FALLUJAH, Iraq -- On the Fourth of July, most Americans celebrate their independence with fireworks and family, but a few celebrated this year by providing independence for others. The Marines of 3rd Battalion, 4th Marines, Regimental Combat Team-8, spent the July 4 providing security and stability to the people here. Whether patrolling the city’s streets or standing guard over one of the battalion’s numerous bases, the Marines treated their holiday like any other day in their seven month deployment. “We can’t let up, even for the Fourth of July,” said Cpl. Ricardo W. Lulves, 23-year-old team leader for Company L. “The enemy could take advantage of that.” For most of the Marines in the battalion, this is not their first Independence Day spent fighting in the War on Terrorism. Last year the battalion spent the holiday operating out of Al Asad, Iraq. With their high operation tempo, some Marines didn’t take note of the day. “I didn’t even realize it had passed with all the missions we were doing,” said Lance Cpl. David A. Palacio, 22-year-old mortar man with Company L. Although the Marines couldn’t take the day off to enjoy any sort of festivity, they made due with what they had. In a training exercise, mortar men with the battalion fired illumination rounds over peninsula. The makeshift fireworks show helped to make the Marines holiday a little brighter. “I didn’t think we’d be able to do anything like that,” said Palacio, a Los Angeles, Calif., native. “It definitely made the holiday better for us.” The combination of being in a combat environment and watching a mortar propelled fireworks show will leave a lasting impression on the Marines, according to Lulves, a Orlando, Fla., native. For some, this experience has proven the importance and significance of the national holiday. “Being out here, I know what it’s like to fight for freedom,” said Lance Cpl. Bradley D. Schisler, a 21-year-old machine gunner with Company L. “So it makes the Fourth of July a little more special for me.” Although the Marines agree their Independence Day in Iraq is significant, most believe their next holiday will be even more important. “With all the holidays I’ve spent here, I’ll certainly enjoy spending the next one with family,” Lulves said.