Today is July 4, the 249th Independence Day in the U.S. and the start of an anticipated year-long celebration leading up to the 250th anniversary in 2026.
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This flag hangs outside our apt entry |
As most folks already know, Independence Day commemorates the July 4, 1776 adoption of the Declaration of Independence by the Continental Congress, wherein the 13 original colonies declared independence from Great Britain.
Did you know that as of 1870, July 4 became a federal, but unpaid, holiday and stayed that way until 1941? That's when it was expanded to a paid federal holiday. Today, government offices, banks and post offices will be closed plus many private businesses. However, most big business retail and grocery stores will remain open with the exception of U.S. giant retailer, Costco, which is closed for the day.
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This flag also is by our apt entry |
As in past years, Holman Stadium, the local baseball stadium, will have a full day of activities including a game by the Silver Knights collegiate baseball team, free concert, drum and bugle corps performance and a fireworks show at dusk. We won't attend any of these events, but usually watch the fireworks display from our 5th floor apt.
Our plans for the holiday are spending it with friends who live in Nashua. The same couple we regularly met up with for weekly dominoes games during the pandemic. A big plus is that their home has a small back porch for outdoor dining, weather permitting. The menu is summertime fare. My food contribution was detailed in yesterday's post (crockpot pulled pork and homemade salads). Our hosts are providing drinks, appetizers, dessert and the outdoor venue.
The photo below was taken a number of years ago when the three grands celebrated together in PA. Many long-time followers will remember this trio from previous posts. The oldest (grandson) graduated high school in June and his sister, the oldest granddaughter is in high school. The youngest granddaughter (their cousin) is now an avid soccer player.
The photo was a birthday gift to their grandfather, Patrick, who will celebrate again in mid-July and it's one of our favorites.
However our fellow U.S. bloggers will be spending this holiday, we hope it's special for you, once again.
Enjoy Your Weekend
We're staying close to home, holiday travel is not favored
24 comments:
Have a very happy 4th! Celebrating with friends sounds like a nice day!
Well, there's no Independence Day here in the UK, but wishing you a happy celebration!
Happy Fourth of July.
My fourth is very quiet this year, but peace is good! Happy Fourth.
It sounds like a lovely day with friend, Dorothy. That photo of the grandchildren is precious. Happy 4th to you and Patrick.
Those 2 banners are beautiful! Thanks for sharing them with me! Hope your day does have lots of joy, good food, and events that celebrate the meanings of Independence Day!
...Dorothy, I wish you a grand day. Happy 4th of July.
We have house guests coming for a couple of days. I wish we didn't but Rick invited them without asking! They'll have to live with my coughing attacks, which are on the rise of late. Oh well! Have a lovely fourth as we celebrate what we were and commit to what we will once again be.
Enjoy your Fourth of July .
Happy 4th, enjoy your friends, have a great day. Love the flag outside you front door and the grands are a super shot and adorable
Happy 4th to you and your hubby too. Enjoy your time with your wonderful friends. That always makes the day brighter.
We are staying home and just puttering..kind of nice for a change.
Sue
Happy Independence Day! We went to a cemetery this morning and are having a laid back day at home now.
Happy 4th of July.
All the best Jan
That's some interesting information about the holiday. We didn't do much to celebrate but will probably go to see the fireworks from a near by farm.
Great picture of the kiddos and I love the bird houses. So stinkin' cute.
Your photos are lovely.
Happy 4th and have a great weekend 😀
Hi Beatrice, Our July 4th is even more laid back than yours... Just the two of us staying home. Grilling sausages for dinner with baked beans and bakery bread. Perhaps a salad. Last night we could hear fireworks in the neighborhood but there are too many big trees around us to see the fireworks any more. Been here 15+ years now. Take Care, Big Daddy Dave
i hope you are having a great holiday weekend. the little ones are adorable and sure do have a lot of spirit!!
Sounds like the perfect blend of good food, good friends, and a nod to history.
Your photos are beautiful.
And that photo of the grands adds the sweetest touch.
Wow, Nashua goes all out to celebrate Independence Day. Here in Hawaii, not too much.
The weather was lovely to be outside on the 4th. We are sticking close to home this week as the lakes region is a crazy place to be right now.
Cathy
The private family-owned grocery stores by me were closed on July 4th. And many other places. And then, there were many other, other places that were open and some that were limited hours. Home Depot was PACKED solid with shoppers.
Happy Belated Fourth. Love the photo of the grandkids.
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