Coffee with Beat July 2025

I have the unique opportunity to celebrate Independence Day twice each year—one of the distinct advantages of calling both the United States and Switzerland home. In Switzerland, our national “birthday” is on August 1st, while here in Avalon Park and across the U.S., we celebrate on July 4th.

This double celebration serves as a constant reminder of how blessed we are to live in free countries. Whether in the U.S. or Switzerland, freedom is a foundational value we should never take for granted.

It is amazing to see how similar the US and Switzerland are. Both embrace direct democracy, where the people have “the last say.” In fact, the Swiss political system is what inspired in part the American model. Where the U.S. has the House of Representatives and the Senate, Switzerland has the Nationalrat (House) and the Ständerat (Senate), performing nearly identical roles.

Another similarity is that the US and Switzerland are the only western countries who never had a Monarchy.

Switzerland is home to four official languages—German (or Swiss German), French, Italian, and Romansh. While the average Swiss person may speak more languages, I believe Americans express a stronger sense of visible patriotism. The Pledge of Allegiance, though absent in Switzerland, holds a special place in the hearts of Americans. Here in Avalon Park, I see the American flag proudly displayed on nearly every street, year-round. In Switzerland, the national flag—the white cross on a red background—is typically seen on government buildings and primarily on Independence Day.

Still, I believe both Americans and Swiss are deeply patriotic, grateful, and proud of their countries and heritage.

Fireworks and barbecues are common in each of the 2 countries on Independence Day. In Switzerland each Village generally starts its celebration with a speech of its mayor or other dignity. And sometimes those speeches have a political agenda, sometimes they are funny, but always deeply patriotic.

As I look forward to two meaningful celebrations this summer, I am reminded of how fortunate I am to call both countries home.

Happy Independence Day to America this month—and to Switzerland next month. May both celebrations continue to reflect the freedoms and values we hold dear.