Beer, BBQ and America: Lawmakers share their favorite traditions for the nation’s birthday

America’s 250th birthday is a milestone in the nation’s history that, in Washington, D.C., was marked by thunderous fireworks, flyovers and a fair on the National Mall.

But at the granular level, families across the country have celebrated July 4 in their own way for generations, crafting traditions that they revisit year after year. Trips to the lake, sizzling hot dogs, bottle rockets, picnics in the park and burgers — all hallmarks of America’s celebration of independence.

Lawmakers, when the partisan barbs end, the floor speeches quiet and Congress ditches Washington for the weekend every year, have their own traditions like the everyday working American.

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Rep. Derrick Van Orden, R-Wis., said his favorite tradition was “loving America.”

“So, all of our children, we raise them to love this country because we tell them the truth about this country, and they understand that America is the most awesome place that has ever existed in the history of the planet,” Van Orden said. “So, we get together, we barbecue some hot dogs and then we watch some fireworks. It’s great.”

And of course, there’s beer.

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“I’m from Wisconsin,” he said. “Of course. Miller Lites and Hebrew National hot dogs are great. They’re all beef and wonderful. Don’t get me wrong, I don’t mind a mix of, you know, pork and beef for a hot dog, but I like the Hebrew Nationals myself.”

Geography does play a factor in some lawmakers’ traditions, like Rep. Troy Downing, R-Mont., whose family heads to the tiny town of Harlowton, Mont., to a friend’s ranch, where a lake and ranch hand routine take center stage.

“We all camp there. The kids play in the water. And, you know, usually that’s right around branding [season],” Downing said. “So branding is usually when you castrate. And, so, I’m usually in charge of doing all the calf fries after the castrations.”

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Then there’s the barbecue, which is a staple in Rep. Ralph Norman’s home state of South Carolina.

“Eatin’ barbecue and relaxin,” Norman said.

When pressed if there was any beer in between, Norman quipped, “I’m not old enough to drink beer.”

“I have to get a — I’ve got a fake ID I’ve gotta show,” he said. “No, drinking beer, barbecue and having a good time with family.”

Others take the opportunity to celebrate President Donald Trump alongside their annual traditions.

“My neighbor, nice guy, great guy, my twin brother Trevor, are going to come over. We’ve got flags flying in our backyard. We’re going to have some lobster tail, maybe some nice, fat ribeyes, a lot of fat on the ribeyes,” Rep. Troy Nehls, R-Texas said.

“We like the marbling on the ribeyes and just celebrate the Fourth and just look at the birds and the flowers and just be thankful that we were born in the greatest country on earth, right,” he continued. 

“And celebrate the greatest president in the lifetime of this great country, Donald J. Trump. That’s what I’m thankful for, and that’s what I’ll be celebrating.”