Across America

Parades, fireworks, and cookouts are just some of the ways that families spend their Fourth of July.  Nearly every city and town in America celebrates the Fourth in some fashion.

This Fourth of July will be a particularly special time as many gather together to reflect over the past months in the land.  Perhaps there is no better way to celebrate America than by visiting some of the country’s best-known landmarks.  Therefore, for the month of July, I challenge all families to visit one new landmark in their city or state.  Not only is it a great way to learn more about where you live, but also a great way to pay tribute to our land.

Here are some suggestions to get you started:

• Statue of Liberty: Ellis Island, New York:  Aside from the US flag, Lady Liberty is the other famous symbol of freedom.  The statue was given as a gift of international friendship from the people of France to the United States.  Interesting factoid:  According to the website, Statue of Liberty Facts, the seven spikes on her crown represent either the Seven Seas or the seven continents.
• Mt. Rushmore:Keystone, South Dakota:  This is the largest work of art on earth.  Each face is 60 feet high.  It is said that if the bodies were fully carved, they would stand 465 feet tall.
• Grand Canyon: Grand Canyon, Arizona:  Grand Canyon was formed about 5 million years ago and some of the rocks on the bottom maybe as old as 2 billion years.  The Inner Canyon is only accessible by mule or rafting the Colorado River, which flows through the Canyon.
• Liberty Bell: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania:  The bell rang in E flat and cracked the first time that it was rung.  There are three known recordings of the bell; two of which were made in the 1940’s for radio stations and the third is said to be owned by Columbia Records.

• Taos Pueblo: Taos, New Mexico:  Pueblo is Spanish for village or people.  Taos Indians built the pueblos over 600 years ago.
• Independence Rock: Casper, Wyoming:  A landmark for pioneers traveling along the Oregon Trail.  People scratched or painted their names on the rock and the names still visible today.
• Boston Public Garden: Boston, Massachusetts:  The first botanical garden in the United States, many visitors enjoy riding in the Swan boats.
• Paramount Theater: Hollywood, California:  Consider the oldest and historical studio in Hollywood.  Paramount claims to be the only studio to be actually is located in Hollywood.

Big or small, tall or large, there is a lot to see in America.  Don’t wait – get started and see the sites.  Make this the month to honor America.  Have a save Fourth and a great July.