The Fourth of July

1. The Declaration of Independence, that noble document, ended, effectively, Britain's first empire, in the Americas - and gave huge impetus to the construction of another empire, based mostly in India and Africa.

2. The Revolutionary War which followed gave birth to the mightiest nation on earth. But in the beginning it was little more than a coastal strip.

3. The men who fought in that war are national heroes, but less well-remembered are the women who fought, in surprising numbers.

4. Today the tumultuous events of 1776-83 will be celebrated from coast to coast, in the annual outpouring of national fervour.

5. This year's celebrations will see more flags than usual on display as Americans seek some comfort in patriotism after the September 11 terrorist attacks.

6. The baseball games and public gatherings will take place under increased security as law enforcement officials keep watch for any signs of further terrorist activity.

7. Since September 11, some have apparently felt that patriotism overshadowed the freedoms cherished by the writers of the declaration of independence. This fourth of July, the City Lights bookshop in San Francisco has banners hanging outside its store declaring 'dissent is not unamerican'.

8. But just like independence days past, corn on the cob and watermelon will be eaten, many a hamburger will be grilled, and groups will gather for outdoor fireworks displays.

9. In recent years this seems to include the obligatory playing of Lee Greenwood's cloying God Bless the USA in addition to the the usual classics.

10. Happy fourth of July, and God bless America.