#America is about to #celebrate its 250th birthday. It’s the anniversary of the publication of the Declaration of Independence in 1776 and its subsequent reading in each of the 13 original colonies — a momentous event in the history of the world.
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 call was truly revolutionary — a radical shift away from the top-down monarchies of the past that eventually helped cement democratic rule in nations throughout the world. That’s something to celebrate.
Planned observations may not rival the Bicentennial’s 200-year celebration, when kids (including your author) painted their fire hydrants red, white and blue; Johnny Cash served as Grand Marshal of a huge parade in the nation’s capital; and the Freedom Train roamed the country.
But there are still plenty of ways to observe Independence Day with reverence and patriotism. You can celebrate by learning about some of the courageous individuals who contributed to the United States’ separation from Britain; kids will find their stories inspiring and you’ll have conversational tidbits for your next cookout and fireworks display.
America 250 is inviting communities to join America’s Block Party, a two-day festival with a flagship live event in Los Angeles starring Queen Latifah, Chris Stapleton and The Smashing Pumpkins. The party will promote a Giving 4th, a new tradition created to make Independence Day an annual day of #charitable #giving.
Speaking of charitable giving, there may be no better way to honor #freedom and #liberty than to #donate to the #veterans who fought to preserve it. ClothingDonations.org makes it easy by #picking up lightly used goods and reselling them to fund valuable #veterans programs throughout the country.
Whatever you choose to do in #celebration — be it a #parade, fireworks/drone display, cookout or a day of rest — you will be exercising those inalienable rights to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. Have a safe and happy Fourth!