I am excited it is almost the 4th of July. Believe it or not that is one of my most favorite holidays. The history of July 4th is why I get excited. Over 231 years ago, our forefathers pledged their Lives, Fortunes,and their Sacred Honor so that we would be FREE. (Interesting that now Great Britian is one of our closest friends)
Of the 56 signers of the Declaration of Independence most of them did lose their lives,and fortunes.
Depending on what history book you read, it differs on how many were taken captive as traitors, and died. Many people suffered and died during the war, as they fought for our freedom, many did loose their fortunes, many lost their children and they all took a huge risk by signing their names to the Declaration of Independence. 
John Adams, our 2nd President of the United States wrote his wife Abigail, "It ought to be celebrated by pomp and parade, with shows, games, sports, guns, bells, bonfires, and illuminations from one end of this continent to the other..." Since 1777, we have celebrated with fireworks.
We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.-That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed.
This 4th of July, re-read the Declaration of Independence. I read it now, not because I have to but because I want to refresh my mind and remember why we really do celebrate Independence Day. 
Did you know one past President was born on July 4th ? Calvin Coolege. Three Presidents died on July 4th ? John Adams, Thomas Jefferson and James Monroe.
Did you know that only in 1989, a old painting was bought at a flee market in Adamstown, Penn. ? Hidden behind the painting that sold for $4.00 was a original printing of the Declaration of Independence from 1776. Sotheby's auctioned it off in 1991 for 2.4 million in 1991 and it was auctioned off again in 2001 for 8.1 million.
Now go have some fun. My family always gathers at our cottage, for the weekend. All the fire departments in the Irish Hills Area, get together and put on the most incredible fireworks display. We cruise out at dark, put on patriotic music and enjoy the fireworks. ( All except my husband who stays back to take care of out 4 freaked out dogs). 
Happy 4th of July !
Remember WHY we celebrate!
Have fun with your families and friends!
Celebrate with pomp, parades, bonfires, from coast to coast!
How do you celebrate Independence Day ?
Do you have any traditions ? I would love to hear about them.
Missy, sounds like fun! We, of course, fire up the barbie and usually buy some fireworks since we live outside the city limits. The guys play (while we wonder when they are going to lose an eye) and we watch in our lounge chairs sipping daqueries.
I get excited thinking about Francis Scott Key watching the rockets and bombs and writing the anthem!!!
Neal, you seem like the type to get into the dynamite !! Notice the word is SEEM
Paula, Lots of history but since most people don't get into history, I kept is short and sweet. You have fun too !
Missy: Thanks for your post. Yes, we should all be proud to be able to live in the land of the "free". We listed to Jay Leno the other evening and he was asking questions about the meaning of the 4th of July celebration, there was only one person that could answer all the question. I think we need to emphasis on the history of our country in schools.How can we appreciate what we have if we don't know how we got to this point. We will be enjoying the 4th with friends and family at Canyon Lake,Tx.
Thank you Missy.
God Bless America!
Sally, thanks sorry your dog is still not well.
Jeff, that sounds like fun !
Missy.... this is pretty neat. That was one hell of a $4 investment. ;o) Thanks for sharing this. On a side note, because you have mentioned a lot about Philly... I did a Philly series that just briefly talked about the Declaration and such. But you added some great details. thanks. The City of Brotherly Love: The Introduction of Philadelphia & what the city has to offer..... & The City of Brotherly Love: Part 2 of 6 - The Historic Sites & Famous People of Philadelphia......A series of Blogs I learned a lot from doing this series. Again, thanks for sharing this.
Kay, then I know the holiday is fun for you.
Jeff, I'll read it,when I wake up. We took our kids there and had a great time.
Monika, I know how you feel! Camping no computer. Great.
Missy...
This is the only day of the year when we hear...
BANG....BOOM....BAM....
....And I can honestly say "I didn't do it" :)
TLW...ROAR!