In the United States of America, one of the most widely celebrated holidays is the Fourth of July, also known as American Independence Day. We celebrate the signing of the Declaration of Independence in 1776. Since 1941, July 4^th has been a national holiday, and the traditional celebrations that come with it get more and more exciting every year.

Here are 12 of my favorite parts about celebrating the 4^th of July:

1. Partying with friends and family

There’s nothing like getting together with a group of people you love and celebrating all together! Everything’s better with good company.

2. Parades

A parade is a different type of party in and of itself! Something about parades always seems to get everyone—both people in the parade, and those just watching, ready for a celebration.

3. Red, white and blue everything!

July 4^th is the one day of the year that everything you wear, eat, drink or touch can be colored red, white and blue and nobody bats an eye!

4. Fireworks

Fireworks are amazingly stunning explosions in the sky, and I look forward to seeing Fourth of July fireworks every year!

5. Cooling off in the water

Whether it’s the pool, the ocean, the lake, or just the hose in the backyard, playing in the water is the best and most satisfying way to cool off on a hot July day!

6. Barbecues

BBQ food is always the unofficial menu of every 4^th of July party!

7. The weather

Unlike Thanksgiving, New Year’s Eve, Valentine’s Day, among others, the 4^th of July (usually) has the best weather! Perfect weather for outdoor celebrations.

8. Ice pops

Ice pops go hand-in-hand with the hot weather, and they’re even more fitting on the 4^th of July when they’re colored red, white and blue!

9. Festive outfits

If you don’t basically look like a human flag on July 4^th, it’s time to re-evaluate your wardrobe choices.

10. A break from summer jobs

Since it’s a national holiday, a bunch of people don't have to work, which is a nice break in the hot summer!

11. You get to celebrate your patriotism unabashedly all day

Of course it’s good to have pride in your country, but on this one day of the year you can go all out! #Murica

12. The fact that we have the ability to celebrate the day our nation became free

Of course, none of the aforementioned aspects of the 4^th of July would be possible of our founding fathers, and everyone who worked hard for what we now know as the USA, hadn’t dedicated their time and their lives for the possibility of us becoming the free nation of the United States of America. I will forever be thankful for those who came before me, and everyone who has died to give us the right to freedom.