Celebrate Independence Day with Social Media

By: Angela Raleigh, Account Executive, Leonard & Finco Public Relations, Inc.:

This coming weekend, individuals and families will celebrate Americas’ independence. It’s a day full of parades, picnics, barbeques and watching fireworks. But it’s also a day of reflection on why we celebrate this holiday and it’s a great opportunity to remember our troops that fight for our country.

Fortunately, social media networks provide individuals and families the opportunity to communicate with loved ones who are not able to make it home for the holiday. But as you may know social media networks also act as a gathering place for information and sharing about common topics or subjects. Three social media outlets in particular are most commonly used by individuals wanting to share messages, photos, in-depth information and videos with those who are close and far from home during this time of year.

• Twitter, love it or hate it, is a powerful tool when it comes to holiday news. A number of Twitter hash tags are already in use to celebrate the 4th of July and to remember our troops including #July4th, #IndependenceDay and #WhyWeCelebrate.

• Facebook allows for more in-depth sharing of information. Groups of people come together and follow something they believe, or want information about, by “liking” a page. There are many pages that have been created dedicated to the Fourth of July.

• And of course there is YouTube, which provides the power of visuals. Expect to see video sharing of parades and firework shows throughout the weekend.

We have the freedom to network via digital technology and we are free to choose how we integrate our digital world with our daily lives. If you choose to tweet on Twitter or post on Facebook or YouTube, consider using one of the above hash tags to let those in your social network know how and why you are celebrating this Fourth of July.

Why is it that you celebrate Independence Day? Is it a family tradition or maybe you have a family member or friend that is serving our country? Also, how do you celebrate Independence Day? Do you participate in a local parade, have a barbeque or watch the sky light up with fireworks?

I wish everyone a Happy Fourth of July weekend.