4th of July is almost here!

Thu, 02 Jul 2015 10:32:30 -0400

Dear Students,

Independence Day, also known as the 4th of July, is nearly here! Most people know that fireworks are a big part of this holiday, but do you really know what this day represents for Americans?

On July 4th, 1776 a congress of representatives announced that the original thirteen American colonies were no longer part of the British Empire - the colonies were now thirteen independent sovereign states. The representatives signed a document, which is now famous, called The Declaration of Independence. This document began with one of the most famous sentences in the English language:

"We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness."

These words have been memorized by millions of American school children across many generations. The three values - Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness - are what Americans celebrate onIndependence Day.

You can actually see the original document on display at the National Archives in the Library of Congress located in Washington, D.C. It is a popular location for tourists who visit D.C. for the city's famous fireworks show. Be sure to check it out!

Speaking of fireworks, you don't have to go all the way to D.C. to see a good show. In fact, Baltimore has its own fantastic fireworks extravaganza!

Here is a description of the celebration:

Celebrate the Fourth of July with live music and celebratory fireworks at Baltimore’s Inner Harbor. Baltimore’s Fourth of July Celebration takes place Saturday, July 4, 2015 from 7pm to 10pm. Live music from the popular contemporary ensemble The United States Navy Band Cruisers begins at 7pm at the Inner Harbor Amphitheater, located at Pratt and Light streets. The fireworks show, choreographed to festive music, begins at 9:30pm. The display is produced by Pyrotecnico. The holiday fireworks can be viewed from several locations in downtown and the surrounding areas, including Federal Hill, Fell’s Point and Harbor East.

Click here to find more information.

Please do your best to experience this unique American holiday! This is one of the best examples of American culture; be sure to take lots of pictures of all the celebrations happening around the city and share them with your friends on social media.

Enjoy!