July fourth is not just a day of hot dogs and hamburgers; it’s a day to remember how fortunate we are to be Americans. All this came about long ago, when the inhabitants of this new land refused to be under the heel of Great Britain. They wanted to be free men and by signing the Declaration of Independence, which was adopted in 1776, they made it clear that they would no longer be British subjects, that all thirteen colonies would hence be a part of a new nation, The United States. Along with the other signers, to make his wishes abundantly clear, John Hancock wrote his signature in the biggest letters, lest the English should misunderstand what his intentions were. By signing this declaration, all these men, our founding fathers, were putting their lives on the line. The British saw this act of signing this document as treason, punishable by death.
Let the trumpets blare! We celebrate the signing of the declaration of independence and the courage of these brave men with fireworks, picnics and parades. Many homes in our land display the American flag with its stars and stripes and the five-pointed star fashioned by Betsy Ross. Many American dress in red, white and blue. It’s day of pride and joy at being Americans in this land of the free.
We remember and celebrate those who gave their lives to protect our precious country. Whenever I have travelled to foreign lands I always felt relieved to come back to the United States. I think this is the best country in the world and I’m grateful to live here.
July Fourth is a national holiday, but it has only become a paid holiday since 1941. The Star Spangled Banner is our national anthem and we sing it with pride. An immigrant, Irving Berlin wrote God Bless America and this song is also heard throughout this land in praise of our glorious country.
It’s a happy holiday, but sadly three presidents died on that day. Thomas Jefferson, John Adams and James Monroe. Their legacy lives on in history and in the hearts of Americans throughout this land.
Stand tall patriotic Americans, we are so fortunate to live in this land of the free and the home of the brave. Bring out the cake, light the candles, start the music, let’s celebrate! Happy 250th birthday, America!
Judith Levy is the New York Times best-selling author of GRANDMOTHER REMEMBERS, which has sold over four million copies to date. Her newest offering is GREAT-GRANDMOTHER REMEMBERS is available on Amazon and Barnes & Noble. It’s bound to be another best-seller.
