This morning I got up early to attend a 4^th July Breakfast and got to spend time with some very amazing people.  The breakfast included a patriotic program including the children sing several patriotic hymns.  Spending time at the breakfast has given me inspiration about the holiday.

Everyone has different activities and traditions to celebrate the holiday.  My personal favorite is watching the Boston Pops.  Second, I make time to attend a movie like the Transformers: Dark of the Moon in 3D and third, spending time with friends at the 4^th of July Breakfast.

While we are busy with parades, breakfasts, picnics, fireworks and various sundry of activities, have we given thought to the rich history of the holiday? I read an intriguing article today on the Washington Post website.  The author, Mike Ghouse wrote how the first three countries to recognize the United States of America were Morocco, Friesland and the King of Mysore (India) in 1782.

Today is one of the few days of the year besides sporting events when The Star Spangle Banner is sung.  The origin of the song is Francis Scott Key’s poem describing the events of a battle against the British during the War of 1812.  In August 1814, the British Army entered Washington DC and burned the Capitol, the White House, and a number of other public buildings. September 13, 1814 a British admiral moved his fleet into place to attack Fort McHenry, near Baltimore. Despite Fort McHenry being bombarded all night, the fort was bravely defended and when the sun rose the flag was still floating over the fort. When Francis Scott Key viewed the rays of early morning sunlight with the flag still waving over Fort McHenry, he was inspired to write the poem which is known as “The Star Spangled Banner,” the national anthem.

To all, I wish a very happy 4^th of July!

P.S. If you have not read Francis Scott Key’s poem, please read my post titled, The Star Spangled Banner.