JEFFERSON — Independence Day is a celebration of freedom for all Americans, but particularly to those with a loved one serving overseas.

While most Americans are busy with barbecues, picnics and fireworks displays, many men and women in the U.S. military serve in countries around the world that are fighting to secure their own independence and individual freedoms.

For their families back home, Independence Day takes on an extra meaning.

"There’s an added sense of pride and patriotism that wells inside of me," said Michael Helms of Jefferson, whose son, Lance Cpl. John Helms, is deployed with the First Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion as a part of the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit out of Camp Lejeune, N.C.

"A MEU is a quick strike fleet of ships, aircraft, Marines and sailors specially trained to respond quickly to any crisis," Helms said.

Although he’s not allowed to share his destinations, the Helmses know that their son is serving somewhere in the Red Sea and has been to Spain and Greece.

The 21-year-old Marine’s deployment began a week after his birthday in May, mother Tina Helms said.

A family trip to visit Arlington Cemetery and the Vietnam War Memorial in Washington, D.C., about a eight years ago sparked a renewed sense of patriotism in both Helms and his wife. But Michael Helms said the excursion didn’t have as profound an affect on then-13-year-old John and his 11-year-old brother, Ryan.

"The Vietnam Memorial really got my attention. How could you see the names of 57,000 fallen soldiers and not become emotional?" Michael Helms said. "That’s when I became consciously aware of the sacrifices that have been made on behalf of our country. It never occurred to me that I would have a son who would eventually serve.

"At the time, like most kids their ages, John and Ryan really weren’t that impressed with the trip. But now I think John would definitely appreciate the experience a lot more."

Even though the Helmses are proud of both of their sons — Ryan Helms is an award winning diver at the University of Tennessee — they aren’t able to speak with their eldest as often to express their sentiments.

As a way to honor his service to his country, the Helms have erected a tribute to him in their front yard. Tied around a towering maple tree is a broad yellow ribbon that sits above a small American flag and a sign that reads "Until he returns, Lance Corporal John Helms, U.S. Marine Corps."

"John began to have a strong interest in the military in his later years in high school," Michael Helms said. "When he told us that he wanted to join the Marine Corps, we didn’t try to discourage him. He joined without any (monetary) signing bonuses. He joined because of the values they offered and because of his sense of patriotism.

"We’ve seen a tremendous change in our son’s life in the last year and a half since he’s been a part of the Marine Corps. He’s more focused, his relationship with God has grown and he’s developed a stronger appreciation for the little things in life. We miss him, but we are very proud at the same time."

For Jana Hamrick, the Fourth of July usually means a day filled with good food and enjoying being surrounded by her family at home.

This year, the only person at home is Hamrick. Both her husband, Mark Hamrick, and stepson Devin Hamrick are stationed in Afghanistan.

Mark Hamrick is working as a contractor and Devin Hamrick is a soldier with a Winder-based National Guard unit.

"All of the holidays are different without them here; it’s kind of lonely," said Hamrick, a Jefferson resident.

Although she misses her family, Hamrick says her husband and stepson’s absence has given her a greater appreciation for Independence Day.

"My dad is from England, so when I was younger we would have a more humorous holiday," she said. "We would celebrate Loser’s Day since the Fourth of July is when England (lost the American colonies). As I got older, it became a day about cookouts and getting together with your family.

"Now, I wish I could send a message to everyone overseas, and even the soldiers who haven’t been deployed, and tell them how much I appreciate their sacrifices. They are even more patriotic than we are because they have dedicated their lives to this country. It’s not just about the independence of America, it’s about appreciating the freedoms that we have.

"Knowing that my (husband and stepson) have given up their independence and freedom to secure the independence and freedom of others makes me appreciate the Fourth of July even more."