The Spirit of '76

July 4th isn't intended to be a military-themed holiday. And it's far more than picnics and fireworks.

Independence Day should honor the nation's citizens who chose to rise up, threw off the shackles of tyranny, and marched to the drum beat of liberty. And it should celebrate those who hold true to the spirit that gave birth to these United States.

Spirit of '76 parade, circa 1900
Bain News Service photo collection/Library of Congress