by Pamela Kay

Created on: June 25, 2008

"One if by land and two if by sea", "I only regret that I have but one life to lose for my country", "We must all hang together or most assuredly we shall all hang separately." Brave, famous words from brave, famous men. We think we have hardships with our high gas prices, but these men knew what hardship really was.

It doesn't matter how many times you visit the cities of America's beginnings, they are great places to travel to for the 4th of July and you will learn something new every time you visit them. This year, take that trip you always meant to take and visit some of these awesome places.

WASHINGTON DC-BOSTON-PHILADELPHIA

While the 4th of July is celebrated all across America, historic cities like our capital, Boston and Philadelphia draw large crowds to their festivities because they are cities steeped in the history of our country's struggle for independence.

*Visit the White House, official home of our President and First Family.
*Visit the Capitol, home of both the Senate and the House of Representatives
*Washington Monument and the Lincoln Memorial are both must see sites.
*Visit Iowa Jima and Korean War Memorials
*You have to see The Liberty Bell at Independence Hall
*Independence Hall, which was constructed between 1732 and 1756
*Betsy Ross House at 239 Arch Street was constructed around 1740.
*Declaration House where Thomas Jefferson drafted the Declaration of Independence.
*Visit the famous Old North Tower at Christ Church in Boston.

NEW YORK

New York is teeming with an ethnic mix that would be hard to beat, but New Yorkers are all American at heart. You'll find 4th of July celebrations everywhere you go.

*Don't miss the 4th of July Parade! See the replicas of the uniforms worn by the men who fought for our freedom and cheer when Old Glory passes by!

*Join The Big Onion Walking Tour of sites related to the Revolutionary War in Lower Manhattan.

*Eat your fill of the huge variety of foods sold at the different celebrations. Some of the foods you will find are hot dogs with sauerkraut, BBQ ribs, German potato salad, ham sandwiches on rye with pickles that will make you pucker and peppers that will make you breathe flames. Go ahead and pig out then settle down and watch a spectacular fireworks display.

*Be sure to take in a concert of patriotic music.

*Join in the famous Nathan's Annual Hot Dog Eating Contest.

*Visit The 911 Memorial Site and pay your respects to those who lost their lives on another day that changed America forever.

*See a play on Broadway, visit

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