Though it’s not a typical patriotic commercial, this old Chevy commercial is a great depiction of what America means.

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yYXfdnhh2Mo?rel=0&amp;w=420&amp;h=315]

A federal holiday in the United States since 1941, July 4th is celebrated with festivities ranging from fireworks, parades and concerts to more casual family gatherings and barbecues.

Did you know the first fireworks were approved on July 4, 1777?

Here in our little corner of the Rio Grande Forest, we’ll be sitting on the porch watching our local fireworks display. While it can’t compete with the Macy’s show—the largest fireworks display in the country—we’ll enjoy every second.

Watch this video of Macy's 4th of July Fireworks Show 2013 NYC - from Hoboken NJ and you'll see why most fireworks displays don't compare.

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fUPsJOHw-rA?rel=0&amp;w=560&amp;h=315]

From all the View from the Front Porch guest bloggers and me
<h1 style="text-align:center;"><span style="color:#ff0000;">Happy Birthday U.S.A.</span></h1>
Be safe and enjoy your birthday celebrations today...

and as you celebrate, don’t forget to give thanks for the brave men and women in uniform who are serving all of us here and on foreign soil. Pray for their safety as they do their jobs.