Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Pancakes

Ashley Halverson

Informant: Myself

Logan, UT

10 February, 2014

Title:

“Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Pancakes”

Genre:

Holiday custom/tradition

Informant:

My name is Ashley Coral Halverson. I am a nineteen year-old female. My father is in the military, so I have spent my life moving around the country and overseas. Though my family is currently stationed at Fort Rucker, Alabama, an Army Post where most of the Army’s helicopter training takes place, I am currently attending college at Utah State University. I am Caucasian, of Scandinavian descent, and a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. I am currently unemployed as I focus on my studies. I enjoy reading and writing, which has prompted me to pursue an English Major with an emphasis on Creative Writing.

Context:

As a result of my involvement with this tradition, I was able to collect the record of this event from my own memory. This tradition is something that my family had continued to participate in for as long as I can remember. My mother, Karyn Halverson, my father, Scott Halverson, my brother, Joshua Halverson (17), and my sister, Taylor Halverson (14), are all involved in this tradition. It brings us together as a family every year.

Text:

Every year on the 4^th of July, or Independence Day, my family comes together to celebrate the day that our country received its freedom. Because of my father’s position in the military, this holiday has become very important to us. Even 238 years later, my father still fights for our freedom through his various deployments to the Middle East over the years. We also choose to share our celebrations with those that we care about. On the 4^th of July, we hold a brunch with many of the friends we have found during our time in the military. Waffles, pancakes, fresh fruit, bacon, sausage, hot syrup, orange juice, milk, and many other delicious breakfast foods crowd the house and the plates of those who join us. We pray together, thanking God for the freedoms we have and the safety we are blessed with each day.

Texture:

When I talk about our Independence Day Brunches, I am always a bit nostalgic. Now that I am at college, I am not certain that I will always be there for the celebrations as my life continues to develop. I am also very proud of my heritage and my father, so my memories are filled with a sense of pride when it comes to talking about my family and our customs.

Meaning:

This custom is an important to me because it is not only a fun holiday, but also a representation of my family and the things that we stand for as Americans. My dad is currently serving in Afghanistan and I miss him every day. Remembering the time that we spent together on the Independence Days past reminds me of what I have to look forward to when he comes home.

Ashley Halverson

Utah State University

Professor Bonnie Moore

English 2010-0035

12:00-1:20

Spring 2014