When I lived in the States, July 4 was always my second-favourite holiday, after Thanksgiving. There were no particular requirements other than conviviality: hot dogs and frisbees in the park with friends. Even after I moved to Canada, that buoyant mood always came upon me on this day. Today, however, is poignant to a painful degree. I’m sending love to my American family and friends.

Image: “Three Flags,” by Jasper Johns, in The Whitney Collection.