1. TAKE TIME TO REFLECT ON YOUR RESIDENCY AND CITIZENSHIP
Whether you are an American by birth or naturalization; a resident or prospective citizen, you have responsibilities, rights and duties. Think, and possibly write, about what have you done and what you are proud of about yourself and the United States. For example, you could write about ways you can you be a civic example or be a better representation of the United States.
2. READ THE DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE
The Declaration of Independence is available online and it's not a complicated read. July 4 is the perfect day to read this historical document and take time to understand what it really stands for.
3. PAY TRIBUTE TO VETERANS AND SERVICE MEMBERS
Freedom has to be fought for. It's rewarding to cherish those that have fought for us. You may send a letter, a care package or hold a donation drive in your neighborhood and gather items to be donated to your nearest VA hospital.
Get some treats, make some cards on July 4 and take them to your nearest fire and police departments or hospital. If you are going somewhere, you might want to bring some goodies for your drivers, bus or train operators, flight attendants and/or pilots.
4. DO A PICNIC OF (OTHER) AMERICAN FOODS
Want something different other than barbecue and hot dogs? Bring German Chocolate cake, Cuban sandwiches, Philadelphia cheese-steaks, popcorn, Key lime pie, nachos and Native fry bread.
5. QUIZ YOURSELF AND TAKE THE USCIS MOCK CITIZENSHIP TEST
Head to the USCIS website and take a mock citizenship test (the four "self-tests" on the website). Prospective Americans have to prepare for the 100-questions citizenship test and this website has useful study tools. See how well you can - you might learn something interesting!
6. READ AN AMERICAN HISTORY NOVEL OR BIOGRAPHY OF A FAMOUS AMERICAN
Pick up a classic that holds cultural significance to American
history or explains fragments of historical events. David McCullough has written prolific stories through his books such as 1776, John Adams, Truman and Mornings on Horseback Howard Zinn's A People's History of the United States and Dee Brown's Bury My Heart at Wounded Kneeare other interesting choices.
7. WATCH AN AMERICAN CLASSIC
Pick something from an American director like Woody Allen, Clint Eastwood, Oliver Stone, Steven Spielberg, Spike Lee, John Hughes, Martin Scorsese or Stanley Kubrick.
8. MAKE A DIFFERENCE
Change can only thrive if there is drive. If you believe that something must be implemented, considered or altered, do something about it! Register to vote, write your concerns to an elected official, or start a petition.
9. SHOP AMERICAN STORES AND/OR PRODUCTS
In addition to taking advantage of Independence Day sales, do some shopping at your local small business or from U.S. sellers on eBay and Etsy. Support local manufacturing and economy!
10. THROW A DISTINCTIVE PARTY
Do a costume party and ask people to dress as their favorite American. Make it more interesting by holding a contest for best and worst dressed, or make your own categories. Have a hot dog bar, with international seasonings and sauces to be chosen by guests, to celebrate multiple cultures in America.
11. FIND RECIPES BY AN AMERICAN CHEF AND COOK DINNER AT HOME.
Celebrate the existence of great American chefs. Find your favorite chef, look up some recipes and make different dishes for a dinner at home.
12. VISIT A NATIONAL LANDMARK OR HISTORIC SITE
Look up historic locations near you and see if you can visit. While national parks are typically closed on holidays, you might be able to enter one or hang out near one, if it's allowed. For example, in New York City, the Statue of Liberty is closed on holidays but people can still go on a boat ride or take the South Ferry around it.
Observe the location where a major occasion took place - visit an Native American reservation or find an iconic location that has significance to the local people and the United States.
13. HOLD A YARD (OR BACKYARD) SALE AND DONATE TO A CAUSE
Gather things that you want to get rid of and hold a yard sale. Regardless of how much money is made, use it to make a donation to a cause. People might be in a shopping mood on July 4, and they will be likely to spend on things with a good value and cause.
14. TAKE A CLASS AND LEARN SOMETHING NEW.
Knowledge is the best tool for progress. Be a better citizen by gaining a new skill or learning new materials. Utilize online learning sites such as edX and Coursera, and take a class on American History, Government or any subject that you find interest. You never know what can come out of it.
15. TRAVEL
Every city has an interesting history and you don't have to go far to find a new city to explore. Choose a city, talk to locals and join in local Independence Day festivities.
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