Fireworks!
Today is July 4, 2008. Another celebration of our Independence! This is our day USA. Don't forget your freedoms! Don't forget those who went to war to fight, don't forget those who still are and lets not forget the veterans who, as anyone who has experienced it, came home 'different'......
This excerpt below is from Wikipedia on some history and customs of July 4th and all the pics that will remind you.
In the
United States, Independence Day, commonly known as the Fourth of July, is a
federal holiday commemorating the adoption of the
Declaration of Independence on
July 4,
1776, declaring independence from the
Kingdom of Great Britain. Congress approved the wording of the Declaration on
July 4 and then sent it to the printer. Whether
John Hancock, as the elected
President of the
Second Continental Congress, or anyone else signed the document that day is unknown, because that document has been lost — presumably destroyed in the printing process.
[1] Hancock's name and that of a witness do appear on the
typeset broadside that was published within a few days. On
August 2 in the following month, an engrossed document in script form
[2] was signed by Hancock and other delegates.
Independence Day is commonly associated with
fireworks,
parades,
barbecues,
carnivals,
picnics,
baseball games, and various other public and private events celebrating the history, government, and traditions of the United States, but is often also viewed as simply a summer festival, apart from its patriotic overtones.
Independence Day, the only holiday that celebrates the United States, is a
national holiday marked by
patriotic displays. Similar to other summer-themed events, Independence Day celebrations often take place outdoors. Independence Day is a federal holiday, so all non-essential federal institutions (like the
postal service and
federal courts) are closed on that day. Many
politicians make it a point on this day to appear at a public event to praise the nation's heritage, laws, history, society, and people.
Families often celebrate Independence Day with a picnic or barbecue, and take advantage of the day off and in some years, long weekend to gather with relatives. Decorations (e.g.,
streamers,
balloons, and
clothing) are generally colored red, white, and blue, the colors of the
American flag. Parades often are in the morning, while fireworks displays occur in the evening at such places as parks, fairgrounds, or town squares.
Independence Day
fireworks are often accompanied by patriotic songs such as the
national anthem ("
The Star-Spangled Banner"), "
God Bless America", "
America the Beautiful", "
My Country, 'Tis of Thee", "
This Land Is Your Land", "
Stars and Stripes Forever", and, regionally, "
Yankee Doodle" in northeastern states and "
Dixie" in southern states. Some of the lyrics recall images of the
Revolutionary War or the
War of 1812.
Firework shows are held in many states, and many fireworks are sold for personal use or as an alternative to a public show. Safety concerns have led some states to ban fireworks or limit the sizes and types allowed.
Illicit traffic transfers many fireworks from less restrictive states.
Major displays are held in
New York on the
East River, in
Chicago on
Lake Michigan,
Boston on the Charles River, in
St. Louis on the
Mississippi River, and on the
National Mall in
Washington, D.C. During the annual
Windsor-Detroit International Freedom Festival,
Detroit,
Michigan, and
Windsor,
Ontario host one of the world's largest fireworks displays, over the
Detroit River, to celebrate both American Independence Day and
Canada Day.
While the official observance always falls on July 4th, participation levels may vary dependent upon which day of the week the 4th falls. If the holiday falls in the middle of the week, some fireworks displays and celebrations may take place during the weekend for convenience, again, varying by region.
Old Glory
Declaration of Independence
This is the fallen soldier war memeorial. when a soldier dies in combat, they put boots, arms, helmet and such for a memorial.
some of our soldiers
Have a blessed 4th--lots of burgers and dogs. fireworks and picnics.....
Happy Birthday to me, happy birthday to me! happy birthday dear Lill...Happy birthday to me!
