Independence Day

Let the fireworks begin as it is July 4th Independence Day in United States. A federal holiday. It commemorates the adoption of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776. The Continental Congress declared that the thirteen American colonies regarded themselves as new nation.

I love going to the parade and watching all the different branches of the military walk by. Some like the World War II veterans ride by in truck. And of course standing and applauding as they pass by. The parade in Redwood City is almost two hours long.  It starts with boy scouts carrying a huge flag down the street. There are classic cars, old fire trucks, youth sports teams, college bands, horses,  local politicians, and lots more. It ends with street sweeper to clean up, well you know the horse poop.  There is lots of flag waving and the wearing of red, white and blue.

Celebrating takes lots of different forms. Choices include barbecue, picnic, parades, carnivals, fairs, concerts, baseball games and fireworks after dark. BBQ on the 4th means hot dogs and hamburgers. I went shopping for the hot dogs, buns, and dill pickles earlier in the week. I couldn’t wait until the fourth before fixing a couple of them for myself. Yum. Served with lots of mustard and ketchup too.

The fourth of July is also a time to remember the foundation that the United States was built on. To recall the courage displayed by our founding fathers. And finally it is a time to appreciate the wonderful gift of freedom that we all enjoy on a daily basis.

Did you know that our 30th President Calvin Coolidge was born on the fourth of July in 1872? So far he is the only President to be born on the fourth of July.

 

Quotes for the 4th of July:

“Freedom is nothing but a chance to be better.” – Albert Camus

“Those who won our independence believed liberty to be the secret of happiness and courage to be the secret of liberty.” – Louis D Brandeis

“Freedom is never given, it is won.” – A. Philip Randolph

“Liberty is always dangerous, but it is the safest thing we have.” – Harry Emerson Fosdick

“You can’t separate peace from freedom because no one can be at peace unless he has his freedom.” Malcolm X

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