Independence Day is probably one of my favorite national holidays because who doesn't love freedom, parties and fireworks? That's right, the answer is no one. Here are some of my favorite things about America's birthday.
1. It's the day my favorite founding father John Adams went out and bought a pair of gloves.
That's right, folks. John Adams and Co. signed the Declaration of Independence on July 2nd, 1776, and thought that was going to be the day everyone celebrated America's freedom. However, there were small changes made to the Declaration after the signing, and it was dated the Fourth, which was the day John Adams wrote in his diary about buying a new pair of gloves.
2. Whether I'm at my aunt's house partying or with my friend at the lake while her brother lights up $900 worth of fireworks, the Fourth is always an awesome day, filled with good friends and great food.
3. Independence Day is the day history began, according to Ron Swanson from "Parks and Recreation."
In Season 6, Ron stated, "History began in 1776. Everything before that was a mistake." Right you are, Ron, right you are.
4. It's the time of year when we get to remember the beauty that is Thomas Jefferson and how he brilliantly penned the document that gave America freedom.
He also believed in ending slavery, and actually put that in the Declaration at first, but he had to remove it because Ben Franklin knew it wouldn't get signed if he kept it in there. What a gem.
5. There are two musicals you can listen to now to get you in the mood to party it up on the Fourth.
Tony-award-winning Hamilton is a good rap musical to get you in the mood, but who could forget the beloved musical "1776"? Which one should you listen to to get you motivated? Well, that depends on if you like John Adams or Alexander Hamilton more. "1776" is mostly John Adams' story, while "Hamilton" is, obviously, about Hamilton. Both are quite amazing.
6. My favorite thing about Independence Day, however, is "Independence Day."
Who could forget the day Will Smith and Jeff Goldblum saved us from annihilation?! I sit down with my family every year to watch this movie. I basically have the President's speech memorized at this point and say it word-for-word with Bill Pullman (who should have been the 2016 nominee, by the way) every time. I love freedom, and I love America, but my favorite thing about the Fourth of July will ALWAYS be this movie.
No matter your favorite holiday tradition or founding father, Independence Day is and will always be one of the best holidays out there. It's the one day that we set aside our petty differences and celebrate freedom, history and the fact that we don't have to bow down to alien overlords because Will Smith has our back. And if he fails, Stephen Colbert, the most American American, will save us.
God bless America.
