The Fourth of July is two days away, and most of us are thinking cookout, fireworks and a long, lazy weekend sunning at the neighborhood pool.

But of course that is not what the day is all about. It is about celebrating our nation's birthday and our independence.

To get us into the holiday spirit and rouse our patriotic fervor, we asked some residents of the South Hills:

"What would you say to Uncle Sam on this, his 233rd birthday? How would you thank our forefathers for fighting for our independence and laying the groundwork for what is the greatest country on earth?"

Uncle Sam, of course, is the cartoon embodiment of the government of the United States of America, a character who appeared in newspapers and magazines beginning in the first part of the 19th century.

He was modeled after Samuel Wilson, a meat purveyor to the United States army during the War of 1812. Known as "Uncle Sam," Wilson put his initials on his goods. U.S., get it?

Over the years, Uncle Sam evolved into a tall, white-haired man, who sports patriotic colors and a top hat.

Here's what you had to say about celebrating all he stands for.

Julia Sell, 12, of Bethel Park, would wish Uncle Sam Happy Birthday with a cake big enough to hold all 233 candles.

The Independence Middle School student would tell our forefathers we appreciate their sacrifices, which led to the freedoms we enjoy today.

"Happy Birthday, Uncle Sam" would be the rallying cry of Patti Opferman, of Bethel Park.

And, "thank you and God Bless America" would be her message for our forefathers.

She would top it all off with her trademark "walking tacos" or her ethnic, doughy haluski.

"There's a reason why our system of government is desirable and it works," said 2009 high school graduate David Barton, 18, of Whitehall.

"For that I would thank our forefathers for being leaders and doing what they felt was right. They obviously saw a flaw in the English system and cried out against it. I don't think any other leaders have made such a profound impact on the world for so many years," he said.

"I don't know what you say to someone 233 years old they haven't heard before," said Dan Kroll, 25, of Castle Shannon.

"But I would thank our forefathers for their hard work and wisdom, which makes our life of freedom possible today. I would tell them we might not say it except at this time of year, but we are appreciative," said the assistant equipment manager for the Pittsburgh Penguins.

"Let freedom ring" would be the congratulatory message to Uncle Sam from Santo Raso, 47, of Castle Shannon.

"I think the forefathers were ahead of their time. It was as if they could foresee the future as all our liberties and freedoms can be traced back to them," said the master plumber.

For Phil Larcinese, 62, of Jefferson Hills, a retired business owner, the July Fourth observance of our country's beginnings stirs concerns about our nation's future under the Obama administration.

"I hope we're here for another hundred years. Our forefathers had a great idea that hopefully, our current leaders won't destroy," he said.

Frank Haley, 88, of Bethel Park, is encouraged by today's statesmen.

"We've gone down the line with all kinds of presidents and troubles, but we've stayed together as a nation because of the groundwork laid by the forefathers through the Constitution. I would thank them for that, and assure them their legacy is in good hands with President Obama and Secretary of State Hillary Clinton," said the retired mailman.

"I would tell our forefathers it was well worth it," said Mark O'Brien, 50, of Bethel Park, a stationary engineer.

"Our country has had some bumps in the road, but we are forever and profoundly grateful for their efforts on behalf of ourselves and future generations," he said.