Free to be. And that's what celebrating Independence Day is all about in the U.S. Doesn't it sometimes seem, though, that we can get caught up in the party-with-fireworks mindset and don't consider the origins of this much-revered holiday?

In fact, why July 4th? It's a highly appropriate day to celebrate our collective independence from England: the very day the Continental Congress adpoted the final draft of the Declaration of Independence in 1776.

Whenever we hear fireworks on July 4th, we can be reminded of "the rockets' red glare" that blasted through the sky during the Revolutionary War, and feel grateful that people cared--and continue to care--enough to risk their lives and even die on behalf of the freedom we enjoy--and sometimes take for granted--today.

Let's try something. Let's make a conscious effort to give each other a break on July 4th this year. Let's be more considerate of each other--on the road, in the market, at the coffee shop, in everything we're doing. Let's try to be people that those who fought and died for our freedom would be proud of. Even one day of mutual courtesy would be a blessing, wouldn't it?

Test how much you know about Independence Day by taking the following fun quiz:

Independence Day Quiz!

From the Cultural Council of Santa Cruz County, have a creatively Safe, Sane, Contemplative, and HAPPY 4th of July!

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