4th of July Ideas--For any Budget

PRLog (Press Release) - Jun 17, 2009 -
Best 4th of July Ideas--Celebrate on Any Budget

I started thinking what would be the best way to celebrate the 4th of July.  After all, the 4th of July is a symbol of our country’s independence and a day to celebrate our many freedom’s and the wonderful land we live in.  The 4th of July is also a time to remember all of the people who have fought for our freedom.  It is a time for families to spend time together, a day to spend outside, and a night to watch fireworks.  It seems that the 4th of July should be spent outside with friends or family.  It should be filled with patriotism and tradition, and it must include a firework show.  So here are my ideas for any budget:

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***Morning--Learn about the United States Flag.  Answer these questions:

What do the stars and stripes on the flag represent?

The stars represent the 50 states of the United States.  The Stripes represent the 13 original colonies.  From a book about the flag published in 1977 by the House of Representatives...

"The star is a symbol of the heavens and the divine goal to which man has aspired from time immemorial; the stripe is symbolic of the rays of light emanating from the sun."

In which orientation should the flag be placed on clothing?

From the Department of Defense:

Army Regulation 670-1, “Wear and Appearance of Army Uniforms and Insignia,” updated most recently September 5, 2003, addresses explicitly the proper and lawful placement of the U.S. flag patch on the Army uniform.

The regulation states that when authorized for application to the proper uniform the American flag patch is to be worn, right or left shoulder, so that “the star field faces forward, or to the flag’s own right. When worn in this manner, the flag is facing to the observer’s right, and gives the effect of the flag flying in the breeze as the wearer moves forward. The appropriate replica for the right shoulder sleeve is identified as the ‘reverse side flag’.”

What is the proper way to dispose of the flag?

When a flag is so worn it is no longer fit to serve as a symbol of our country, it should be destroyed by burning in a dignified manner.

What do the Colors signify?

"The colors of the pales (the vertical stripes) are those used in the flag of the United States of America; White signifies purity and innocence, Red, hardiness & valour, and Blue, the color of the Chief (the broad band above the stripes) signifies vigilance, perseverance & justice."

***Afternoon--Look outside and try to identify the birds you can see.

***Night--Walk to a place you can see the local free fireworks in your area.  Talk about why fireworks are part of our 4th of July celebration and what they signify.

The United States won a war to attain freedom.  The fireworks represent the battles fought and won.

From the Star Spangled Banner

“And the rockets' red glare, the bombs bursting in air,
Gave proof through the night that our flag was still there”


Under $100

***Morning--Wake up early, load the car with a picnic lunch and head for the nearest hiking trail.  On the way to the trail talk about the United States Flag.  Take your time hiking.  Look at the plants, birds, and animals.  Take a photo of yourself, your friends, and family.  Being outside is the best thing for Americans.  Too much time is spent on computers and iphones.  Don’t let anyone bring any electronics.

***Afternoon--Have a picnic.

***Night--Enjoy the fireworks.


Under $500

***Drive Friday night to the nearest National Park that you have never been to.  Camp out on Friday night and have an American Cookout over the open fire.  Tell stories about  your best memories and enjoy each other’s company.  Talk about the United States fight for freedom and the United States Flag.

***Morning--Go on a hike.  Breath fresh air.   Listen to the Birds.  

***Afternoon--Drive around the National Park.  See the sites.

***Night--Enjoy the fireworks.

The Ultimate 4th of July

***Raft the Grand Canyon.
After a lot of thought I decided that the ultimate 4th of July would be a Grand Canyon Rafting Trip.  I can’t think of any natural place that symbolizes America more than the Grand Canyon.  A Grand Canyon Rafting  trip is on most American’s must do list.  The Grand Canyon’s night sky one of the darkest places on earth.  So instead of manmade fireworks,  you can spend the night under the stars and moon watching shooting stars.  
Colorado River & Trail Expeditions(800-253-7328) is a licensed concessionaire of Grand Canyon National Park.  They are highly regarded and have an eight day Grand Canyon rafting trip departing on the 4th of July.

Colorado River & Trail Expeditions (www.crateinc.com) at press time still had some space left on their July 4-11 Grand Canyon Rafting trip.  The rafting trip is all-inclusive with great meals(includes a 4th of July Barbecue), deluxe camping gear(cots, chairs, sleeping bag, foam pad, tents), and fabulous guides.  The cost is $2612/person.