How to Have a Traditional 4th of July Celebration by Reverend Sharleece E. Bellagosi

     Wednesday, July 4, 2012, The American Independence Day is just around the corner prompting a question: How do you have a traditional independence day celebration? I discovered that for the past 100 years that most families celebrate Independence Day in one or more of the following ways:

1.     Food. Traditionally tables are filled with potato salad, grilled barbeque chicken, hamburgers, hot dogs, steak, mashed potatoes, various vegetables, and various desserts like pies and cakes.

     2.     Decorations. Traditionally any combination of red, white, and blue says Independence Day
          American style.


     3.     Music. Traditionally several songs have come to represent Independence Day in America
          like "God Bless America," "America the Beautiful," "The Star Spangled Banner," and This
          Land is Your Land".


     4.     Family. Traditionally people would gather together with family and friends to celebrate the
          wonderful occasion.


     5.     Games. Traditionally Independence games included horse shoe, foot races, and archery.


     6.     Entertainment. Traditionally story telling around a bonfire, fire works, and singing songs.


     Therefore, this fourth of July remember to celebrate with tradition in mind to honor Indenpendence day the way that our fore fathers intended. Below I have included a link to a video of Ray Charles singing America the Beautiful to inspire wonderful 4th of July celebration ideas.

http://youtu.be/W1GEpg0c1fw.