only is it a great academic resource, but also perfect for those Fourth-of-July quizzes. Also check out Prof. Heintze's Fourth of July Celebration database.