Pledge of Allegiance Day
On this day in 1945, the U.S. Congress recognized the Pledge of Allegiance and urged its recitation in American schools.

I pledge allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America, and to the Republic for which it stands, one Nation under God*, indivisible, With Liberty and Justice for all.

*Did you know that “under God” was added in the 1950’s? More info: The Pledge of Allegiance (Independence Day on the Net)

Veterans Day (US)
An American holiday honoring military veterans. Both a federal and a state holiday, the day is largely intended to thank living veterans for their service, to acknowledge that their contributions to United States national security are appreciated, and to underscore the fact that all those who served - not only those who died - have sacrificed and done their duty

It is observed on November 11 which is the anniversary of the signing of the Armistice that ended World War I. (Major hostilities of World War I formally ended at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month of 1918)

photo source: eqqman
source: wikipedia - Veterans Day

“But in the unlikely story that is America,
there has never been anything false…
about hope.”

Barack Obama

Congratulations to our new President!

Election Day (US)

Vote early, vote often.

Well, not really often, but you definitely want to get out and vote today in the US General Election.

Its time for a new President!

photo credit: via flickr

Statue Of Liberty Day
On this day in 1886, the Statue of Liberty was dedicated on Bedloe’s Island in the New York Harbor.

photo credit: via flickr

Columbus Day (US observed)

In fourteen hundred ninety-two
Columbus sailed the ocean blue.

Celebrating Christopher Columbus’ discovery of the Americas (the New World).

In 1492 Columbus left Spain with three ships - the Nina, the Pinta, and the Santa Maria - looking to find an alternative route to India. After sighting land, his fleet eventually landed on what is now know as the Bahamas.

Observed as a national holiday in the US and by Italian-Americans as a celebration of their culture and heritage.

The discovery of the Americas is also celebrated in different countries. Known as Di a de la Raza (Day of the Race) in many Latin American countries, as Di a de las Culturas (Day of the Cultures) in Costa Rica, Discovery Day in the Bahamas, Di a de la Hispanidad in Spain, and Dia de la Resistencia Indi gena (Day of Indigenous Resistance) in Venezuela.*

*source: wikipedia - Columbus Day

One of America’s greatest treasures is its National Park system. Today there are nearly 400 national parks in every state in the Union except Delaware.

So join us as we end our countdown to Independence Day 2008 and our look at our top ten national parks. Why not visit one of them this 4th of July to truly experience America?

Yosemite Valley National Park, California
One of the first wilderness parks in the United States, Yosemite Valley National Park covers 1,200 square miles of mountainous terrain in California’s Sierra Nevada. Best known for its waterfalls, Yosemite also boasts a rich topographical terrain of valleys, meadows and ancient giant sequoias.

Yosemite is open year-round, although during the winter months (November - May), some areas are inaccessible by car due to snow. If you’re planning an Independence Day visit, expect average temperatures in the mid to high 80s with occasional afternoon thundershowers.

Most of Yosemite’s waterfalls come from melted snow in the high country, which means that by July, flow will be low. You’ll still be able to enjoy plenty of blooming wildflowers, though, including elephant’s heads, gentian and shooting stars.

Entrance Fees: $20 per private car, which is good for one week.

For more information: Visit www.yosemite.com or call Yosemite Visitor Information at (209) 372-0200.

In case you missed any of our Top 10 National Parks check out our Top 10 list here.

Happy 4th of July!

Holidays on the Net invites you to celebrate America’s birthday with us. On July 4, 1776, the Continental Congress signed the Declaration of Independence — and a nation was born!

Whether you enjoy BBQs, fireworks or picnics in the park, we’ve got plenty of fun for your 4th of July. To help your family get into the independence spirit, we also have a trove of craft projects and coloring pictures that are perfect for kids young and old.

If you’re a history buff, Independence Day is probably one of your favorite holidays. What better way to relive our nation’s history than to spend its birthday visiting the national monuments and memorials in Washington, DC?

Or you can visit our site for a refresher on the history of the Pledge of Allegiance, the timeline of the American Flag and the full text and signers of the Declaration of Independence. And if you’re a trivia freak, you don’t want to miss our Did You Know? Facts and Figures about July 4th.

Are you planning to host or attend a 4th of July cookout (would it be July 4th if you didn’t?!) Be sure to peruse all our great grill recipes — plus our patriotic pastries, like Mom’s Favorite Apple Pie.

This July 4th, 2008, America will be celebrating its 232nd birthday. We look forward to hosting you at our biggest birthday bash yet!

Happy Holidays,
Holidays on the Net

One of America’s greatest treasures is its National Park system. Today there are nearly 400 national parks in every state in the Union except Delaware.

So join us as we continue our countdown to Independence Day 2008 with a look at our top ten national parks. Why not visit one of them this 4th of July to truly experience America?

Everglades National Park, Florida
America’s largest wetland, the Everglades National Park is home to a diversity of endangered (and dangerous) animals. Furry and scaly friends include the American crocodile, the West Indian manatee, the Florida panther and 27 species of snakes (only 4 are poisonous, though).

If you’re looking for a little adventure this Independence Day, why not take advantage of one of the Everglade’s 47 designated wilderness camp sights — most of which are accessible only by boat.

As you might imagine, summer weather in the Everglades is hot and humid, with temperatures reaching 90 degrees and humidity exceeding 90 percent. Rainy season (and not coincidentally, mosquito season) is June through October, so bring your bug spray. The Everglades National Park is open year-round, 24 hours a day.

Entrance Fees: $10 per private car, good for one week.

For more information: Visit www.everglades.national-park.com or call the Visitor Information at (305) 242-7700.

Check back each day for another Top 10 National Park (or you can cheat and check out our top 10 parks here).

photo credit: via flickr

One of America’s greatest treasures is its National Park system. Today there are nearly 400 national parks in every state in the Union except Delaware.

So join us as we continue our countdown to Independence Day 2008 with a look at our top ten national parks. Why not visit one of them this 4th of July to truly experience America?

Great Smoky Mountains National Park, North Carolina, Tennessee
Ancient mountains, rich deciduous forest and a diversity of animal life characterize the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, which sits astride the North Carolina - Tennessee border.

With over 800 miles of trails, the park is a hiker’s paradise, but visitors also enjoy fishing, picnicking, bird watching and even driving through the park. The Great Smoky Mountains are a sanctuary for protected animals, including the park’s 1,500 bears.

The park is open year-round, 24 hours a day, although some access roads and campgrounds close in winter. If you’re planning an Independence Day trip, you’ll be in good company: The Smoky Mountains are America’s most visited national park.

Entrance Fees: The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is one of the only major parks in the country that doesn’t charge entrance fees.

For more information: Visit http://www.nps.gov/grsm/ or call Visitor Information at (865) 436-1200.

Check back each day for another Top 10 National Park (or you can cheat and check out our top 10 parks here).

photo credit: via flickr