Here are 8 of the American-est things you can do to celebrate the 4th of July

Every July 4th, we celebrate our independence by displaying our patriotic spirit and pride in all things American. Here are some ideas to help you celebrate America and all its glory the right way! 1. Recite the Pledge of Allegian…

Updated Jul 3, 2022 8:28 PM PDT

A group of children standing with their right hands over their hearts, holding small American flags. The children are dressed in casual clothing, including a yellow shirt, white shirt, and red shirt. They appear to be participating in a patriotic event or ceremony.

Every July 4th, we celebrate our independence by displaying our patriotic spirit and pride in all things American. Here are some ideas to help you celebrate America and all its glory the right way!

1. Recite the Pledge of Allegiance

A group of children standing with their right hands over their hearts, holding small American flags. They appear to be participating in a patriotic ceremony or event. The children are dressed casually, with one boy in a yellow shirt, another in a white shirt, and another in a red shirt. The background includes some equipment and a partially visible adult. — U.S. Air Force

Find an American flag and recite the Pledge of Allegiance. (And listen to the words as you say them.)

2. Attend a Naturalization ceremony

One of the most patriotic things you can do is support our nation’s newest citizens by attending a naturalization ceremony. Each year, cities and some overseas military installations host these ceremonies on the 4th of July. Many of these individuals have been waiting years to become citizens and some have even served in the military. According to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, more than 7,000 new citizens will be welcomed this year. To see if there is a ceremony in your town, please check out this link: https://www.uscis.gov/news/news-releases/celebrating-independence-day-naturalization-ceremonies-0

Spc. Samuel Diaz and 155 other service memembers take the Oath of Citizenship during a naturalization ceremony July 4 2010 in the Al Faw Palace rotunda at Camp Victory, Iraq U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, administered the Oath of Citizenship. (DoD Photo by Lee Craker)

3. Head to the ballpark

A nighttime baseball stadium filled with spectators during the 2013 World Series. Players from both teams are lined up along the first and third base lines, facing home plate. The field is well-lit with large floodlights, and a giant American flag is displayed in the outfield. Several groups of people stand on the field holding flags, and the scoreboard shows a salute or anthem ceremony. The stadium is adorned with various advertisements, including Coca-Cola, Bank of America, and New Balance. — U.S. Air Force

They don’t call it America’s pastime for nothing. Baseball was born right here in the good ole USA. Have some peanuts and cracker jacks and enjoy the ball game. And don’t forget to stick around for the seventh inning stretch.

4. Watch Nathan’s Famous 4th of July Hot Dog eating contest

Nathan’s Famous Hot Dog eating contest is an American staple held each year on America’s birthday. This year marks the 100^th Anniversary of Nathan’s Famous. There is something very American about watching men and women chow down processed meat to earn the title of hot dog eating champion and a shiny championship belt.

5. Grill out and have a cold one

Watching grown men and women scarf down as many hot dogs as possible in 10 minutes can make you hungry. So do what Americans do best and fire up the grill. Cook yourself a massive steak, have a mountain of potato salad, and enjoy a nice cold beverage in the company of friends and family.

6. Eat a slice of Apple pie

A slice of apple pie with a golden crust, topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, served on a white rectangular plate. The pie filling is visible with cinnamon sprinkled on top, and the plate is placed on a blue and white checkered tablecloth. — Wikimedia Commons

After stuffing your face with BBQ food, grab yourself a slice of apple pie. Adding a scoop of vanilla ice cream will only make it taste better.

7. Watch the Fireworks

Fireworks in blue, white, and light green colors burst in the night sky above an airport runway, where two military transport planes are parked. The scene includes a control tower with a red light on the left side and some buildings in the background. Smoke from the fireworks partially obscures the sky. — (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Brieana E. Bolfing)

Fireworks have been a part of Fourth of July festivities since the first anniversary of the nation’s independence. Thousands of public firework displays will be held from coast-to-coast for the public to check out. If you chose to do your own fireworks, please be careful. Safety first!

8. Thank a veteran or current service member

This one is pretty easy and will make our forefathers proud!

Happy 4^th of July everyone!

Let us know what other great American things to do on the 4^th of July in the comments.

Follow Alex Licea on Twitter at @alexlicea82