One of the few points that can be made universally about the state of freedom on the Fourth of July is that Americans possess divergent views on the issue outlooks that are colored by worldviews, political leanings and factors as plain as age.

CHRIS PEDOTA/STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

Edwin Gonzalez, 2, portraying George Washington, and his sister Giuliana, 5, playing Betsy Ross, in Ridgefield Parks Baby and Youth Parade. They won an award as most patriotic.

It can also be said that its relatively easy to find people at least in North Jersey who are willing to openly share their views on a principle that is both revered and controversial.

Freedom was on the brain at dozens of events marking 236 years of American independence across Bergen and Passaic counties, including celebrations in Teaneck, Allendale, Little Falls, Ringwood, Hackensack and Ridgefield Park.

While watching a parade in Ridgefield Park on Wednesday, village resident Chris Cajas, 31, measured the amount of liberty that he is afforded against the limited number of rights held by millions of others living under repressive regimes.

The fight for freedom and democracy thats celebrated on Independence Day has been echoed in the drumbeat of stories coming out of Syria and Egypt.

I think with the struggles in the economy and abroad, I feel more free and more appreciative of the real meaning of freedom, Cajas said.

Iram Valentin, 35, of Hackensack measures freedom in bandwidth and credits the Internet for fostering a rise in self-expression.

How you can express yourself and what you can say has increased because of social media, Valentin said. It used to be that you had to be rich to own Encyclopedia Britannica, but now anyone can get onto the Internet and get information.

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Freedom on display as North Jersey celebrates Independence Day