A publication date of July 4 makes me want to give a shout out to our southern (and some northern) cousins.
For two countries so inextricably linked, the founding of our respective nations are very different. In some ways, Canadians tend to know their history better than ours.
Theirs, of course, is much more steeped in mythology. General George Washington's battlefield mastery, Benjamin Franklin's deal with the French, Benedict Arnold's treachery, Paul Revere's midnight ride.
"The British are Coming! The British are coming!"
Theirs is a nation born in the blood of revolution.
"And the rockets' red glare; the bombs bursting in air."
Much sexier than a bunch of stuffed shirts negotiating confederacy behind closed doors.
It is interesting to note, though, "The Star-Spangled Banner" was not written about the Revolution as is often mistaken. It was the War of 1812 (actually the War of 1812-1815) during the Battle of Baltimore (Fort McHenry) in September 1814.
In fact, the song, although popular, did not become the national anthem of the United States until much later. By the end of the 19th century it was being used by the navy for flag raisings. In 1916, President Woodrow Wilson declared it the de-facto national anthem, but did not enact it into law. That only happened in 1929.
It is also interesting to note that the 248th birthday Americans are celebrating today, is the anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776 in Philadelphia.
While that signing marked the cutting of ties with Great Britain, it is often forgotten that the Revolutionary War dragged on until 1783.
And, at that time, the fledgling nation was just 13 colonies along the Atlantic seaboard.