by Jan Lazor

Created on: May 18, 2010

Every year the United States celebrates Independence Day on July Fourth. The national holiday marks the signing of the Declaration of Independence that separated the American Colonies from British rule.

The national celebration is just around the corner. Now is the perfect time to plan a patriotic themed costume to show your national pride and allegiance to the United States. There is a long list of costume choices that symbolized the freedoms and responsibilities that come with living in the United States.

A popular costume choice for Fourth of July events is to dress up as Uncle Sam. The familiar caricature affectionately known as “Uncle Sam” is a personification of the American spirit.

The term Uncle Sam has been a verbal reference in U.S. history since the War of 1812.

Historians credit the term to barrels of meat shipped to soldiers at the front during the 1812 conflict. Each barrel bore the stamp “U.S.” The soldiers claimed the initials stood for Uncle Sam Wilson, the Troy, New York meat packer who won the contract to supply meat to the Army.

Uncle Sam is pictured as a white haired gentleman wearing a top hat and tails. He has appeared in a variety of costume designs, particularly on recruitment posters for the U.S. Army with the logo “I want you for the U.S. Army.” It wasn’t until 1961 that Congress officially adopted the Uncle Sam Character as an American symbol.

Another popular costume choice for Independence Day celebrations is the Statue of Liberty. The familiar blue-green color, crown and torch are easily recognized as symbols of American freedom.

The Statue of Liberty was given to the United States by residents of France to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. The gift was a joint effort by both countries to mark the bond they formed during the American Revolution.

Lack of funding for the project delayed construction of the statue on Liberty Island in New York Harbor until 1886. Cast pieces of Lady Liberty arrived at the island in June of 1886. By October, the statue had been erected atop the pedestal which U.S. residents built and paid for. October 28th 1986 marked the 100th anniversary of the opening of the statue to visitors.

During the early 1900’s when immigrants flocked to America, the Statue of Liberty was the first sight they encountered as ships sailed into New York Harbor. It is recognized instantly as a symbol of American freedom and liberty.

If neither of these costumes suits your playful side, try dressing as a red, white and blue striped firecracker. Or don a red, white and blue star to commemorate Independence Day. Other suggestions include dressing as a Minuteman or a fife player or drummer who marched with the soldiers during the American Revolution.

With a little imagination and creativity, you can create an appropriate costume to celebrate America’s birthday. But the best part of any celebration is to have fun.

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