The 4th is one of two big holidays that have nothing to do with gift giving.
Like Thanksgiving, the 4th is all about family, community and food.
Just mention Independence Day and what comes to mind but fireworks, picnics, and swimming with family and friends.
Independence Day in the U.
S.
A, marks the formal adoption by the Continental Congress of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
Although Congress did not complete the signing until August, the 4th of July is accepted as the official anniversary of U.
S.
independence, and was declared a legal holiday in 1941.
Independence Day was first celebrated on July 8, 1776 in Philadelphia.
It must have been stirring to hear the Declaration of Independence read aloud, as church bells rang, bands played, and guns and cannons were fired.
July 4, 1777 in Philadelphia, saw the first July 4th celebration.
On that day cannon on ships were fired.
Church bells pealed and speeches were made.
The night was lit with fireworks, bonfires and by candles in the windows of homes and public buildings.
Over the years Independence Day has stayed pretty much the same.
Church bells still ring, cannon are still fired and politicians still find this a great day for speech making.
All of the large cities and many of the small, have musical celebrations and firework displays.
Flags are flown and every man, woman and child if asked will say they are proud to be an American.
What should you do if it dares to rain on the 4th?Don't worry, move the celebration indoors.
Play patriotic music loud.
Lay picnic blankets on the living room floor and grill your favorites on a stove-top grill.
Fireworks on a rainy 4th can be had by turning your TV to the Boston Pops annual celebration or the National celebration from Washington D.
C...
Maybe it won't be as exciting but you will be with family and friends, and you won't get wet.
Have a fun, safe 4th of July.
Celebrate independence and enjoy your family and friends because that is what it is, and has always been, all about.
Like Thanksgiving, the 4th is all about family, community and food.
Just mention Independence Day and what comes to mind but fireworks, picnics, and swimming with family and friends.
Independence Day in the U.
S.
A, marks the formal adoption by the Continental Congress of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
Although Congress did not complete the signing until August, the 4th of July is accepted as the official anniversary of U.
S.
independence, and was declared a legal holiday in 1941.
Independence Day was first celebrated on July 8, 1776 in Philadelphia.
It must have been stirring to hear the Declaration of Independence read aloud, as church bells rang, bands played, and guns and cannons were fired.
July 4, 1777 in Philadelphia, saw the first July 4th celebration.
On that day cannon on ships were fired.
Church bells pealed and speeches were made.
The night was lit with fireworks, bonfires and by candles in the windows of homes and public buildings.
Over the years Independence Day has stayed pretty much the same.
Church bells still ring, cannon are still fired and politicians still find this a great day for speech making.
All of the large cities and many of the small, have musical celebrations and firework displays.
Flags are flown and every man, woman and child if asked will say they are proud to be an American.
What should you do if it dares to rain on the 4th?Don't worry, move the celebration indoors.
Play patriotic music loud.
Lay picnic blankets on the living room floor and grill your favorites on a stove-top grill.
Fireworks on a rainy 4th can be had by turning your TV to the Boston Pops annual celebration or the National celebration from Washington D.
C...
Maybe it won't be as exciting but you will be with family and friends, and you won't get wet.
Have a fun, safe 4th of July.
Celebrate independence and enjoy your family and friends because that is what it is, and has always been, all about.