July 4th in the US

The Declaration of Independence

If you are an American, whether by birth or by choice, you most likely know the importance of this document. And if you do not, you should.

The birthday of the United States of America, Independence Day, is celebrated on the 4th day of July every year. This is the anniversary of the day the wording of the Declaration was approved by Congress. It is the document that declares the original 13 colonies independent of Britain and the list of grievances against King George.

The first sentence of the Declaration gives the explanation.

"When in the Course of human events, it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the political bands which have connected them with another, and to assume among the powers of the earth, the separate and equal station to which the Laws of Nature and of Nature's God entitle them, a decent respect to the opinions of mankind requires that they should declare the causes which impel them to the separation."

The following line in the Declaration of Independence always gives me chills and makes me want to loudly reaffirm my patriotism to my country.

"But when a long train of abuses and usurpations, pursuing invariably the same Object, evinces a design to reduce them under absolute Despotism, it is their right, it is their duty, to throw off such Government, and to provide new Guards for their future security".

56 men signed the Declaration, the most notable being John Hancock, who was at the time the President of the Continental Congress.

Many Americans celebrate the 4th of July by grilling outside or barbecuing. There are typically hamburgers, hot dogs, some even grill steaks.

My family never grilled out without including potato salad, coleslaw, and baked beans.

Remember the song that was "Baseball, hot dogs, apple pie, and Chevrolet"? Check the video below. It has been updated over the years, but still the same message.

Many families will pack a picnic basket and head out to the park. Most major parks, and many smaller ones, will have a fireworks display late into the evening. It is a time for celebrating with family and friends.

Does your perfect picnic include fried chicken, mashed potatoes and gravy, potato salad, and chips?

Don't forget the bug spray!

When I was a kid, sometimes on hot summer days, which in the south is every day, we would make homemade ice cream. We would take turns with the hand cranked machine. It seemed to take forever. We kids couldn't wait to get some of Mom's homemade peach ice cream.

It was always a big deal to go to the store for the bags of ice and the big container of rock salt. We had this wonderful old ice cream maker that lasted for many years. I think my mother bought it with S&H Green or Gold Stamps. Are you old enough to remember those?

If you are an American, don't forget why we celebrate on July 4.

The Declaration of Independence is a statement adopted by the Continental Congress on July 4, 1776, which announced that the thirteen American colonies were now independent states, and thus no longer a part of the British Empire, and the birth of the United States of America.

Happy Birthday, America!

The Land of the Free and the Home of the Brave!