It is the first week of July, and any American citizen knows that means a week of barbecues, baseball games, parades, fireworks, and other festivities. But, while we are out basking in the Fourth of July fun, let us not forget what this day is really about.

On July 2nd, 1776, during the American Revolution, the 13 Colonies declared themselves independent from the rule of Great Britain. Following this, Congress turned its attention to the Declaration of Independence. The Declaration of Independence announced and explained the separation of the United States from Great Britain, and would make the United States a new nation entirely. The Declaration was carefully examined and thought over. It was then finally approved and signed by 56 delegates to the Continental Congress on July 4th. Some of these signatures included those of Thomas Jefferson, John Adams, and Benjamin Franklin.

The Fourth of July has been celebrated and become more popular from that day forward. Although, it was not declared an official national holiday until nearly 100 years later in 1870. It is now recognized as an annually observed federal holiday and Independence Day of the United States of America.

While I am not saying we should not have any fun this Fourth of July, let us recognize that if it were not for our (probably very distant) ancestors, our country would not be what it is today.

Their sacrifice and courage deserves to be greatly admired. And, as it is easy to get caught up in our everyday lives, it can be easy to forget that. They are the reason why we live in the land of the free and the home of the brave.

So, let us honor and commemorate our history and celebrate our great American pride!