Celebrations of the Fourth of July will be more spirited this year as our nation marks the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Amid the picnics and fireworks, take some time to reflect on one of the greatest birthday gifts in history – aside from the gift of Jesus to humanity at Christmas – the enduring legacy of freedom. (See Bishop Michael Martin’s column here.) Here are a few ways to celebrate America and learn more about its history from a Catholic perspective.