MAIN Home Life Holidays July 4th Independence Day 2012

In American cities and towns from coast to coast, the 4th of July is THE big weekend of the summer when friends and family get together at American beaches and backyard barbecues for a warm weather celebration.

Perhaps more importantly, observing the 4th often evokes a special feeling of pride and patriotism, celebrated with 4th of July fireworks shows, parades, American flag waving, and readings from the Declaration of Independence.

After all, it was patriot John Adams himself who declared in 1776 that the 4th of July should always " be commemorated ....with pomp and parade, with shows, games, sports, guns, bells, bonfires and illuminations from one end of this continent to the other, from this time forward forever more."

So it has continued -- from sea to shining sea -- for more than 230 years.

Have fun!

also see -> Coney Island Hot Dog Eating Contest | Coke Zero NASCAR Race

Fillmore Jazz Festival, San Francisco | Taste of Chicago

When displaying the flag, it's good to remember traditional flag etiquette, with tips on parading and saluting the flag, hanging the flag indoors or outdoors, and more guidelines for properly waving Old Glory...

More about the 4th of July around the Web:

Fourth of July is Independence Day - From USA.gov, with a complete collection of patriotic tunes, 4th of July recipes, related fun facts and history, fireworks information, and safety tips.

July 4th - History.com - Feature articles and biographies, histories of the American Revolution and famous battles, related fun facts, videos, and photos.

Washington DC Fourth of July - A great resource for information on the history of the 4th, as well as facts on traditiional fireworks and other celebrations, photos, maps.

Quotes for the 4th of July - Famous quotes and sayings about freedom, liberty and related topics from George Washington, Abraham Lincoln, and others down through the centuries.