We celebrate holidays during the year that have had special meaning to all of us.

Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Eve.

I always placed my birthday in this hierarchy of special holidays despite the fact that it has not been recognized as a federal or even a state holiday, but I continue to have high hopes in that regard.

Among the special holidays that we all celebrate is, of course, the Fourth Of July!

As kids, we were barely a week into our summer vacation when this special day got our summer off to an explosive start.

Living on Leland Avenue, which consists primarily of apartment buildings, the American Barbeque did not exert a firm grip on the neighborhood plans for the day. While the kids on our block would commence disposing of our firecrackers early in the morning, our parents waited until late afternoon before they set up camp in front of their respective buildings.

Coolers stocked with quart bottles of Rheingold or Ballantine Beer were brought down by the Dads while the Moms brought assorted snacks and sandwiches to celebrate the birth of our country.

Everyone was indeed dandy by the time the skyrockets, aerial bombs, and Roman candles produced their oohs and ahhs.

There was no noticeable police presence required as our mothers made sure we set off our firecrackers safely and held our sparklers far away from our eyes and clothing.

I always considered the Fourth of July a neighborhood holiday, similar to New Year’s Eve when our neighbors kept their doors open for easy access to whatever treats they had to share.

Many years later, when Eileen and I lived in East Quogue, we had similar get-togethers with friends and family. We first began the day with an early visit to Ponquogue Beach, but not too early for Eileen’s Big Sandwich and a couple of cold ones surreptitiously poured into solo cups, which were often enjoyed by PJ and me.

Though our location has changed, and while we have added new friends to our lineup, the Fourth Of July has retained all its Dandiness for me, and I hope for you.

Happy Birthday, America!