Ways to Celebrate the 4th of July

[DMB Online Ministries]

The Fourth of July, or "Independence Day", honors the nation's
birthday -- the signing of the Declaration of Independence on July
4, 1776. The document itself was written by Thomas Jefferson, the
3rd president of the United States BEFORE his presidency. It is a
day we celebrate with picnics, beach parties, barbecues, patriotic
parades, and a night of concerts and fireworks. The flying of the
American flag is widespread.

The history of our Independence Day celebration dates back to the
1770s, when the original 13 colonies were still under the rule of
England's King George III. Although they had no representation in
Parliament, they had to pay tax to England. For years, Congress
sought unsuccessfully to resolve the dispute between England and the
colonies. Finally, in 1776, the Second Continental Congress
appointed a committee, headed by Thomas Jefferson, to draft a
declaration of independence. On July 4, 1776, Congress officially
adopted the document declaring their freedom from England. Although
the signing of the Declaration was not complete until August, the
Fourth of July has been accepted as the official anniversary of
American independence.

By the early 1800s the tradition of parades, picnics and fireworks
was established as the way to celebrate America's birthday.


Every year we celebrate "Independence Day" which is celebrated by
all Americans on July 4th in the United States. This year, being that
the 4th falls on a Saturday, it seems folks have the option to have
an extended holiday. I pray that everyone stays safe and remember
the reason for the day.

Some ways to celebrate the 4th are:

#1 - Get to the Coast
Most beach towns put on their own fireworks show over the water and there is nothing more beautiful and peaceful than watching the colors reflect over the ocean while breathing in fresh ocean air.

#2 - Decorate Your Backyard
Take that red, white and blue theme and run with it. Make red and blue Jell-O shots and top them off with whipped cream, or serve bowls of strawberries and blueberries with cream for the kids. It doesn't have to be expensive, either - you can order pepperoni pizza and put red and blue food coloring in your drink.

#3 - Start a Family Tradition
Think about something fun and easy and inexpensive that you can do with your parents or your sisters or your niece and nephew that will turn America's birthday into an opportunity to bring your family closer together.

#4 - Do Something Different
Another good way to celebrate the Fourth is by getting out of your comfort zone. Gather some friends and go tubing down a local river, or buck up and go camping. ...drifting slowly down a river and zoning out to the sounds and smells of a campfire are two of the most peaceful things we can think of.

#5 - Travel
Many workplaces give their workers a three- or four-day weekend in honor of the 4th of July holiday, which affords plenty of travel opportunities. Whether you're going to visit your extended family or just going sightseeing

#6 - Honor the Nation and the Fallen
Visit a local cemetery. Pay tribute to fallen American soldiers by placing a wreath on a military gravesite. Visit a historical site in your city or state.

#7 - Last but not least don't forget to give thanks to God for this nation and pray for our elected government officials, those in leadership, our military personal, and all those who influence the passing of laws and regulations at all levels of government.


Remember God's love can dispel sorrow, help a broken heart, and give us a great assurance that the love of God is real. God Bless you, Rev. Dorothy M. Barry.