Celebration of Independence in the United States on the 4th of July

Independence Day, better known today as the 4th of July holiday, as all Americans know, is one of the grandest and greatest celebrations unique to the United States. This holiday is often a favorite of the kids who especially love the fireworks activities with the loud noises and colorful displays. The fireworks, however, are but a symbol of the meaning and purpose of the 4th of July holiday as we enthusiastically observe this celebration of independence for our great nation. The meaning behind our celebration of independence on the 4th of July came about as the result of the valiant efforts, strong commitment and determination of our American forefathers not so very long ago.

Incredible changes have taken place since July 4, 1776, however, let us not forget that very important events preceded the birth of this Independence Day for the United States. Take a moment to Imagine how the fears, the fortitude, and the thought provoking conversations and experiences so stirred the emotions of these brave and restless people that they uprooted their lives, left everything behind, and courageously crossed the Atlantic Ocean to come to this new land where they sought to establish freedoms and rights they had been denied. They formed settlements here and organized into various groups of towns and colonies and instituted their own local laws and rules to keep order, while still under the authority of the King of England. The United States of America was being born and the ideals of just how and what those freedoms would entail were ironed out through controversy and cooperative efforts of the differing opinions and current events of that period in human history. This was a time of turmoil in which our forefathers and our foremothers learned to work together in settling their differences that ultimately allowed the authoring and drafting of the "Declaration of Independence" and the "Constitution of the United States."

The vote for the United States to become independent of Great Britain actually occurred on July 2, 1776 by the Continental Congress in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Congress formally approved the document, the "Declaration of Independence" on July 4, 1776. This declaration was the announcement of the final break with Great Britain and expressed the united view of all of the colonies to become an independent nation. This historic act was a culmination of dramatic events in which the early Americans had faced a great deal of unrest that was accompanied by heartfelt and explosive rebellious incidents in their efforts to be free from tyranny. They were not to be deterred in their mission to identify, solidify, and maintain the profound and precious freedoms and justices they had so yearned for that they were willing to commit their entire lives to the values that they embraced.

This was, however, just a beginning point of establishing freedom in this great land, as at that time in our history, the Revolutionary War to complete the severing of our dependence from Great Britain was yet to take place, plus the horrific practice of slavery was not yet abolished, women were not privileged to enjoy most of these independent rights, and, sadly, Native Americans were being displaced and uprooted as they lost their native homelands to the onward movement of the American settlers. Since the momentous Declaration of Independence was signed and approved, our struggles to truly bring equality and equal rights to everyone has triumphed with many victories. American citizens today continue to press forward in exercising their rights of free speech to continue to make changes, and once again, we are about to observe this great celebration of independence on the 4th of July holiday.

Even though July 4, 1776 seems like such a long time ago, if you put it into the perspective of using a conservative lifetime of only 60 years, those 232 years since 1776 are less than 4 lifespans away from our present 2008. As we approach another 4th of July celebration of independence, it comes to mind that our American peoples from all heritages and ethnic backgrounds come together through various community events to celebrate the birth of our nation and to recognize and appreciate the enormous progress that has been made over the span of these short 4 lifespans of time. It is unfortunate that we still struggle with injustices, prejudices and inequities in our culture. However, the history, the values, and the ideals that the United States was founded upon are unique, and this celebration provides an opportunity for each of us to contemplate and remember in our own ways the sacrifices made by those who came before us and to reflect on and appreciate the valuable freedoms and opportunities we have inherited.

Our American forefathers successfully worked through strife, fears, and the bullies of their time to prevail in establishing this great country. We, as recipients and inheritors of their magnificent efforts and success, must recommit ourselves to honor this country as we express our thanks and jubilation in the celebration of independence of the United States of America. We live in a great country, and we should be encouraged to work together, hand in hand, to resolve our problems and differences in order to maintain the integrity and values that the great and famous document, the Declaration of Independence was founded upon.

A significant point of evidence to remind us that all the differences that still exist today can be overcome is the cooperative and friendly relationship and camaraderie that the United States and Great Britain have been enjoying ever since we can remember. Those differences were so important to early Americans and Great Britain in the 1776 time period that many risked and lost their lives over the disputed matters at that time in history. Today it seems a very strange and unlikely idea that the United States and Great Britain would be embroiled in such a major controversy, and yet the historic turbulent events that caused the birth of the United States really happened.

The lesson for all of us is that we can, and we must, resolve all of our differences. As we enjoy the celebration of independence on the 4th of July holiday with the magnificent fireworks, tasty barbecues with the traditional hot dogs and hamburgers, fun parades and other symbolic events
that mark the freedom and birth of our great country, let's remember that we share a common goal and belief that all people are truly created equal, and this country is founded on the belief of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness for all.

Family Summer Outing Ideas for Independence Day