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Patriotic Reflections

Natasha Bedingfield, Abby Cadabby, and Rosita of Sesame Street to discuss what they love about the fourth of July.

Learning Benefits

Parent & Child: Why did you get involved with A Capitol Fourth?
The 4th of July is celebrating the birthday of the United States of America and all the different communities and people coming together, and because we’re monsters and fairies, I guess they considered us a valuable part of that community. We were really excited for the super special concert!

P&C: What does the 4th of July and Independence Day mean to you? Why do you think it’s important to celebrate this day?
Abby Cadabby: I like celebrating communities and towns and people all over the country coming together and being together in our united state. I also think it’s important to celebrate our history and all the people that fight for us.


P&C: This year, you performed in front of the U.S. Capitol. How do you usually celebrate this holiday?
I celebrate it with my family, watching the fireworks at the beach, close to Sesame Street. We like to watch the fireworks, have a nice barbeque, and sing patriotic songs, and that’s usually it. But I think I was so excited this year because we love to sing patriotic songs and we did just that in this incredible concert!

P&C: Now, what did you two sing?
I sang “Sing” with an amazing lady named Natasha Bedingfield.
Abby: I sang “Somebody Come and Play!” And Elmo sang “Elmo’s World” and we all sang about Yankee Doodle sticking a feather in his hat and becoming a bunch of noodles. That’s a part I don’t really get but I love it.

P&C: Why do you think it’s so important for kids to celebrate Independence Day?
Rosita: Well, I think it’s really important when you celebrate your history that you recognize all of those people that came before us. We are called Americans and we all celebrate the same history. So that’s cool.
Abby: I think Rosita said it best. And I think a lot of times we forget how lucky we are and how thankful we need to be. So I think it’s a big thank you to each other, to our ancestors, and to everyone. It’s a big day of gratitude.

P&C: What’s so cool about kids?
Everything. Well, because I’m from Fairyland, a different culture, and Rosita is from Mexico, a different culture, we can come together and learn new games and new stories. I like to play with kids and do things that I’ve never seen or heard before. So, for me, every time I meet a new kid I learn something new — like a new word, or a new piece of candy!
Rosita: You know what I love about kids? They are always positive and happy, and they’re always trying to see the good in people. That, and I love their imagination.

P&C: How has music influenced your lives?
Music is my life. I love music, because I think it’s like a universal language. If you hear salsa, your body starts moving, and if you hear a beautiful violin, your heart starts to melt and you start to sway.
Abby: I think music comes from inside. My fairy godmother says that when you hear music there’s something inside of you, a feeling that comes out. I don’t know if she calls it a spirit, but you can dance with people and feel something that has nothing to do with knowing the words or anything.

P&C: What do you love about living on Sesame Street?
I love my friends and the nice community. Also, I love how we always have a place to go whether we’re feeling happy or sad, and how there’s always somebody new to come and visit.
Abby: I agree with Rosita. Sesame Street is great because everybody cares, and it feels like everybody’s part of the same family.

Natasha Bedingfield:
I think Independence Day is one of the most significant holidays in America. The fact that it celebrates human rights and religious and political freedom makes it particularly relevant to us all. So when I got asked to be involved in the A Capitol Fourth on the lawn of the Capitol, I was thrilled.

P&C: Were you excited to work with the Muppets?
I have always loved Sesame Street. I like how they always manage to sing with the best music artists, like Stevie Wonder, ZZ Top. My favorites are Elmo and Kermit the Frog, Snuffleupagus, and Oscar the Grouch.  


P&C: What does the 4th of July/Independence Day mean to you? Why is it important to celebrate?
I also started dating my husband on July the 4th so it has a special significance to me. Even though I'm actually a British girl and Independence Day is about the Americans getting independent of the Brits, the day resonates with me because it’s about freedom and not being controlled or told what to believe or think.


P&C: This year you performed in front of the U.S. Capitol — how do you usually celebrate this holiday?
Whenever I'm in the States I always join in on what my friends have organized. It’s all about fireworks and partying it up!  


P&C: What did you sing for this performance?
"Pocketful of Sunshine," and I sang a song with Sesame Street!!!!

P&C: Why do you think it’s important for kids to understand and celebrate Independence Day?
Because it helps us remember to respect other people.

P&C: What do you think is so cool about kids?
Kids see the world through different eyes than adults. I think they’re pretty smart because they are eager to learn. Sometimes adults stop being open to learn and that's when they start making big mistakes.

P&C: You’re an ambassador for Global Angels — why is this organization important to you?

Bedingfield: Because it’s about helping children all over the world. Take a look at the Web site.


P&C: On a different note, if you could see any 3 or 4 of your favorite storybook characters turned into Halloween costumes, which ones would you choose?
Dumbo the Elephant, Pippi Longstocking, the White Witch in The Lion, Witch, and the Wardrobe — she's scary.

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