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Stars, Stripes, and Celebrations: All About America’s 4th of July!

Have you ever wondered why people in the United States light up the sky with fireworks every year on July 4th? This day is a huge celebration called Independence Day, or the Fourth of July! Let’s dive into why it’s important and how Americans celebrate.

What’s the Reason for the Season?

The 4th of July marks the day the United States declared its independence from Great Britain in 1776. Think of it like Argentina’s Declaration of Independence on July 9th, 1816! This document, the Declaration of Independence, explained why the thirteen colonies wanted to be their own country. It talked about freedom and the idea that all people are created equal.

Celebrating Freedom

On the 4th of July, Americans come together to celebrate their independence and national pride. There are parades with marching bands and floats, delicious barbecues with grilled food and hamburgers, and OF COURSE, fireworks displays that light up the night sky! People wear red, white, and blue, the colors of the American flag. It’s a festive time to be in the U.S.!

Now, some of those #FunFacts I love so much!

-The Liberty Bell, a famous symbol of American independence, is actually cracked!

-In 1814, during the War of 1812, British forces actually attacked Washington D.C. on July 4th! Luckily, the Americans were able to successfully defend the city.

-William Howard Taft, the 27th president, got stuck in the White House bathtub on July 4th, 1909. Apparently, they had to remove part of the tub to get him out! (Maybe that’s why there are no bathtubs in the White House anymore?)

-Nobody knows for sure who wrote the melody for “The Star-Spangled Banner,” America’s national anthem. The music was originally a popular British drinking song! (Pilgrims took drinking VERY seriously…)

-To celebrate the second anniversary of Independence in 1778, General George Washington issued a double ration of rum to his soldiers. Now that’s a way to get the party started! (See? Told ya…)

-There’s a tiny picture of the signing of the Declaration of Independence on the back of a $2 bill! (And YES, 2 dollar bills actually exist. Get one! It’s for good luck)

Want to Learn More?

If you’re interested in learning more about American Independence Day, here are some recommendations:

Movies:

-“The Patriot” (historical fiction about the Revolutionary War)

-“National Treasure” (adventure film with a hidden treasure linked to the Declaration of Independence)

Short Stories:

-“The Devil and Tom Walker [Available here]” by Washington Irving (a classic short story set during the American Revolution)

-“I Hear America Singing [Click here to read]” by Walt Whitman (a famous poem about American diversity.)

– Georgi 💛

The Truth Is Out There: Celebrating World UFO Day

Mulder, believer. Scully, skeptic. Ever since those iconic FBI agents hit our screens in the 90s, the X-Files have fueled our fascination with the unexplained. And what better day to celebrate the unknown than World UFO Day, happening on July 2nd?

Why Celebrate UFOs?

There are actually two reasons why World UFO Day falls on July 2nd. The first commemorates the Roswell incident of 1947, where a high-altitude balloon crash in New Mexico became a hotbed of UFO rumors (think crashed alien spacecraft and government cover-ups – stuff Mulder would be all over!). The second reason is a nod to reported sightings of UFOs over Washington D.C. in 1952. World UFO Day is a chance for enthusiasts to share their own experiences and keep the conversation about extraterrestrial life alive.

Why is World UFO Day Important?

Whether you’re a believer like Mulder or a skeptic like Scully, World UFO Day is a reminder of the vastness of the universe and the possibility of life beyond our planet. It’s a day to celebrate the thrill of the unknown and the human desire to explore the unexplained.

(Guys, you don’t use an apostrophe for PLURALS!!! I could help you with that, you know?)

It’s #FunFact time!! It’s just one, but it’s a GOOD one. Did you know that some astronauts have reported seeing UFOs during their missions? While there’s no scientific explanation (yet!), it only adds to the mystery. Mulder would be ecstatic!! And I truly believe it’s true. Many years ago, I interviewed a public figure who said this was true, so…

🍿🎥 What to watch?

Of course, you can’t celebrate World UFO Day without revisiting the classics! Re-watch “The X-Files” and see if you can spot any clues Mulder missed. (Available on Amazon Prime Video)

American Horror Story: Double Feature (season 10.) This season was divided into two parts, and you want to watch Part 2: Death Valley. It’s only four episodes, but they will ABSOLUTELY blow your mind. (Available con Star+)

🤔 What to do?

Looking for a road trip in the US? Why don’t you try the “Extraterrestrial Highway Road Trip” from Las Vegas to Death Valley? 😉🚗 check it out by clicking here!

Happy World UFO Day! Just remember, trust no one (especially those guys in black…), and keep an eye out for flickering lights in the night sky ✨🌃

– Georgi 💛

Happy Stars and Stripes’s Day! 🇺🇸

Calling all WETAGers! Did you know the United States has a special day dedicated to its iconic flag, the Stars and Stripes? Every June 14th, the country comes together to celebrate Flag Day.

A Day Steeped in History

Flag Day commemorates a pivotal moment in American history: the adoption of the very first American flag on June 14th, 1777, by the Second Continental Congress. The design we know today, with its 50 stars representing each state and 13 stripes symbolizing the original colonies, has a long and fascinating history.

