Happy 4th of July!

The 4th of July--or Independence Day--is the day we celebrate freedom--today mostly in the form of a long holiday weekend :), but originally the holiday represented the colonies' separation--or "independence"--from Great Britain. On July 4th, 1776, the Second Continental Congress unanimously adopted the Declaration of Independence.

Philadelphians celebrated the first anniversary, but the holiday didn't become popular until after the War of 1812. passed a law making Independence Day a federal holiday on June 28, 1870, making it the most important secular holiday on the calendar.

So declare your independence today! I know lots of families are staying close to home. REI has a downloadable link to a printable journal for kids 5-12 to document their fun outdoor adventures. Mail it in and get a prize! REI Passport to Adventure Program

Have a wonderful healthy, happy, adventurous 4th of July!

LINKS

Library of Congress--History of July 4th
Declaration of Independence (photo--Library of Congress)
Declaration of Independence (text--Library of Congress)
July 4th crafts and recipes (Kaboose)
July 4th history (PBS)
More crafts, printables, recipes (FamilyFun)
More recipes (Food Network)
4th of July clipart
More clipart
4th July ecards
4th July clipart and free coloring book and free storybook at An Enchanted Letter