The United States of America will be celebrating its 240th birthday on Monday, July 4th. Throughout our nations history, we have taken part in many monumental events throughout the modern age and many of them have been captured through photography. While some of them might not be the "headliner" photograph, each of them contain an element, or multiple elements of the United States of America-- Freedom, protection, honor and pride.
A US Special Forces Soldier from the 1st Battalion, 10th Special Forces Group salutes his brothers-in-arms as he jumps from his C-130 over Germany.
On February 23rd of 1945, U.S. Marines were able to lift the Flag of the United States atop of Mount Suribachi on the island of Iwo Jima. The six US Marines that helped to raise the flag was Sergeant Michael Strank, Corporal Harlon Block, Private First Class Franklin Sousley, Private First Class Rene Gagnon, Private First Class Ira Hayes and Harold Schultz.
The United States lands on the moon and plants the flag on the surface on July 20, 1969. Neil Armstrong and Edwin E. "Buzz" Aldrin were the first two men to walk on the surface of the moon. This was part of the Apollo manned lunar landing program by NASA from 1963-1972.
August 15, 1945 marked the end of World War II when Japan surrendered to the United States after the second atomic bomb was dropped on Nagasaki, Japan. This notable picture is of a US Sailor kissing his girl in the middle of a celebration in Time Square, NYC.
On June 12, 1987, President Reagan said that in order for transparency and peace to happen, the Berlin Wall must collapse. "General Secretary Gorbachev, if you seek peace, if you seek prosperity for the Soviet Union and Eastern Europe, if you seek liberalization: Come here to this gate! Mr. Gorbachev, open this gate! Mr. Gorbachev, tear down this wall!" were the words of President Ronald W. Reagan. The wall came down on the 9th of November in 1989 and the Soviet Union collapsed on December 26, 1991.
Everyone, have a wonderful and safe 4th of July extended weekend. Remember what the day represents in our history, please do not just count it as another holiday. Participate in the community events, enjoy the fireworks, fire up the grill and enjoy the time that you are able to spend with those you care about.
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