Families reunite for the 4th at Belmont Grove Park

PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- Families at Belmont Grove Park marked Independence Day and America's 250th birthday with food, conversation and tradition

Darlene Richardson summed up the day's significance simply: "July the 4th, Independence Day, America's 250th birthday."

Despite the heat, grill masters tended to meats as families settled in for an afternoon of food and reunion.

For the Williams family, the holiday offered a chance to reconnect.

"Our branches run different, but our love runs one way, which is together," said Richardson.

Across the park, conversations flowed, touching on family, tradition and the meaning of the day.

"The Fourth of July to me is a day of celebration just like Juneteenth," said Terrell Cannon of Wynnefield. "It's a day where we come together, collaborate and have that camaraderie of family. Where we get to be one with each other."