Fourth of July - A Celebration Across America

For many Americans the 4th of July is a time of gathering with family, and friends. Time to fire up the barbecue and throw some hot dogs, burgers and other goodies on it. Its time to watch the river banks, parks, and beaches across America fill up with patriotic colors, picnics, food, family, and friends. Its also a time to throw the baseball around, play some catch, and maybe have a quick game or two. It is of course time for a few cold ones. Its time to celebrate.

It is a time to sit back, and reflect with our fellow country men, and celebrate whats ours, and why we are so proud. It is a time to be thankful to be a part of country who lets us be who we want to be. Where freedom of choice, liberty, and individuality is embraced, and not shunned. It is time to be proud, and to honor those who gave the ultimate sacrifice for us. Time to honor and thank those who are currently serving our nation, our country, our people, by defending our freedom, beliefs and the American way. It is a time to respect, accept and understand one another in our diversity, and diversification as Americans. It is a time to put aside our political beliefs, ideals, and indifferences. It is a time to stand tall to stay, and stand united. As a country, we are one, as a people we are one. Lets celebrate the Fourth of July.

Lets not forget why we celebrate the Fourth.

On July 4th, 1776 America declared independence from Britain. However America didn't officially become independent until September 3, 1783 after the Treaty of Paris was signed by King George III and our US forefathers. We began celebrating with fireworks only one year later in 1777.

In our present day we celebrate the Fourth of July in a very true, and patriotic fashion. Patriotism is everywhere. Parties, and barbecues are decorated in true American fashion with our flags, food, parties, and again, lets not forget, beer.

The highlight of the day, is of course the night. The fireworks display. Let the fireworks begin.

Fireworks are the highlight, and staple of any Fourth of July picnic, party and celebration. Outfitted with red, white, and blue splashes of freedom across the warm summer night sky. Speakers booming with unwavering songs such as: 'God Bless America', 'America the Beautiful', and of course 'The Star Spangled Banner'. The fireworks crackle, bang, and pop as we sit back, and rejoice in our country, and ourselves in being part of this terrific land called America, what we call home.

As the night winds down, and the festivities come to a close. Its nice to know that we live in a country where we can celebrate our freedom, embrace our liberties, freedom of choice. Lets not forget who we are, where we came from, and where we are heading.

United we stand, divided we fall.