While writing my novel by installment, I consciously chose holiday celebrations.
The one common thread about these holidays—besides the story itself—was the undeniable commercialization of every one of them as an opportunity for Big Sale Weekends, a fact I did mention in several of the 10,000 to 11,000 words short stories/novellas that make up the novel.
One could argue that the use of these holidays in book titles was a blatant and shameless exploitation in itself. Guilty!
In my defense, I used each holiday to structure an event in my protagonist’s growth from a pouty, self-pitying, rejected girlfriend to a woman capable of giving, as well as accepting, love from the two most important men in her life: her father, who she willingly believed had abandoned her in childhood, and her future Number One, who she must learn to trust when his profession makes demands, both of whom are men who have put their lives on the line for others.
The commercialization of Memorial Day, Presidents Day, Independence Day/4th of July, 
Veterans Day, while celebrating our traditions and national values, as well as commemorating the sacrifices of those who have died to keep us safe and to secure our freedoms, also speaks to our fundamental identity as the land of opportunity.
As one of my English friends expressed the strength and success of our nation: “If you can’t make it in America, you can’t make it anywhere.”
The 4th of July, our ancestors’ declaration of independence from oppressive laws and unfair taxes, is a perfect occasion to celebrate what Americans do best: making our work, our lives, our families, our country great.
Happy Independence Day to all!