July 4th, is the most important holiday in the United States. It celebrates the adoption of the Declaration of Independence by the Second Continental Congress on July 4, 1776. The day has always been the occasion for parades and patriotic speeches and for every variety of noisy jubilation. In fact, the firing of cannon and fireworks caused so many injuries, by the early 1900's, ordinances forbidding private pyrotechnics were passed in many cities. Today, Fourth of July fireworks are largely handled by professionals.

Where Fireworks come from

Nobody can imagine the Independence Day without fireworks. Fireworks displays actually have a history. According to scholars, war rockets and explosives were first made in China during the 6th century. The first fireworks were probably firecrackers, also known as Chinese crackers. Firecrackers are still used in China - and elsewhere - to celebrate weddings, births and Chinese New Year. Fireworks finally made a big bang in the U.S. before the Revolutionary War and fireworks displays have been synonymous with the Fourth of July since the signing of the Declaration of Independence. The biggest U.S. fireworks display ever was staged for the centenary of the Statue of Liberty in 1986, which brought together Zambelli, Grucci and Souza, the biggest names in modern-day American pyrotechnics.

Liberty Bell- one of the essential relics of the 4th of July

It is a pre-Revolutionary War relic that was first hung in 1753 in the newly finished Pennsylvania State House, the building that would eventually become Independence Hall. The bell is inscribed with the words Proclaim Liberty throughout the land. It was rung on the adoption of the Declaration of Independence in July 1776, inaugurating an Independence Day tradition that was observed every year (with the exception of 1777-78, when the bell was removed and hidden from the British occupiers of Philadelphia) until 1846. Enjoy the holiday as much as you can and do not forget to spoil yourself with something delicious!

Why not trying "The All American Dessert" (Serves 12-16)

4 cups boiling water 1 pkg (8 serving Jello-O Brand, red flavor); 1 pkg (8 serving Jello-O Brand, Berry Blue flavor ;2 cups cold water ;1 tub (8 oz) Cool Whip;4 cups Entenmann's All Butter Pound Loaf cubes;2 cups sliced strawberries; stir 2 cups boiling water into each flavor of gelatin in separate bowls 2 min. or until completely dissolved.

Stir 1 cup cold water into each bowl. Pour into separate 13" x 9" pans. Refrigerate at least 3 hours or until firm. Cut into 1/2' cubes. Layer gelatin cubes, whipped topping, cake and strawberries in 3-qt serving bowl. Garnish with remaining whipped topping and Jell-O Star Jigglers (Optional) 13" x 9" pans. Refrigerate at least 1 hour or until ready to serve.