Happy Fourth of July!

In just a couple of days our nation will celebrate Independence Day – (of course) better known as the Fourth of July. This federal holiday is most commonly known for fireworks, parades, barbeques, carnivals, fairs, picnics, concerts, baseball games, family reunions and political speeches and ceremonies, but how many of us really know the origin behind this national holiday?

Unlike Memorial Day that honors those in the military for their service and Labor Day that celebrates the economic and social contributions of workers (traditionally those in the trade and labor organizations), the Fourth of July is actually one of the most important days in our nation’s history, as it honors the legal separation between the (then) original thirteen colonies from Great Britain. The separation actually occurred on July 2, 1776 when the Second Continental Congress voted to approve a resolution of independence, declaring the United States independent from their rulers in Great Britain.

At that time Congress debated and revised the wording of the Declaration, finally approving it on July 4, 1776, but historians have long disputed whether Congress actually signed the Declaration of Independence on July 4 or not even though some of the founding fathers – including Thomas Jefferson, John Adams and Benjamin Franklin – all later wrote that they had signed it on that now illustrious date. Regardless of – or in spite of historical data – the Fourth of July is obviously one of the biggest national traditions within the United States for over 230 years.

As I am sure, everyone celebrates the big holiday in their own way whether it’s with family and friends at a baseball game, having a big BBQ in the back yard or local park, checking out the local fireworks or even taking a trip to some of our nation’s landmarks. Whatever way in which you and your family/friends celebrate this auspicious day in our country’s history, may it be filled with lot of laughs, great food and celebrations (but please do not drink and drive).

And, if you get a chance, make sure to enjoy some of the TV marathons and/or specials that will air over the extended holiday weekend, including (but not limited to) the following:

July 3 from 8 AM to Midnight (USA Network) – NCIS Marathon

July 3 at 12 Noon (History Channel) – Secrets of the Founding Fathers – This program will investigate the history and symbology so prominent in the creation of the United States, and trace the intricate connections of the Founders with Freemasonry, other secret organizations and between each other.

July 3 at 4 PM through July 4 at 4 AM (History Channel) – The Men Who Built America Marathon

July 4 from 6 AM to 6 PM (MTV, CMT and VH1) – Music Independence Day – These cable networks will get back to their roots, devoting an entire day to music.

July 4 from 6 AM through July 5 at 4 AM (USA Network) – Stars, Stripes & Badges NCIS Marathon

July 4 at 8 AM through July 5 at 6 AM (BBC America) – Star Trek: The Next Generation Season 3 Marathon

July 4 at 8 AM through July 5 at 6 AM (Syfy) – The Twilight Zone Marathon

July 4 at 10 AM through 7 PM (SOAPnet) – Life’s a Beach: Beverly Hills 90210 Independence Day Marathon

July 4 (ABC Family) – National Treasure and National Treasure: Book of Secrets Double Feature (check local listings for airtimes)

July 4 through July 7 (AMC) – The Walking Dead Marathons

NOTE: Season 1 marathon on July 4 from 1 PM to 3 AM; Season 2 marathon on July 5 from 1 PM to 3 AM and Season 3 marathon on July 6 from 1 PM to 12:30 AM and July 7 from 1 PM to 9 PM.

July 4 at 5:30 PM (TCM) – The classic film Yankee Doodle Dandy, a musical portrait of composer/singer/dancer George M. Cohan will air.

July 4 at 8 PM, July 5 at 5 PM and July 7 at 2 PM (A&E) – Independence Day – The 1996 blockbuster about humanity fighting off an alien invasion, starring Will Smith, Bill Pullman and Jeff Goldblum will air over the weekend.

July 4 at 8 PM (NBC) – Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks Spectacular

July 4 at 8 PM (PBS) – A Capitol Fourth 2013

July 5 at 6 AM through July 6 at 1 PM (USA Network) – Stars, Stripes & Badges Law & Order: Special Victims Unit Marathon

July 5 from 8 AM to 5 PM (Syfy) – Warehouse 13 Season 4 Marathon

July 6 at 6 AM through July 7 at 6 AM (CLOO) – The Unit Marathon

July 6 and 7 (ABC Family) – Pirates of the Caribbean Movie Weekend (check your local listings for airtimes of all three films)

July 6 at 9 AM through July 2 at 2 AM (USA Network) – Law & Order: SVU Marathon

July 7 at 6 AM through July 8 at 4 AM (CLOO) – Law & Order: Criminal Intent Marathon

July 7 from 9 AM to 11 PM (USA Network) – NCIS Marathon

On behalf of all of us here at NiceGirlsTV, a blessed and fun-filled Fourth of July is extended to all of our readers!

[Sources: Wikipedia and Channel Guide Magazine Blog]