Independence Day, commonly known as the Fourth of July, is a federal holiday in the United States commemorating the adoption of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776, declaring independence from the Kingdom of Great Britain. Independence Day is commonly associated with fireworks, parades, barbecues, carnivals, fairs, picnics, concerts, baseball games, family reunions, and political speeches and ceremonies, in addition to various other public and private events celebrating the history, government, and traditions of the United States. Independence Day is the national day of the United States.
Independence Day fireworks are often accompanied by patriotic songs such as the national anthem, The Star-Spangled Banner, God Bless America, America the Beautiful, My Country, Tis of Thee, This Land Is Your Land, Stripes Forever, and, regionally, Yankee Doodle in northeastern states and Dixie in southern states.
Today would be a wonderful day to explain to our children what our American flag stands for. The flag stands for our country and our connection to each other as Americans. The flag also represents the sacrifice that generations of people that have given their lives for our freedom. Talk to them about how our country stands for freedom, and one which helps other lands gain their personal freedom. Because our flag is symbolic of all these things, we treat it with respect. The 50 stars stand for the 50 states. The thirteen stripes represent the original thirteen colonies. The red, white, and blue colors on the American flag represent philosophical values. Red: Blood, war, and courage. Blue: Justice and Freedom. White: Purity.
Happy Fourth of July!
