Celebrating Independence: How Government Agencies Honor July 4th
Celebrating Independence: How Government Agencies Honor July 4th
Commemorating the birth of the United States, the July 4th holiday holds a special place in the hearts of many Americans. In addition to watching the fireworks against the Washington, DC skyline and enjoying the annual Capitol Fourth concert on the National Mall, many government agencies also honor the July 4th holiday.
Here are some examples:
The National Park Service (NPS): As custodians of America's natural wonders, the NPS plays a vital role in celebrating July 4th. Not only does NPS provide the perfect backdrop for any July 4th-related family gathering, but they also host a number of events for Independence Day.
DoD Honors Service Members and Families with Discounts: For July 4, 2023, service members and families are being honored with a variety of discounts. These include free access to many museums to discounts at retailers such as Target and Walgreens.
The State Department: The State Department is offering a wide-range of educational resources about the July 4th holiday as part of its American English program aimed at various consulates around the world.
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA): Some Veterans can face difficulties – such as sound irritability and sensitivities to fireworks – during traditional Independence Day celebrations. Thankfully, the VA offers tips for how Veterans can safely celebrate the July 4th holiday.
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS): Each year, USCIS celebrates Independence Day by welcoming new U.S. citizens with naturalization ceremonies between July 1st and July 8th. Last year, the agency welcomed 6,600 new citizens through a wide-range of naturalization events.
The Bureau of Land Management: To keep July 4th celebrations safe, the Bureau of Land Management is offering these simple tips to help prevent wildfires, protect communities and reduce unnecessary risk to fire fighters.
These examples demonstrate the wide-ranging involvement of various government agencies in honoring the July 4th holiday. Each agency brings a unique perspective and contributes to the celebration in ways that align with their core missions.
Whether through cultural events, historical exhibitions, or acts of appreciation towards Veterans, these agencies play a vital role in fostering unity and pride for the nation's independence.
Makpar wishes everyone a safe and happy July 4th holiday!