The Fourth of July is a favorite summer date in the United States. Festivals, family gatherings and fireworks rule the day, and who doesn’t enjoy that? The excitement and fun is great for everyone, and we all look forward to it each year. However, how many of us really think about what we are celebrating on that special day?

On July 4th in 1776, the Declaration of Independence was signed making The United States of America a sovereign nation. We separated ourselves from England on that day and created the amazing country many of us live in today. "The land of the free and the home of the brave" is still thriving today due to the sacrificing and courage of those who have fought, and continue to fight, to maintain our freedom all these 229 years.

If you would like to learn more about how our country gained its freedom and began its long history to where we are today, check out these websites: USA City Link.com – 4th of July, KidsDomain.com - 4th of July and The Story of Independence Day and America’s Birthday.

While you celebrate this special day, don't forget to remember the soldiers all over the world protecting freedom everywhere. If you'd like to thank them, a great place to do this is at AmericaSupportsYou.mil.

We hope you all have a fun-filled and memorable 4th of July. Sing The National Anthem loudly and proudly; and, as those fireworks are shooting off, take a moment to remember all that has been done to allow you to stand there and watch the amazing show above you.

Julie is a wife and Mom living in the Chicago area with her husband and two sons. She looks forward to watching the fireworks with her family and thinking about how lucky she is to live in America!