This Monday was the Fourth of July, or America's Independence Day. While there are multiple ways to celebrate the Fourth there is also no wrong way. We as Americans come from different backgrounds, ethnicity, cultural influences, societies, etc., however, we are all Americans. We learned the history of our fore fathers and the shot heard round the world. Where Francis Scott Key wrote the Star Spangled Banner and the history of why there are 13 stripes on our flag. We pledge allegiance to the flag and ban together in the wake of a tragedy. I'm proud to be an American, the Fourth is my favorite holiday, and here are four ways you should spend your Fourth of July weekend and holiday:
1. Go outside.
It's summer, it's a hot I know, but what's great about the Fourth of July is that you have a three day weekend this year so go to the lake, the ocean, the pool, or splash pad. Grill or barbeque this weekend, make tacos, burgers, hot dogs, chips and dip, drink a beer or two, literally any thing that makes you feel American do so, it is the land of the free after all. Just go outside because the weather during this patriotic is always lovely
2. Spend time with family.
It's a long weekend, if your away from home make the trip to go home and see your parents. If you are home spend the day with your family, invite them over, go to their house, anything that involves family. Because to me being an American is being apart of a family, whether it's biological, adoptive, a group of friends, anything family is always there for you just like the citizens' of this country in a time of need.
3. Fireworks
Fireworks are my personal favorite part of this holiday, and luckily the ballpark in Tulsa has fireworks during summer games. Also the entire Fourth of July Weekend is full of firework displays, so if you can view as much of them as you can. If you set off your own firework show remember to be safe, obey city laws and be curtious to any veterans you live around. Also its fun to mock your mom or grandma every time they say "ooh" "ah" "so pretty". See the modern day rocket's red glare post a few to your snapchat story. For maximum fireworks find out where all the shows are in your area and find a spot you can view them all, I know I'll be on top of a hill on Monday.
4. Red, white, & blue
The colors of our flag, and on any other day you might thinks it's to much of a combo, but on the Fourth there is never enough. DIY a flag on a pair of shorts, wear blue lipstick if you want, color your hair, bust out the american flag swimwear. What ever you want to do to show your patriotic side do it. Even if it's a classic American flag Old Navy shirt or tank, be you and wear some red, white, and blue.
This weekend we celebrate being an American, and we need to remember sometimes that we are lucky to live in a country that gives us our freedom, and is protected by the brave( think of those this holiday weekend past, present and future). So go outside, be with friends and family, watch some fireworks in the sky, dress in red white and blue, and even take those Fourth of July pictures everyone posts because you can do what you want #merica.
