Fourth Of July Celebration Let Freedom Ring

Writen by Gail Leino

In a time when many Americans are fighting for our freedom, and the freedom of others less fortunate, Fourth of July celebrations are undergoing a metamorphosis before our eyes. No longer just the joyous Fourth of July celebrations of my past, this day now brings to mind those who have made the choice to give their all in their defense of the freedom of others.

While this note of solemnity is present, I think it is important to continue to celebrate the day of our independence. I don't think our soldiers would want it any other way, because now we celebrate them–the men and women who are fighting for the freedom of others.

Typically this day is filled with picnics, parades, and fireworks, but including the ones who cannot be with to celebrate, adds a whole new aspect to the revelry of the Fourth of July celebrations. Remember them by wearing a red, white, and blue shirt printed with the name of a soldier overseas, whether it is a family member or someone you never met. Wear a black arm band printed with the name of someone who lost their life in a war. It does not have to be a recent war. It can be your friend or relative lost in Vietnam, Korea, WWI or WWII, or any war. Tie a yellow ribbon around a tree in your yard, or tie one to the flag you wave at the parade. Just remind everyone that there are some not at home celebrating, and wave the flag for them.

Traditional picnic foods like hamburgers and hot dogs cooked on a grill, potato salad, and baked beans are still the standard fare. In most areas across the U.S., July fourth is extremely hot, and most people enjoy something cold and soothing. Try making an old favorite in a patriotic theme. Home made ice cream! With electric freezers, nobody has to wear their arms out cranking, and the ice cream mix can be made ahead of time, frozen just before time to eat, and be eaten from disposable cups, with throw away spoons, for minimal clean up. Plain vanilla is white, but a few drops of food coloring (and fruit, if you like) can add the red and blue, to make it a perfectly patriotic Fourth of July celebration.

Home Made Ice Cream

2 pints half and half
4 Tablespoons vanilla extract
4 eggs
5 Cups of sugar
1/4 teaspoon salt
enough milk to finish filling the freezer
Food coloring and/or fruit (optional)
3 Cups of rock salt (for the freezer, not the ice cream)

Mix half and half, vanilla, and eggs. In a pot on the stove top, cook this mixture until it begins to thicken (eggs have to be cooked) add remaining ingredients, except the rock salt, and put into a freezer to get the mixture as cold as possible. Put the freezer together, add ice and rock salt, and follow your freezer directions.

Happy Fourth of July!

Mrs. Party... Gail Leino is the internet's leading authority on selecting the best possible party supplies (http://partysupplieshut.com), using proper etiquette and manners while also teaching organizational skills and fun facts. The Party Supplies Hut has a huge selection of free party games, coloring pages, word find, word scramble, printable baby and bridal shower activities. Holiday Party Decorations (Holiday-Party-Decorations.com), free games, menus, recipes, coloring sheets, theme ideas, and activities to help complete your event.