These days a lot of people like to dress up all different holidays. No longer is the costume just for Halloween. These day’s you can find a costume for any event or holiday. Why not consider dressing up this 4th of July and show your patriotism.

When we celebrate the fourth of July, we are celebrating our independence from Great Britain and the signing of the Declaration of Independence. In an effort to honor these events many people attend parades or events which might include dressing up in costume.

There are iconic costumes to choose from, each having their own special meaning as to what it means to be free and live in our great United States of America.
Creative Commons License photo credit: Tumbleweed:-)Uncle Sam
A classic symbol of freedom is Uncle Sam. Uncle Sam didn’t become an American icon until the War of 1812 but what Uncle Sam stands for is a message for us as a country that became in free in 1776 as well as all the wars we have fought and still fight to this day.

Uncle Sam is always dressed in clothing that represents the flag. A red, white striped pant, a blue jacket and top hat with stars is Uncle Sam’s costume of choice. This icon was used to encourage men to sign up for the Army.

But, did you know that there was a person behind Uncle Sam. His name was Samuel Wilson and he supplied meat to the Army in 1812. The barrels he put his beef in were marked with U.S. and soldiers joked that the initials were for Uncle Sam. So, Samuel Wilson became known as Uncle Sam because he was a support and supplier for solders.

There was also a female personification of Uncle Sam. Her name was Columbia and she was also used to recruit for the Army. She first appeared in 1776 during the Revolutionary war she was an icon to give hope to the army and the country. She also wears clothing that represents the flag.

You will see Columbia wearing a red and white striped dress with a blue shirt and a covering that has white stars. She disappeared out around the 1920’s as an iconic recruiter for our countries battles.

Another symbol you often see in July celebrations is the Statue of Liberty. The US received the statue as a gift from France. She represents our freedom and our democratic life.

The statue has three icons of freedom. First is the torch, then she holds a tablet which includes the date of our independence. The third icon is a broken chain which represents our break and freedom from Great Britain.

The statue was designed after several important females. She represents Libertas, the goddess of freedom. Columbia, a cultural symbol that was used to convey readiness and patriotism to Americans during different war times. To identify and support relationships the designer also used Britannia for the United Kingdom and Marianna to represent France.

To light up the night we celebrate Independence Day with a show of fireworks. Most believe that fireworks were used to reflect the death of “the kings” power over America. History.com indicates that often fireworks were used to celebrate a king’s birthday so to mock the king we used fireworks to show our separation from England.

Today we use many different types of fireworks to end a day of celebrations. There are many different firework celebrations around the nation. You and your family can safely watch and enjoy a fireworks show by visiting a show put on by professionals.

Don’t forget the superheroes of the time. Captain America a fictional superhero that appears in Marvel Comics in 1941 is the alter ego of Steve Rogers. Captain America used a serum, which allowed him to help in wars.

Captain America wears a flag style costume that has the American flag icon on this chest. He uses a shield to not only protect himself but could be used as a weapon against attackers.

Whether you dress up or not reflecting on these symbols of freedom and patriotism this July 4th is a good way to remember why we have this holiday. As you celebrate this year, you can find different party ideas or décor items to ramp up your support of the nation and show your patriotism.