A Nationwide Celebration

On Flag Day, Americans proudly display their flags outside their homes, schools, and public buildings. Streets come alive with parades featuring marching bands, colorful floats, and of course, giant Stars and Stripes waving in the breeze. Families and friends gather for picnics with delicious red, white, and blue treats like cupcakes and watermelon slices. Special ceremonies are held to honor the flag and reflect on the values it represents: freedom, democracy, and national unity.

Beyond the Celebration

Flag Day is more than just a day for parades and picnics. It’s a chance for Americans to pause and reflect on their country’s history and the struggles and triumphs that shaped the nation we see today. It’s a reminder of the values that bind them together and a celebration of the diverse tapestry that makes America unique.

Recommended movies:

• Captain America!: Who better to celebrate the flag with than Captain America? This action-packed movie shows the power of patriotism and fighting for what you believe in.

• Forrest Gump: This classic film tells the story of Forrest Gump, a man who runs across the US for years. Throughout his journey, the American flag plays a significant role in the story. And this is my VERY favorite movie. Enjoy it!

– Georgi 💛

Happy National Donut Day! 🍩

Every year, on the first Friday of June, people celebrate National Donut Day in the United States, and it’s a chance to indulge in these sugary rings of joy!

A Doughnut Day with History

National Donut Day actually started back in 1938 by the Salvation Army. These aren’t your typical soldiers though! The Salvation Army Lassies were a group of women who served donuts to soldiers fighting in World War I. National Donut Day became a way to honor these women and raise awareness for the Salvation Army’s work.

Celebrating with a Glaze

So how do people celebrate National Donut Day? The most popular tradition is to grab a donut (or two!) from your favorite bakery. Many donut shops even offer free donuts or special discounts on this day. People enjoy donuts for breakfast, snacks, or even dessert. It’s a day to forget about your diet and just enjoy the deliciousness!

🍩 No #FunFact today, but some celebrities who love donuts instead:

Ariana Grande: her donut-licking incident caused a stir, but it’s a distant memory now as her career continues to flourish.

Barack Obama: you can always catch him buying (and eating!) some donuts.

Ben Affleck: we could say Ben Affleck is the king of celebrity donut lovers! He’s very well known for his love of Dunkin’ Donuts. There have been articles written about it, he’s been spotted with them often and even starred in a Dunkin’ Donuts commercial (he starred with Jennifer Lopez!!) So yes, he definitely likes donuts!

Penelope Kreme: Hollywood’s hottest new import (fresh off the plane from Buenos Aires!), Penelope Kreme isn’t your average A-lister. Sure, she might have a black belt in verb conjugation and a doctorate in comma placement (almost!), but her true weakness lies in the sugary, glazed realm of donuts. Paparazzi haven’t caught her at a trendy vegan restaurant, but rather sprinting out of Dunkin’ Donuts with a big box of donuts.

One of her most famous quotes: “Look, conjugating verbs is hard work! A woman needs fuel! Besides, a good donut sparks creativity. You think Shakespeare wrote Hamlet on kale chips? No way! That man was a Boston Kreme donut connoisseur, I tell you!”

Happy eating!

– Georgi 💛

Juneteenth: Celebrating Freedom and Resilience in the USA ✊🏾

Juneteenth is a special holiday celebrated every June 19th in the United States. But why is this date so important?

✊🏽 Juneteenth commemorates the emancipation of enslaved African Americans. On June 19th, 1865, Major General Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston, Texas, to announce the end of the Civil War and the freedom of enslaved people in the state. This news came two and a half years after the Emancipation Proclamation, which had declared enslaved people in Confederate states to be free.

✊🏿 Today, Juneteenth is a day of celebration for African Americans. People gather for parades, barbecues, and festivals filled with music, food, and cultural activities. It’s a time to reflect on the struggles for freedom and the achievements of the Black community.

✊🏼 So, how do people celebrate Juneteenth today? There are parades, festivals, and community gatherings filled with music, food, and dancing. People wear red, white, and blue to symbolize the freedom they finally received.

✊🏾 Some #FunFacts! about Juneteenth:

                      👉🏾 This holiday is also known as “Sweet Freedom Day” because enslaved people often celebrated with delicious food                                after their liberation. It is also known as Jubilee Day, Black Independence Day, and Emancipation Day.

                      👉🏾 The typical food for this holiday is RED food, as a symbolic reminder of the blood spilled during the struggle for                                  freedom — Red Velvet cake and watermelon are a must.

✊🏿 But Juneteenth is more than just a party. It’s a reminder of the ongoing fight for racial equality. It’s a day to celebrate progress but also acknowledge the work that remains to be done.

What I Recommend to Watch this Month:

12 Years a Slave (2013): is a historical drama film that tells the true story of Solomon Northup, a free black man from New York who is kidnapped and sold into slavery. The film is a brutal and unflinching look at the horrors of slavery, but it is also a powerful testament to the resilience of the human spirit.

Selma (2014): is a historical drama film that chronicles the Selma to Montgomery marches, which were a pivotal moment in the civil rights movement. The film follows Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and other activists as they fight for voting rights for African Americans.