This Fourth of July, it will be 240 years since the 13 colonies declared their independence and began forming the United States of America. It has been a federal holiday since 1870 and is celebrated as such every year since. There are an infinite number of reasons to love America, and here are 12 to love this holiday.
1. You get to celebrate the country you call home.
Most of the people that celebrate this holiday in America were born and raised here. We have traveled throughout the states and road tripped through our own. We have learned American history in our classes and, in some cases, pursued it in our careers. On this day we have the chance to devote our time to celebrating that.
2. Dressing up is encouraged.
Bring out the red lipstick, white pants, blue shirts and paint a flag on your face while you're at it, because this is one of the only days you are not going to get silently judged for it. Today gives you the chance to find and buy anything patriotic to celebrate the big day in style. In this case, the more you can get the better.
3. There are parades.
Small towns and big cities throughout the country have their annual parades that include everyone from the local tee-ball team to their very own veterans. Reserving a prime spot for the festivities has the potential to be the most stressful part of the day, and even that isn't so bad.
4. Firework shows are everywhere.
Some are the country's largest and some are rather small, but nothing beats a firework show in a clear July sky. Laying out your blanket after a day of fun turns into some of the best memories of your summer. It is so amazing to think of how many people are planning where they are going to watch the show, and with who, and they all end up among hundreds, in some cases hundreds of thousands, of people all staring up at the same lights electrifying the darkness.
5. Different parts of the country bring different traditions.
Whether you are in Lake Tahoe soaking up a day on the boats or wandering around Nashville listening to country music among massive crowds of people, every place is offering some kind of fun and entertainment.
6. It takes place during the summer.
What better time to celebrate a holiday than in the sunny weather of July? Take in a nice tan while taking in the love for America that you will be surrounded by.
7. The day is spent with friends and family.
In some cases, people start planning their Fourth of July celebration a year in advance. They are figuring out where they want to spend it, where they should stay and what they should do. But the most important part is that they are always surrounded by people that are going to make this a fun, enjoyable day.
8. Flags come out.
The American flag is so beautiful. It is a symbol of an amazing country and we do not see it enough throughout the calendar year. Today is the perfect chance to gather as many flags as you can and hand them out to neighbors, friends, people on the same beach as you and everyone in between.
9. There are no obligations.
This is not a holiday where you have to be scavenging for a Valentine or be buying people an unrealistic amount of gifts to fulfill their wish lists. The purpose of this day is all in spirit and enjoying one another's company.
10. A diet’s cheat day.
Ice cream, patriotic cupcakes and treats everywhere--this is not a day you should be avoiding temptations. There are tables full of food and drinks wherever you look and everyone is willing to share their homemade goodies.
11. Everyone is celebrating.
If you are living in America, you have had this day on your mind since summer became part of the conversation again. This is one day where people are especially excited about being outside and having as much as fun as possible with this amazing reason to celebrate.
12. We get a whole day centered around being proud.
Throughout the year, our country does amazing things. We are full of wonderful people making life-changing movements and creating greater futures. Our country is full of thousands of geographic views that take peoples' breath away every day and personal views that have us challenging the way we think and live our lives. There are people sacrificing to give us a safe place to call home and this day serves as a way to truly remember all of that. Throughout our history as a country, we have seen revolutions, presidents, wars, laws, terrors, successes, and dreams. Independence Day is a time to be proud of every minute of our history, and what it continues to teach us today.
