Since its start in 1776, there’s a lot that America has to celebrate – the last 241 years have been filled with strides toward equal rights and advancements in diversity, technology, education and more.

There are also a lot of things that are not worthy of celebrating – racism/sexism, terrorism, poverty and war are just a few things that America is still struggling with.

But July Fourth celebrates one thing in particular – independence, which is something we should all celebrate. 

Independence Day became an official U.S. holiday in 1870. However, we’ve been celebrating our independence every year on July 4 the way John Adams intended – with “Pomp and Parade…Games, Sports, Guns, Bells, Bonfires and Illuminations from one End of this Continent to the other.”

But what exactly are we celebrating when we get the day off of work to shoot off fireworks, grill out with our friends and families and pose for pictures with an American flag?

When the founding fathers declared America’s independence from Britain on July 4, 1776, they granted all Americans rights that set the foundation of our country. 

“We hold these truths to be self evident: that all men are created equal; that they are endowed by their Creator with certain inalienable rights; that among these are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.” 

These inalienable rights include the five freedoms that are guaranteed by the First Amendment:

1. Freedom of religion
2. Freedom of speech
3. Freedom of the press
4. Freedom to assemble peaceably
5. Freedom to petition the government for a redress of grievances

Exercise your freedom with these rights and don’t take them for granted. 

This Fourth of July, while your enjoying your day off, remember what we’re celebrating – our independence.