July 4th, more than just a holiday.

Independence Day, the smell of the barbecue, the roar of holiday crowds at events throughout the land, family picnics at the lake. It's America's annual birthday party and a time where we should all take a moment to celebrate the tremendous sacrifices that Americans have made since our birth as a nation.

Schoolchildren in America learn the basic history of the events surrounding the Fourth of July, but the details of this monumental occasion in American history somehow fall through the cracks.

A short history lesson…

Although July 4th is celebrated as America's official split from Britain's rule and the beginning of the American Revolution, the actual series of events show that the process took far longer than a single day. The original resolution was introduced by Richard Henry Lee of Virginia on June 7, 1776, and called for the Continental Congress to declare the United States free from British rule. Three days later a committee headed by Thomas Jefferson was appointed to prepare an appropriate writing for the occasion.

The document that we know as the Declaration of Independence was adopted by Congress on July 4th although the resolution that led to the writing of the Declaration was actually approved two days earlier. All of this had occurred with some of the delegates to the Congress not even present; New York, for example, did not even vote on the resolution until July 9th.

Even more interesting is the fact that not a single signature was appended to the Declaration on July 4th. While most of the fifty-six names were in place by early August, one signer, Thomas McKean, did not actually sign the Declaration until 1781.

Nevertheless, July 4th was the day singled out to mark the event of the United States establishing itself as a nation.

So when was the first celebration?…

Many common Fourth of July traditions today have their roots in the celebrations of the early republic. On July 25, 1776, citizens of Williamsburg, Virginia celebrated the colonists' victory with military parades and cannons firing. One year to the day after the signing of the Declaration of Independence, Philadelphians participated in a huge birthday bash complete with fireworks, parades, music and the firing of cannons.

The first official Fourth of July celebration, as affirmed by a legislative act, occurred in Massachusetts in 1781. By the mid 1800s, it became a United States custom to commemorate Independence Day in states and territories. Today, we use parades, picnics and fireworks to honor our country's fight for freedom.

There are a lot of ways to celebrate…

Parades, which usually begin mid-morning, are the first tradition followed each Fourth of July. The small-town parade, with baton twirlers and the high school marching band, is a common sight in cities across the country. Fathers hoist toddlers up on their shoulders for a clear view, while children munch popcorn and wave small flags. It's a fun, inspiring way to get into a patriotic mood.

A few other traditional ways to celebrate include:

• Barbecues
• Fireworks (There are some great ones to see around the metroplex. Check your local newspaper for starting times and locations.)
• Family get togethers at the Lake.
• Homemade ice cream!
• Post “Old Glory” in your yard (especially in recognition of our men and women who are protecting us right now.)

It’s hard to celebrate without good food…

The Fourth of July has become synonymous with the barbecue, outdoor cooking and summer fun. Below is a great recipe from our own resident chef extraordinaire, Kent Rathbun. Try his sensational Citrus Barbecue Sauce on your favorite meat this holiday.

Serving Size : 8

8 ounces smoked bacon -- diced
1 large onion (smoked) -- chopped
4 cloves garlic (smoked) -- chopped
1 each chipotle pepper -- chopped
1 each arbol chiles -- stem removed
1 tablespoon cracked black pepper
2 tablespoons worcestershire sauce
2 cups orange or tangerine juice -- fresh
2 cups ketchup
6 dashes tabasco sauce
2 each lemons -- juiced
1 tablespoon kosher salt  

PREPARATION:

1. In a small sauce pot add bacon and start cooking on medium heat until crisp then add onions and garlic and saute until translucent.
2. Then add chipotle and arbol chiles and continue to cook until chiles start to toast. Then add crack black pepper and deglaze with Worcestershire sauce and orange juice.
3. Reduce orange juice until it starts to thicken. Then add ketchup and reduce to low heat. Continue cooking for about 15 minutes.
4. Season with tabasco sauce, lemon juice and to taste with salt.
5. Strain Barbeque Sauce.

In a very real sense, this celebration has retained its intent and origin. Even though not consciously called to mind by most, it still is a profound and human expression of independence and how essential it is to all. So celebrate this year with a spirit of true patriotism.