Independence Day is our way to celebrate becoming a free nation. Patriotic traditions are plentiful. As you celebrate this holiday, your family traditions are built as well.
Steps
1. History.
July 4th is the day the United States celebrates its independence (becoming a free country). This federal holiday commemorates the adoption of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776. The US declared their freedom from Great Britain / United Kingdom. Learn about the revolutionary war and why it’s important to remember what happened.
2. Troops.
Service to our troops shows our support and acknowledges their sacrifice to protect our values. Find a local veteran administration, veteran hospital or a soldier you can support. This might be giving a card, making something as a token of your appreciation or providing items that are needed. If none of these ideas appeal to you, brainstorm your own.
3. Freedom.
What does freedom mean to you? Gather a group and discuss freedom. Include kids in your discussion.
4. America.
When you look at traditions, how you view our country supports the crafts you do, the food you make, the activities you participate in and more. You can use this as a theme at a carnival or block party. Brainstorm what America means to you and find or create an activity for each item on your list.
5. Readings.
Review historical documents and find readings or quotes to share that inspire you. This might be from the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, Inaugural Addresses, speeches, etc.
6. Local.
Do you have a local reenactment group or historical society that can present information on the revolutionary war? Many people are interested in history and like to keep the traditions, skills and memories of the past alive. See if you can find a group or individual who can make the history of our independence more than just a story.
7. Museums.
Museums house many patriotic items. From muskets to period clothing to fragile documents, you can find items that have historical meaning. You don’t have to physically go to a museum, either. As part of your Independence Day traditions, explore museums and collections near to you (or online) that explain the revolutionary war, other battles fought by us or our country’s traditions.
8. Community.
Many communities have celebrations planned out years in advance and do the same activities every year. Some examples where I live include the July 4th parade, boat races, drum and bugle corps competition and more. Look at what your community does. Plan to attend one or more of the events.
9. Friends and family.
Your family may traditionally gather and grill out. They might share community fireworks together. Track those traditional celebrations that you enjoy with your family and friends. Think of ways to improve or add to the traditions you already do.
10. Your traditions.
If you really don’t have traditions, consider starting your own. You can do this by yourself or with a group. Be sure to look over the activities in the Enrichment Project badges in the “Independence Day” set for additional traditions to include.
Supplements
SUPP_ID_Trad_2in_12up_larajla
- Avery 2.5” round label printable, 12 up
SUPP_ ID_Trad_Checklist_larajla
- Badge checklist
Sites to Explore
- en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Independence_Day_(United_States)
- www.archives.gov/education/lessons/revolution-images
- www.archives.gov/education/lessons/revolution-images/activities.html
- www.educationworld.com/awards/past/r0896-04.shtml
- www.havefunwithhistory.com/HistorySubjects/AmericanRevolution.html
- www.history.com/topics/holidays/july-4th
- www.infoplease.com/history-july-4-celebrations
- www.inquisitr.com/830334/4th-of-july-traditions-eight-ways-americans-celebrate-independence
- www.pbs.org/ktca/liberty/road.html
- www.pinterest.com/media123/american-revolution-lesson-ideas
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