Want some inspiration? Read Lincoln’s 1858 speech on the meaning of Independence Day: “Let us stick to it then. Let us stand firmly by it then.” More excellent speeches from Coolidge (1926) and Reagan (1986). Video of the Reagan speech is here.
The 7 most bad-ass founding fathers, 5 forgotten founding fathers, and 4 more.
Journal of the American Revolutions’ 10 Myths for the Fourth of July and Breaking News From 1776: First News Reports of Independence.
All about the Statue of Liberty.
Dave Barry’s excellent 1998 column for the 4th of July.
Videos: The Science of Fireworks and of Barbecue.
Kaboom! 10 Facts About Firecrackers That Will Blow You Away. Related: PBS’s description of various fireworks effects, and a quiz.
America The Beautiful: the story of the song.
Top Ten Movies For The Fourth Of July, Five Awesome American Flag Scenes in Movies, and how Independence Day, which defined modern summer movies, came about.
When in the course of human events . . . here’s the full text of the Declaration of Independence. Read it yourself, and to your kids, at least once a year.
Independence Days from science fiction.
Have a safe and happy Fourth of July!