The Fourth of July has been a federal holiday since 1941, but the tradition of Independence Day celebrations goes back to the 18th century and the American Revolution. On July 2nd, 1776, the Continental Congress voted in favor of independence, and two days later delegates from the 13 colonies adopted the Declaration of Independence. From 1776 to the present day, July 4th has been celebrated as the birth of American independence, with festivities ranging from fireworks, parades, and concerts to more casual family gatherings and barbecues.
Before John Adams signed the Declaration of Independence in 1776, He wrote a letter to his wife Abigail, saying the date “will be the most memorable epoch, in the history of America. I am apt to believe that it will be celebrated, by succeeding Generations, as the great anniversary festival,” he wrote. “It ought to be solemnized with pomp and parade, with shews, games, sports, guns, bells, bonfires, and illuminations from one end of this continent to the other from this time forward, forevermore.”
There’s never been a better time to hang the American flag on the front of your house than Independence Day. Proudly display the flag directly on the front porch or on a pole. Make sure you follow the Federal Flag Code containing how to handle and display the US flag.
There’s going to be a Fourth of July parade near you no matter where you are and you’d want to have a front seat. Check the local newspaper or town website to find out if your town is hosting a parade.
Sparklers are a must-have when it comes to celebrating the Fourth of July and a safe way to get kids involved. It looks great during the day and even prettier at night.
Set up an outdoor cinema right in your own backyard with a home projector. Invite your closest neighbors to watch. Nothing beats good old American cinema, complete with action, laughter, and popcorn.
After the celebration, get some quality time with the kids by camping right outside your house. Tell stories and maybe sing out a tune to keep the children entertained. Just make sure to have snacks available for an even better camping experience.
You can’t have an all-American celebration without someone working the grill. Hotdogs and burgers are a must-have, but you can also add steaks, seafood, and corn. Get your buddies involved by letting them man the grill for a while you take your much-deserved rest.
If you’re looking for a great activity for the family, you can’t go wrong by playing America’s greatest pastime. Invite everyone to play including the grandparents and the kids. It doesn’t matter who wins really, as long as everyone has fun.
Summer is here and it might just be the best excuse to have some fun and build a backyard waterpark. Set up slides and water fountains with the help of sprinklers and hose extensions. Arm everybody with water guns and water balloons.
Whether it’s out in the park or just in your backyard, anyone can appreciate a good fun picnic. Make sure everyone stays cool and hydrated by bringing lots of refreshing drinks. Play board games or play sports to make it more fun.
The fireworks are always incredible during the Fourth of July and it’s something you won’t want to miss. It’s a great way to end the day with a bang. Check the local newspaper and town website for the schedule. You might want to come in early to get a good spot.
If you don’t like big crowds and prefer to celebrate the Fourth of July by appreciating America’s beauty, then camping out in the great outdoors is a great idea. Make sure you let somebody know of your plans. Follow safety guidelines and inform the park ahead of time of your arrival.
Celebrate the fourth of July by the lake. Go kayaking, fishing, or just float around on a tube and relax. There are tons to do by the lake, and you’ll never run out of fun ways to celebrate the Fourth of July.
Toast to freedom with red, white, and blue colored cocktails. Make the party a little more festive by coming up with different flag-inspired drinks that will surely make your guests go back for more.
Gather around the backyard firepit. You can have a great time with a simple gathering by just talking, catching up, and enjoying food cooked right in front of you. You can even make smores and hot chocolate for the kids.
I am apt to believe that it will be celebrated, by succeeding Generations, as the great anniversary Festival. It ought to be commemorated, as the Day of Deliverance by solemn Acts of Devotion to God Almighty. It ought to be solemnized with Pomp and Parade, with Shews, Games, Sports, Guns, Bells, Bonfires and Illuminations from one End of this Continent to the other from this time forward forevermore. - John Adams
