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On a hot Texas Fourth of July in 1985, a family reunites despite their political differences and the different directions life has taken them. The elders of the family—father Harold, mother Rose, and eldest son. Nick—all hold patriotism as a core value, the men having served in World War II and Vietnam, respectively. The two youngest, Raymond and Connie, dodged the draft and avoided the war, respectively, leading to an ideological difference in their family. While they try to enjoy the rare occasion that brings them together to reconnect, this fundamental difference casts a long shadow over the family and leads to inevitable arguments. This year, however, Nick is acting a bit strangely, still verbally holding to his beliefs while declining not to go to the military parade. If the family can find the space and opportunity to speak freely, the truth of Nick's heart and conscience may finally come to light.
This two-act play highlights the long-term strain on American families and life caused by deep-rooted ideological identities running parallel to one another. With a restrained cast and setting, the characters and dialogue are given the heavy lifting here, and they contrast and combine beautifully. The story is painfully familiar and human, showing a group of people who love each other but struggle to spend time together without butting heads, and readers will either be able to relate to or at least easily understand the emotions and stakes involved. At first, the audience sees the neat boxes the characters can be sorted into, but, as in reality, the feelings and decisions that shape their identities have considerable depth, given the play's brief script. Whether read privately or performed aloud, this play is grounded, easy to relate to, and relevant to members of all generations.