July 4th – more than a holiday

July 4th means different things to different people.

To some, it’s a celebration of the birth of a great nation. (With the emphasis being perhaps on the celebration, than on the significance of the nation’s birth!)

To others, it’s a reminder of the gifts that our forefathers fought to bring us – independence, freedom, liberty – whatever you call it, it’s something many of us take for granted.  It shouldn’t take long to realize how fortunate we are. There are millions of people who don’t enjoy what we now believe is a right. Whether it is freedom of speech or the right to vote and elect our leaders, the citizens of the free world have much to be grateful for, despite all the shortcomings in the ‘flawed system’ we are so quick to point out. So, in a way, July 4th is a solemn reminder of how much further we need to go.

And then there are those of us, for whom, it’s merely a long weekend. “What are your plans for the long weekend in July?” “So, where did you spend the Fourth weekend?” “Where’s your family headed for July 4th?”

Sure, July 4th may be almost synonymous with BBQs, fireworks, road trips, parties and parades. And that’s perfectly fine. But, before you head out to party, why not take a moment to reflect on what this Independence Day means to you and your family. Thanksgiving may be months away. But July 4th is yet another opportunity to appreciate this gift of freedom that we enjoy, and to express our gratitude to the people who make it possible for us to live our lives the way we want. Be it our troops, our political leaders or forefathers, spend a few minutes thinking about them. If you have a long road trip or flight ahead of you, it might be a great time to discuss what this holiday means with your kids. (And don’t be surprised if they seem to know more than you!)

So, if you’ve decided to celebrate a more meaningful Fourth, start with Free Fourth of July Ecards. Send a July 4 th free ecard, printable card or photo cards to your friends and family, reminding them how fortunate we all are to be celebrating a holiday that represents freedom.

So, tell us, what does July 4th mean to you?

4th of July Ecards

It’s almost here! The holiday that kicks off summer with a bang. (Or, on a budget, for some of  us.)
When you think about it, July 4th probably wins hands down when it comes to popular  holidays.
BBQs. Fireworks. Parades. Beach parties. River cruises. Not to mention a blazing summer sun  that almost refuses to set.

Be it LA, Vegas, Chicago or your backyard – regardless of where you are, you pretty much can’t help partying when the whole country is!

If you’re still short of ideas, check out our blog for some of the best places to be this Independence Day. And if you’ve decided to stay home, you can still celebrate in style, even on a shoestring budget.

Free 4th of July Ecards

Whatever you choose to do, be sure to wish your friends and family a fantastic Fourth with Free 4th of July Ecards. Our animated ecards and printable 4th july cards feature a number of Independence Day themes. (If you have a tough time picking just one, go ahead and send as many as you want. They’re still free!)

Free Photo Ecards

Uncle Robert or Cousin Danny can’t make it to your famous Fourth BBQ this year?

Why not send them July 4th Photo Cards? Just pick a picture of you at the grill or the kids playing in the backyard. Select your favorite July 4th theme, type in your message and send it!

Photo Ecards combine the personal touch of a picture postcard with the simplicity of a free ecard. Check it out, as we put the finishing touches on this new feature.

Wishing you and your loved ones a safe and fabulous July 4th!

5 Fun Independence Day Trivia Facts

By Jace Shoemaker-Galloway

Independence Day is right around the corner, which means the lazy days of summer will be in full swing. July 4th is a special holiday many Americans look forward to – picnics, parades, barbeques, pool parties and of course, fireworks. After all, what could be better than spending a warm summer day relaxing and unwinding with friends and loved ones?

Independence Day is of course American’s birthday, when our country declared independence from Great Britain. Here are some fun trivia facts about July 4th.

  1. The first newspaper to publish the Declaration of Independence was the Pennsylvania Evening Post, on July 6th, 1776.
  2. Three United States presidents died on July 4th. Presidents Thomas Jefferson and John Adams died on the 50th anniversary of Independence Day, on the Jubilee of Freedom, in 1826. Both men signed the Declaration of Independence. In 1831, James Monroe died on July 4th.
  3. July 4th was declared a paid federal holiday by the United States Congress in 1938. However, it was later determined that governmental employees of the District of Columbia were not included. In 1941, the declaration was amended to include D.C. employees.
  4. The Declaration’s famous signature by John Hancock is almost 5 inches long.
  5. Benjamin Franklin lobbied for the turkey to be our national bird. He wrote, “For a truth, the turkey is in comparison a much more respectable bird, and withal a true original native of America . . . a bird of courage, and would not hesitate to attack a grenadier of the British guards, who should presume to invade his farmyard with a red coat on.” Unfortunately for Franklin and the turkey, the turkey was outvoted and the bald eagle won.

No matter how you celebrate the holiday this year, Independence Day is as American as baseball, mom and apple pie. Have a happy and safe July 4th! And send free 4th of July Ecards