Independence Day - Blue Star Families

As we celebrate our nation’s independence, we honor the sacrifices and dedication of military families like yours. Your strength and support are the backbone of our nation’s freedom.

As a military and Veteran service organization, we know firsthand that freedom isn’t free, and we stand in our commitment to support service members, Veterans, and their families. We are here to support you every step of the way, no matter where the mission takes you.

Four Ways to 'Do Your Part' this Fourth of July

Blue Star Families empowers communities to support military families year-round through initiatives focused on connection and community, job and economic security, and military youth well-being. Our goal is to ensure that every military family feels at home, no matter where in the world their duties take them.

Below are four ways you can ‘do your part’ to support our country’s military families – and check out more inspirational ideas here!

Do Your Part: Become a Blue Star Volunteer

With events happening down your street and across the nation, you can volunteer to further our mission to be the bridge between military and civilian communities. Plenty of opportunities can fit your schedule — from supporting holiday campaigns to helping us grow our social media presence, hosting meet-ups in your community, and more. And, learn how your neighborhood can welcome all military families by supporting Blue Star Welcome Week 2024!

Become a Volunteer

Do Your Part: Support Companies That Hire Military Spouses

For decades, military spouses have endured an unemployment rate of 20% or higher, three to four times higher than their civilian counterparts – this remains the top concern for active-duty spouse respondents for the sixth consecutive year. The 4+1 Commitment is a way for employers to voluntarily commit to improving military spouse employment outcomes – extend your support by patronizing those who have made this commitment, like Starbucks, T-Mobile, PenFed Credit Union, USAA, Nextdoor, Navy Federal Credit Union, Comcast NBCUniversal, Home Depot, Amazon, Lowe’s, Johnson & Johnson, and Humana.

Learn More About 4+1

What YOU Can Do: Every Little Bit Helps

Support military families in your neighborhood through small, thoughtful actions. Make a meal, bring up trash cans, help find a babysitter (or babysit), cut their grass, or invite them to your Fourth of July BBQ. These simple gestures can make a significant impact in helping our military families feel connected to their community. Check out a complete list of ideas here!

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What YOU Can Do: Donate in Honor of a Loved One

Make a one-time or recurring gift to Blue Star Families’ work in honor of a loved one’s service and sacrifice. Your gift can support Blue Star Families’ efforts to ensure our service members are supported and thriving.

Make a Donation

Join the nation's largest digital community solely focused on supporting military-connected families.

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Fourth of July News & Info

Military spouses gather around a table during a Blue Star Families Coffee Connect event featuring Leslie Coffey from American Corporate Partners

It Takes a Village: Ford Motor Company Does Its Part

In a powerful display of support for military families, Veterans, and survivors, Ford Motor Company recently teamed up with Blue Star Families’ Do Your Part initiative to host the first-ever “Proud to Honor: Bronco Off-Roadeo.” Held against the picturesque backdrop of Horseshoe Bay, Texas, this…

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Embrace Independence Day: Welcoming New Neighbors and Exploring with Blue Star Families

Summer is in full swing and the Fourth of July is here! Independence Day is a day of profound significance for military families, intertwining the celebration of national freedom with personal experiences of service and sacrifice.

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What is the significance of Independence Day?

Independence Day, also known as the Fourth of July, is a federal holiday in the United States commemorating the adoption of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776. It marks the historical event when the Thirteen Colonies declared their independence from Great Britain.

Learn More About Independence Day:

Origins and History

Declaration of Independence
The Declaration of Independence was drafted by Thomas Jefferson and ratified by the Continental Congress on July 4, 1776. It announced that the Thirteen American Colonies, then at war with Britain, regarded themselves as thirteen independent sovereign states no longer under British rule.

Early Celebrations
The first celebrations of American independence took place during the American Revolution. On July 4, 1777, Philadelphia marked the first anniversary with an official dinner, speeches, parades, and fireworks.

Becoming a Federal Holiday
Independence Day was officially declared a federal holiday in 1870, and in 1938, Congress reaffirmed it as a paid holiday for federal employees.

Modern Observance

Fireworks
Fireworks are a major part of Independence Day celebrations, symbolizing the "rockets' red glare" mentioned in the national anthem. Many cities and towns across the country have large fireworks displays.

Parades and Events
Parades, concerts, and community events are common, often featuring patriotic displays, music, and historical reenactments.

Family Gatherings
Many Americans celebrate the holiday with family gatherings, barbecues, picnics, and other social events. It's a time for relaxation and enjoying the summer weather.

National Symbolism
The day is marked by widespread use of American flags, patriotic decorations, and attire. Public and private spaces are often decorated in red, white, and blue.

Significance

Traditions and Cultural Impact

Fireworks Shows
Major cities like New York, Washington D.C., and Boston host some of the largest and most well-known fireworks displays in the country.

Presidential Speech
The President of the United States often delivers a speech on Independence Day, highlighting the significance of the day and the nation's history.

Cultural Celebrations
Various cultural and musical performances, including patriotic songs like "The Star-Spangled Banner" and "America the Beautiful," are integral to the celebrations.