A day in which we celebrate the independence of our country by watching fireworks and having barbecues.

That was an insanely long title and I apologize for that :)

When I say (write) 4th of July, what immediately comes to mind?
- Fireworks
- Parties
- Trying to wear a combination of red, white, and blue. I have to at least try to do this every year :)
- Family and friend get togethers.
- Dreading the amount of mosquitoes when watching fireworks.
- And something about independence or whatnot...

What I just wrote above is completely true for me. I wake up in the morning and breeze by my day, completely forgetting why this holiday had even begun. Though most people call it by, "4th of July," it is officially known by, "Independence Day," which I think fits much better according to what happened on that day in history.
On July 4th, 1776, our country signed the Declaration of Independence and from then on was free from Great Britain's rule.
Think about it -- What if that document never got signed, let alone created? Think of how different our lives would be. Great Britain (aka United Kingdom) would still be ruling over us and we wouldn't have as much freedom in our day to day life.
Our country has it's share of flaws, plenty of them, but I'm thankful that God put me where I am. There were so many great leaders who helped build our country to where it is now. Hats off to Thomas Jefferson for writing that courageous document; I would have no idea of how to even begin on that project.

Fun (more like sad) fact:
- Thomas Jefferson and John Adams both died on the same day: July 4, 1826, ironically on Independence Day.

Remember what 4th of July is really about as you go through your day!

What first comes to mind when you hear about 4th of July? Do you have any special traditions that makes the holiday special?