Published in Internet Newsroom's June 1997 issue.

Independence Day is a time for family gatherings, backyard barbecues, and fireworks. Let's celebrate the freedom of our nation on the Internet, where we'll find historical sites as well as sites for food, fun, and games.

A site that offers a little bit of everything is Independence Day on the Net. Read the history behind the July 4, 1776, signing of the Declaration of Independence, study the text of the Declaration of Independence itself, or watch a fireworks display online, with patriotic music playing in the background. If that's not enough, the site also features a recipe for an American tradition, Mom's Apple Pie.

If you'd like a site that's rich with heritage, visit the 4th of July--Independence Day site. You can listen to a Fourth of July address from President Clinton or a child's rendition of the Star Spangled Banner. View a fireworks display or learn about fireworks safety. Read the history of the American flag and learn how to show proper respect. Or, you can prove how patriotic you are by taking a multiple-choice test. The site also features links to government resources and to other historical sites.

Let's meet John Philip Sousa who wrote "The Stars and Stripes Forever" and learn about Sousa's Band, one of the most famous bands in American history. Each month, the site features a complete recording of a special Sousa march in RealAudio or MIDI formats. Or, you can listen to all of Sousa's compositions, with nearly 100 sound clips and MIDI files available.

A wonderful site that contains a full history of our struggle for independence is From Revolution to Reconstruction and What Happened Afterward. Learn how the frontier fostered self-reliance, about the first stirring of unity, and how the Colonists resisted.

When searching for Independence Day sites, we mustn't forget Betsy Ross. At her homepage, you can learn the history of the flag, study her life, or tour her home. Visit the American Flags Picture Gallery or read flag laws or trivia. Or, you can learn how to cut a five-pointed star with one snip of your scissors.

Take a tour of over 65 historic sites in Philadelphia's Historic District. Visit the Liberty Bell, Carpenters' Hall, and Independence Hall. Or, read about Valley Forge, the six-month encampment of the Continental Army of the newly formed United States of America under the command of General George Washington.

Are you interested in how different areas celebrate Independence Day? At EventSeeker, the World Events Calendar, you can see what celebrations are taking place and where. For example, you can see the Firecracker Hoedown '97 in Boston, the Fourth of July Parade and celebration in Avalon, California, or the Coronado Independence Day 15K/5K Run/Walk.

Are you interested in adding some new barbecue recipes to your old tried and true? The Kitchen Link features links to sites such as the BBQ'ing Home page, Barbecue and Charcoal Grill Home Page, and Chuck Wagon Cooking Recipes. These recipes are sure to make your mouth water.

If some activity is needed after a heavy July 4 meal, consider dragging your family into a game of volleyball. Schneid's Volleyball page features ways to improve your game, volleyball rules, and offensive and defensive schemes. You can even learn how to build a sand court.

If it's raining outside, check out John's Word Search Puzzle on Independence Day. It's sure to keep you, or the kids, occupied for a while.

Begin your preparations for a memorable July 4 now . . . on the Internet.

Robin Nobles is a freelance writer who can be reached at robinnobles@robinsnest.com.

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