Teaching Patriotism to Our Children

Since September 11, 2001 Independence Day for the United States on July 4th has been especially poignant. While there has been a surge in patriotism, we all need to maintain a sense of pride and love for our country whether we are at war or in peace time.

Children need to feel a sense of belonging too, in their family, their classrooms and in their country. They will thrive in an environment of respect, compassion and stability. If we as parents teach our kids to love, honor, show compassion and respect for their country as well as for their fellow man, they will not only be graced by a sense of patriotism, they will become better citizens, and in turn role models for our future generations.

Flying the American Flag Respectfully and Responsibly

Back in the Norman Rockwell world that may or may not have ever existed, an American flag on every front porch seemed commonplace. That isn't the case so much now, but in the wake of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, the practice is gaining a new life. More and more Americans are wanting to show their support for their homeland, their principles and the men and women who are oversees on their behalf. Flying an American flag, however, comes with some responsibilities. There is a little pomp and circumstance to the effort.

There are actually rules for flying a flag. No, not the kind of rules that will get someone arrested, but the kind designed to show proper respect for the American country and the people who have and continue to make it great.

Family Fourth of July Weekend Activities

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Family Oriented Fourth of July Weekend - Five Family Fun Suggestions
By Tiffany O'Brien

Looking for some great family activities to do on the upcoming Fourth of July weekend? Well, there are plenty of awesome activities for you and your family to do together you just have to get thinking! Here's a list of some of the best family activities to do on this amazing holiday weekend.

1.) Take a trip to a beach! It is the middle of July after all, so you might as well take your family to somewhere fun where you all have the option of cooling off in the water as well! Beating the heat is only one of the benefits the beach has to offer, you could also ride bikes from wherever you stay to the beach. This would also add some great exercise into your holiday weekend, while also beating the undeniable traffic you know will be swamping the shores all weekend. Soak up the sun, swim in the water, and maybe even learn how to surf over the weekend!

2.) Have a family cookout! Invite distant relatives over or keep it small with just the immediate family, either way you will be sure to have a great time. Must have commodities for a Fourth of July cookout would be hot dogs, hamburgers, ribs, chicken, and maybe even some clams if you can get your hands on some. Anything goes when you're the grill master so it's really your call. While you're at it break out the horse shoes and wiffle ball sets for the kids.

3.) Have a movie marathon! The previous two ideas pretty much banked on the fact that it will be a picture perfect, ideal Fourth of July weekend, but you can never rule out the chance of rain. If you're stuck inside all weekend there's no need to be bummed out, just throw on some classic movies and relax. Maybe watch all 6 Star Wars films or mix and match all your favorites into a never-ending awesome movie weekend!

Do's and Don'ts For a Fourth of July Cookout

By Cherie Rasmussen

With the Fourth of July around the corner and cookout season beckoning, you could be planning the all-American backyard grilling event this year. Whether you are an amateur or a seasoned pro at the cookout, here are some handy Dos and Don'ts to help make your Fourth of July celebration a success!

DO plan your event beforehand. Make a guest list, send out invites, plan the menu, shop for supplies, and prepare the activities for the event.

DO get into the patriotic mood and set up red, blue, and white decorations. They could be simple - just some lights, or red, blue, and white napkins and other table decorations. If you enjoy craft, you could make an entire range of Fourth of July decorations ahead of time.

Fourth of July Party Planning

American Hearts Drinking Glass

What are some of the best ways to celebrate the Fourth of July?

No matter what your traditions are, it is important to celebrate Independence Day. If you live in the US, or are living outside the country and yearning for a bit of home, there is never a better time to celebrate than this historic day. Whether this is your first 4th of July or you are looking for a new way to celebrate with new traditions, we have some ideas to help you make this a bang up holiday!

When planning your Fourth of July party, there are three main things you need to consider: location, entertainment/activities, and food. The most traditional types of celebration are a BBQ or picnic in which people come to share in good foods and the beautiful weather. It can happen at your home, at a local park, down by the beach or virtually any place that is suitable.

Location
Find the right location for your party. Traditionally, your 4th of July celebration will happen out of doors.  But, this is not necessary if the weather is not right for it. If you want to have your party at a park you may need to make a reservation with park officials. Wherever you decide to hold your celebration, make sure there is plenty of seating, a place to get out of the sun, and enough room for the activities you have planned to keep everyone busy.

Food
Plan for easy to make and eat foods.  Finger foods work best as people usually are not looking to sit down with a knife and china at this type of a celebration.  Look for a few options for everyone, including those that may not enjoy meats.
Add some fun to your 4th of July party food. If you are tired of the same old burgers and hot dogs on this celebration, go ahead and change it up the way that you would like to. There is no rule that the food should be one thing or another. In fact, a potluck of choices is the most American of all ways to celebrate. After all, America is a melting pot of all the cultures of those who settled here.

Entertainment and Activities
When it comes to the 4th of July, you do have to give everyone something to do. Whether that is a sport like volleyball or baseball, swimming, or just some fun crafts for kids, get them all busy and having a good time.

Celebrating the 4th of July should be fun and easy to do.  Do not over think it and keep it a light atmosphere and you all will have a great time.

Sidebar: Fourth of July Drinks
Don't forget the drinks!  You can turn ordinary drinks into holiday favorites by just adding in flavored ice cubes in blue and red. To make them, add strawberry and blueberry flavoring to the ice cube trays. Drop them into drinks for a festive yet fun way to add to your food celebration. Or, you could just use red or blue Kool-Aid to as the base for your beverages.

Refreshing Mocktail Recipes

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Fourth of July Drinkware