Independence Day: The U.S. Fourth of July

In the United States, Independence Day, commonly known as 'the Fourth of July" is a national holiday celebrating the adoption of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776 declaring independence from Great Britain.

American families celebrate Independence Day with a variety of outdoor's activities. These might include, picnics, barbeques, parades, fireworks or firecrackers and usually involving the wearing of patritoic red, white and blue apparel and the use of patriotic themed decorations such as flags and banners.

Music for the Fourth has been largely traditional one evoking themes of patriotism. 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.

"The Star-Spangled Banner", the USA's national anthem, commemorates the United States flag that was visible by the light of the rockets' red glare through a night of bomb bursts during the War of 1812, which so inspired captive Francis Scott Key and provided hope for the United States as it defended Fort McHenry.

In honor of that event and our national athemn, firework shows are held in many states, and many fireworks are sold for personal use or as an alternative to a public show. The American people celebrate with pomp and parade, with shows, games, sports, guns, bells, bonfires, and illuminations.

However, each of us individually celebrates, it is still a time for a focus on the family and a renewed respect for the strong currents of individuality and independent thinking that runs deep in the American cultural history.

shown here:

two of my Patriotic Heartstrings , whose photos I recently mailed to Mary at the Heartstrings Quilt Project as being MIA (missing in action) from her album of quilts. Check out her album at http://heartstringsquiltproject.com/photos.html