by Joey Watkins

July 4th weekend is upon us.  For many in the United States, it includes a day off work and watching fireworks.

For us family dads, it also offers many of us more time with our family than a usual weekend.

And an opportunity to create another lasting memory with them.

Here are 10 creative ideas to celebrate our country’s birthday with your family this weekend:

1. Have a “USA Birthday” family picnic complete with cake and candles ( don’t forget red, white, and blue icing!)

2. Go to an armed services memorial park and read the plaques together

3. Visit a cemetery and look for soldier gravesites

4. Visit a historic landmark that relates to our country’s “story”

5. Attend a muncipal fireworks display, parade, or other July 4th event

6. Have your own fireworks celebration in your driveway (don’t forget the sparklers)

7. Read the Declaration of Independence to your family

8. Read the history of July 4th, Independence Day, to your family

9. Creatively decorate your yard together with American flags

10. Make a red-white-blue meal or treat with colored ingredients
(Hint: strawberries, blueberries, whipped cream, etc.)

Bonus#11! Serve a family whose dad is overseas in the armed services

We certainly want to remember the many thousands of family dads who are overseas this weekend and are unable to be with their family. We are indebted to you for your sacrifice and service to your country.

Here is a very special video clip of a soldier Dad who returned home from Iraq for a surprise visit to his young son. It chokes me up every time I watch it.