Yankee doodle fine & dandy

Embrace our ties with the US on Independence Day

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TODAY is Independence Day in the US, to celebrate its declaration of “life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.”

July 4 commemorates the nation’s birth - the day in 1776 when the “united colonies” broke from British rule.

The fourth of July is now a day of celebration. The USA may have a chequered history, and is currently at the centre of political and social strife both at home and abroad. Its president Donald Trump is a divisive figure, and probably the most controversial leader in US history.

But Irish-American commentator PADDY CULLIVAN says it’s still the land of the free and home of the brave.

Here, in an essay to mark Independence Day, historical entertainer and musician Paddy tells why he is proud to be an American.

AMERICA is celebrating its 249th birthday today.

As someone who is both an Irish and American citizen through my mother, I have great memories of July 4 in New Jersey, where community celebration, flags, fireworks and barbecues were the order of the day.