The Fourth of July inspires popular traditions for most Americans — porches draped with red, white and blue decorations, the mark of high summer season.

It could mean gathering with family for a backyard barbecue and chowing down on cheeseburgers or hot dogs, or trekking down to one of North Carolina’s beautiful beaches for a day spent with friends in the salty ocean air. It might mean relaxing on the waterfront in Beaufort County after a day on the Pamlico River, looking at the night sky and waiting for a colorful explosion of fireworks.

However one chooses to celebrate the Fourth of July, it often equates to gathering with friends or loved ones.

But it’s more than that. It is more than just the chance to crack open a beer and a day off of work. July 4 is the day that granted Americans their independence.

On July 4, 1776, with the stroke of a pen, members of the Continental Congress met and adopted the final version of the Declaration of Independence. With that, America was declared free from the rule of Great Britain and King George III.

Today, as residents fire up their backyard grills or head to the river, we must remember what we are celebrating. We must remember the grueling work it took to get to where we are now. We must remember the incredible strength of America’s founding fathers. It’s also a day to honor those who have served the country — those who put their lives on the line in the name of America every single day. Americans owe those backyard barbecues to them.

So, as the July 4 festivities begin today, it’s important to take a minute out of the festivities to appreciate the freedoms we have as Americans.