[frogga]

Heya,

Well, you all know I'm British (and if you didn't, you know now), and that I lived in California on and off for a couple of years. BUT, I have never understood American culture.

So....

4th of July... what is it? What does it mean to you? is it the equivalent of St Georges day?

I PROMISE to answer all the emails I have recieved asap - I have not forgotten you and thanks so much for all your wonderful advice! both from the bunnies and the cuddlies... (my new names for the wonderful people here!)

Love

Frogga xxxxxxxxxxxxxx

[theoneRogue420]

please pretend these are dancing firecrackers, lol!

Well, Frogga, July 4th is the day we consider to be our formal independence from you Brits, lol.

It's the day the final draft of the Declaration of Independence, with only John Hancock's sig at that time, was released to the press. The 12 colonies had already unanimously voted for it.

It means so very much to us. We BECAME America that day, and formally began our journey to "find ourselves" and just what we would stand for.

These days, it's bittersweet for me. I am an ex Navy wife (for 13 years), so my heart still swells with pride when I think about where we started and the men who fought for and founded this place. And what my very own family went through as a military one.

But my heart also sinks, knowing how we are today. Our founding fathers are rolling in their graves, imho. I'm not going to get all political here, but I am, for one, not proud of what we have become.

[shiney sue]

Hi you 2,they look like very cheerful firecrakers to me But i must
agree,i'm not very pround of what's going on right now either. It's
just so sad. Please have a bang up day. Sue

[Desi]

Hi Frogga! ST Georges day?? what's that missy? Anyway, Rogue is right.. It's the day we became "America".. I for one am very proud to be an American.. we have the right to pray, freedom of speech.
I for one am "greatful" that we don't have to stand behind barbed wire, get in line for water, food, etc. I am proud of my husband who fought so very hard with his blood, sweat and tears over in Vietnam(For our Country) Our men who fought in WW1 WW2, Korea, Desert Storm war, And now over in Iraq. Do I support the war? oh, heavens no. I believe all wars are bad. But our Government, President of the United States sent them over there to find mass weapons and to "Promise" to bring our men and women home.. which they haven't as yet. I am NOT however proud of the fact that we went to war, or had wars.. BUT, THIS IS WHAT KEEPS US FREE.. our men and woman fighting battles, dying in wars... In other words they fight, serve and yes, die in wars.. so that WE can be "FREE"!! Ok.. now, we have 4th. of July cook outs (grilling food on the grills) fire works.. our 4th of July athem... Star spangled banner.. and the men and women stand(Or shall I say SHOULD stand when this song is played!!) .. To honor our American flag!! It's a shame that a lot is going on in this country, by some burning our flag in protest, people wearing it.. cutting it up.. etc. My husband gets so mad as he was in the VietNam war!! sad.. so sad.. But all in all I for one am proud of my country and then again sad by it. Love ya and hope all is going well for you in the UK Frogga! Love, Desi

[coachV]

frogga,

don't spend too much time trying to understand american culture...it's a mix of all the different cultures that have been transplanted here....our local parade will feature groups from the german club, the hibernian society, and the spanish organization.....and afterwards, they will all be served pizza!

july 4th (officially Independence Day) is considered out nation's birthday....we celebrate by having parades, eating ourselves sick (preferably with grilled food) and shooting off fireworks....we consider ourselves very lucky that this major national holiday coms at a time of year when picnics, parades and outdoor activities r appropriate......i'm not sure how we'd celebrate if the commemorated events had happened in february!

what's st george's day?

liz

[lostmary]

frogga,
You know how Europe celebrates New Years Eve. that is very close to how we celebrate the 4th. Lots of get togethers, cooking out, eating,drinking,etc. then the fireworks. Most people here in the states don't remember the reason for it. they just know they get a day off. My father in law did 3 wars, my dad did 2, my brother did 1. Luckly, (for me) hubby was inbetween all the wars. they have fought for the freedom of all, not just the states. But quite often, it does bring people together and that is important.
Happy 4th of July to all
Mary

[dawn3063]

History of Fourth of July

Independence Day in the U.S., is an annual holiday commemorating the formal adoption by the Continental Congress of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776, in Philadelphia. Although the signing of the Declaration was not completed until August, the Fourth of July holiday has been accepted as the official anniversary of U.S. independence and is celebrated in all states and territories of the U.S.

The holiday was first observed in Philadelphia on July 8, 1776, at which time the Declaration of Independence was read aloud, city bells rang, and bands played. It was not declared a legal holiday, however, until 1941. The Fourth is traditionally celebrated publicly with parades and pageants, patriotic speeches, and organized firing of guns and cannons and displays of fireworks; early in the 20th century public concern for a "safe and sane" holiday resulted in restrictions on general use of fireworks. Family picnics and outings are a feature of private Fourth of July celebrations.

An article from Funk & Wagnalls® New Encyclopedia. © 2005 World Almanac Education Group. A WRC Media Company. All rights reserved. Except as otherwise permitted by written agreement, uses of the work inconsistent with U.S. and applicable foreign copyright and related laws are prohibited.
http://www.history.com/minisites/fou...e?pageId=50553

God Bless America
Dawn

[frogga]

Thanks Sue! Why won't my computer let me say thanks to you??!??! totally bizzare - said thanks to everyone else. I agree. I am not overly proud of being British some days!!especially with the war - which I personally am against. I feel it was something that was done without, definetly, the British people's permission. Hope you enjoy the fire works!!!

Love Frogga xxxxxxxxx

[frogga]

Thanks everyone!!!!

I have a much better idea now!! Can't believe you celebrate seperating from us Brits! jlol! oh well. Mary - you're right, sounds very similar to New Year!!!

St George - the patron saint of England. His emblem was a red cross on a white background, is the flag of England. It was adopted by Richard The Lion heart and brought to England in the 12th century. The king's soldiers wore it on their tunics to avoid confusion in battle.

and ever since.. well, he has been the protector of England.

I hope you all have fun today! it sounds like an awesome day! why does the food have to be grilled??

On St Georges we are supposed to wear red flowers.

Love to you all

Your ex colonial cousin..

Frogga xxxxxxxxxxx

[kejbrew]

Hey Frogga,

Grilling food is quite popular here especially during the summer months (especially Holidays). Family and friends get together and set up outside for a day of fellowship, food, and fun. It isn't that the food has to be grilled, it just happens to be fun, and grilled foods taste great!

EJ