Independence Day: A day filled with patriotic customs

Friday is the Fourth of July, or what we also refer to as Independence Day.

It’s a day commemorating the adoption of the Declaration of Independence that took place on July 4, 1776 when our country declared its independence from Great Britain.

A national holiday, the day is marked by Americans holding celebrations with patriotic customs and summer-themed events that have developed over the years.

Taking advantag e of the time off, many families will hold picnics or barbecues with relatives and friends, while others may travel to a lake or a beach for the day, or an extended stay.

Another custom of July 4 sees cities and towns throughout the country holding parades often times in the morning, while others host a gigantic fireworks shows to close out the evening.

Throughout our nation, major fireworks displays are held in such cities as New York City, Chicago, St. Louis, San Francisco, Miami and on the National Mall in Washington D.C.

Locally, fireworks extravaganzas can be seen in Shiner at the Half Moon Holiday celebration, at the Community Center in Victoria and at Splashway Waterpark in Sheridan to name a few.

In addition, many will choose not to attend a fireworks show and will celebrate the Fourth by purchasing a variety of fireworks holding their own pyrotechnics show after the sun has set.

This time of the year also brings our flag’s colors with red, white and blue decorations of streamers, balloons and even clothing being displayed.

Besides fireworks, parades, and colorful displays, a number of patriotic songs can also be heard on Independence Day as well.

Songs like the The Star Spangled Banner, God Bless America, America the Beautiful, and Stars and Stripes Forever will be heard throughout the country.

The United States military also gets into the act celebrating Independence Day by firing a one-gun salute for each State in the union beginning at noon on the Fourth of July. This practice is held at every military base and on board commissioned naval vessels belonging to the United States.

The Fourth of July is a day we as Americans can celebrate in this great country we live in, and no matter what custom you choose to celebrate, may you enjoy your day and be safe.