How Do People Celebrate Independence Day?

Traditional Patriotic Decorations

Independence Day is associated with many patriotic traditions that celebrate America and memorialize those who have fought to keep the United States a free country over the centuries. In the United States, Independence Day is a federal holiday, which means that many people take advantage of the day off and the sunny weather for parties, parades, picnics and fireworks with family and friends.

Red, white, and blue, the colors of the American flag, are the colors of choice for decorations as families prepare for Independence Day festivities.

Many families hang an American flag outside of their home.
If a family is hosting a Fourth of July party, they will decorate their home with red, white, and blue streamers, balloons, and cutlery.
Patterns featuring five-pointed stars and red and white stripes, the main elements of the American flag, are often the central visual elements in Independence Day decorations.

On a bigger scale, towns and cities often prepare for Independence Day festivities by freshening up the landscaping, featuring red, white, and blue flowers and small American flags.

Public Celebrations

On Independence Day, events commemorate the day in a very traditional way.

Parades

Cities and towns often organize patriotic-themed parades throughout the morning and afternoon. People line the streets wearing patriotic clothes, waving small American flags and cheering as the parade passes. Often these parades come to a close with an official ceremony, featuring customary traditions such as the 13-gun salute and commemorative speeches.

Music

Music is a central part of the national holiday.

Marching bands play patriotic tunes including “This Land Is Your Land” and “America the Beautiful.”
Entertainers perform popular patriotic songs such as “God Bless America” and “Yankee Doodle.”
Singing the national anthem of the United States, the “Star Spangled Banner”, is a central part of the tradition.
After the parades and official ceremonies are over, many Americans attend an afternoon outdoor concert that features patriotic music played by orchestras or large bands.

Fireworks

In the evening when celebrations are over, it is customary for people to attend fireworks displays. Most towns have small fireworks displays over open fields, and larger cities like New York City, Boston, and Chicago host large-scale fireworks displays. These larger shows are often televised, and hundreds of people gather near the display on picnic blankets to watch.

Backyard Barbecues

A big part of the day is spent with friends and family at home. The usual Fourth of July menu is centered around foods that can be easily served on the grill.

Hot dogs and hamburgers, served in buns and topped with ketchup and mustard, comprise the typical Fourth of July fare.
Fancier grilled foods, such as steaks and ribs, are sometimes cooked on the barbecue next to the more traditional favorites.
Popular side dishes include cold macaroni salads and corn on the cob topped with salt and butter.

The gathering of family, friends, neighbors and even strangers almost always means a smorgasbord of food and drink - it is the only way to make a celebration complete.

Thanks for Our Freedom

It is a time to celebrate, not only our independence, but also those who made it possible - the servicemen and veterans who fought for our freedom them and now. Celebrating Independence Day can be simple and convenient or complex and expensive. It can be celebrated solo or within the company of friends and family. However you choose to celebrate your freedom, also choose to be responsible for all who are involved in the purpose of the day.