Today in history marks the important date when America declared its independence from Great Britain, on July 4, 1776.
But for American national Jennifer Leaf, who moved from Kansas to Hawke's Bay in 2000, it also marks another important date in her life.
"I used to celebrate Independence Day but now it's more about the birthday of my Kiwi grandson, who was born on the 4th of July and will be 13 this year.
"I will say I may not celebrate Independence Day much now but I stay in touch with friends via Facebook [in America] at this time of the year and kind of celebrate it that way. And I might put a red, white and blue shirt on or change my profile picture to mark the occasion.
"Sometimes the kids ask me what it's all about and I tell them it's a time for families to come together. And when we have Guy Fawkes in New Zealand, I often explain the only time we have fireworks displays in the States is on Independence Day."
Mrs Leaf moved to New Zealand to take up a job at the EIT where she worked as a senior lecturer in therapeutic recreation for five years. She then worked for the Hastings District Council and now works part time for the NZ Recreation Association while opening up her own business on aquatic therapy.
"My family back home will definitely be celebrating and some of them will be watching parades, some may be having barbecues, getting in touch with other family members and watching a big fireworks display at night.
"I think there is a whole lot of national pride involved in the day. It means a lot to people, especially families who have members not with them, who may be working with the military overseas, it's more of a patriotic time for them."
Mrs Leaf said she thought the closest event New Zealand had was Waitangi Day.
"But in the States it's more about families coming together, a time to be nostalgic.
" The more time I spend here in New Zealand, the less of a special day it becomes for me here. But I did travel back a few years ago to the States to celebrate it with my family and it was nice."