These incredible photos, taken during the Memorial Day Air Show at Jones Beach, Long Island, New York, were sent to me by a friend whose son, an Air Force Pilot, has served multiple tours of duty in Iraq and Afghanistan.

The Fourth of July

More commonly known as the Fourth of July,  Independence Day honors the birthday of the United States and the adoption of the Declaration of Independence with the United States declaring independence from the Kingdom of Great Britain.  A common mistake  is the belief that Congress signed the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776, when actually, most delegates signed the Declaration on August 2, 1776.  The original Declaration is on display in the Rotunda of the National Archives Building  in Washington DC along with the Constitution of the United States and the Bill of Rights.

The Fourth Of July Is Also A Day Of Soda And Popcorn And Beer

Roll out those lazy, hazy days of summer.  According to the U.S. Census Bureau, 76 million Americans  said they took part in a barbecue last year —  and it is probably a safe assumption that a whole bunch of them took place on Independence Day.  As the SocialDieter  I would be remiss if I didn’t caution you to be mindful of mindless munching.  Enjoy your burgers — but just be aware that it’s way too easy to almost inhale hundreds of calories without thinking about it.  You get to talking, joking, and playing and forget that those chips have calories — and so do the M&Ms, and the ice cream, and the pie, and the strawberry shortcake — and the beer and soda.  Just be heads up about what you’re eating — and enjoy it!

The Fourth Of July Is A Day For Parades And Patriotism

Independence Day is also marked by parades, fireworks, and many displays of patriotism.  And, as my friend, the mother of the Air Force Pilot says, it’s a chance to thank all who served and who are serving.

Happy Fourth of July