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Hamburgers, hotdogs, marching bands in parades, people lining the streets with sparklers in hand are just a few ways that we celebrate Independence Day. Whether you are at a family reunion, a cook out, or watching fireworks on television, we all know that July 4th is a great day.

I remember driving to the river with my family and waiting for it to turn dark so we could see the spectacular display of fireworks. As a child I couldn't wait for that day to come. We would get up and to my grandma's house and then to my aunt's house and eat hamburgers, hotdogs, barbeque ribs, potato salad, ice cream, and all sorts of good things

July 4, 1776 is a day that we celebrate our independence from Great Britain. But the fact is the founding fathers actually claimed our independence on July 2, 1776. Our forefathers who were members of the Continental Congress in Philadelphia voted and declared the 13 colonies as independent states. After that vote, the founding fathers drafted the Declaration of Independence and published it on July 4, 1776 to explain why they voted for their independence from Great Britain.

The declaration of their independence from Great Britain was a bold and brave undertaking by them. If the war were lost all of those who sponsored it would be treated as traitors meaning death.

The festivities that take place on July 4th are good but we should always remember the reason we celebrate this great day. We should not forget all the brave men and women who gave their lives so we can enjoy the freedoms we have.

The hotdogs and burgers are good. The homemade ice cream that my grandmother made will forever be one of my favorites memories of the 4th of July cookouts that we had every year. But I now know that someone else who had the courage to say we deserved freedom and followed that with action is the reason I have such fond memories of this celebration of freedom.

The Star Spangled Banner, America the Beautiful and all the other songs that give expression of the patriotism and sacrifice made by our forefathers serve as a reminder to all of us. All those who fought and still fight to defend this great nation deserve our thanks.

When you see an American flag on a lawn remember why it is there. As the fireworks are exploding overhead in those brilliant colors remember to celebrate the freedoms we have now as well as those who made these freedoms possible.

Learn more about this author, Michael Poyner.
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