BOISE -- Americans will celebrate the country's birthday this year in the midst of a brutal recession and rampant unemployment.

In May, Barry Kelso lost the job he's had for 11 years at a Boise car rental agency.

"I'm almost 60 years of age myself," said Kelso. "We're just going through some tough times, really tough times."

The year between America's birthday has seen a steady drumbeat of dismal economic news but folks we talked to say bad times can bring out the best in Americans.

"People are trying to help each other out," said Kathleen Lacey of Boise. "There's a great deal of compassion for people struggling to find work."

And while it's certainly not been a bed of roses, some say hope is blooming.

"I think maybe this Fourth is a day when we can take a first step toward healing," said John Skura of Eagle. "I think we're on the way up. I like to be positive about things like this."

So this Fourth of July, Americans look forward to better days in a nation that still remains the home of the brave and the land of the free.