Independence Day

Yesterday millions ALL over the world celebrated July 4th which is called Independence Day. I was reminded that this is an act of Service that our Men and Women have chosen to serve this GREAT United States of America now the Men and Women didn't have to do this GREAT act of Service BUT they did it any way and I want to Honor them and THANK GOD for their act of Service for not only protecting there Freedom but our Freedom as well. Here is the history behind Independence Day

July 4th Becomes A National Holiday

The tradition of patriotic celebration became even more widespread after the War of 1812, in which the United States again faced Great Britain. In 1870, the U.S. Congress made July 4th a federal holiday; in 1941, the provision was expanded to grant a paid holiday to all federal employees. Over the years, the political importance of the holiday would decline, but Independence Day remained an important national holiday and a symbol of patriotism.

Falling in mid-summer, the Fourth of July has since the late 19th century become a major focus of leisure activities and a common occasion for family get-togethers, often involving fireworks and outdoor barbecues. The most common symbol of the holiday is the American flag, and a common musical accompaniment is "The Star-Spangled Banner," the national anthem of the United States.