Ready to celebrate their independence

It will be a Fourth of July with a difference tomorrow for a pair of American basketball players when they celebrate American independence in WA for the first time.

Brothers Cooper and Taylor Land, who moved to the State to play for Rockingham Flames and Mandurah Magic respectively, said Independence Day celebrations in their home state of Texas were all about family, fireworks, baseball — and hot dogs.

“Most Americans probably don’t know what Independence Day is all about — they just want to blow stuff up and have a cook-out,” Taylor said “The fourth of July lands in the middle of the baseball season so most people go to a game and watch a bunch of fireworks afterwards.

“It’s a time to get together with friends and family, go for a cook-out and have a few drinks.”

Younger brother Cooper said Americans nationwide took part in hot dog eating contests to mark the anniversary of the country’s independence from British rule, and Texans routinely fired their guns in salute. “Everyone lets off their guns within their own party or in the street — adults have the guns and the kids have the fireworks,” Cooper said. “We are originally from Oklahoma so our family aren’t really into guns, but they love them in Texas.”

The brothers, who plan to attend special Fourth of July celebrations in Fremantle, said they had enjoyed their time in Australia.

They also paid tribute to the friendly and welcoming people of Rockingham and Mandurah, where they now call home.