Stanley and the other kids learn what the 4th of July is all about and what the bald eagle means in American history (Also if I get any facts wrong here feel free to correct me so I can edit this!)
Ms Diaz: As you kids know today is the 4th of July! Can anyone tell me why this day is important?
Marci: *Raises hand* I know I know!
Ms Diaz: Yes Marci?
Marci: Its national sidewalk egg frying day!
Stanley: Thats a thing?
Marci: Yeah! At least thats what the internet said.. (Author's note: That actually is on 4th of July btw im not making that up lol)
Ms Diaz: That *is* today but thats not what most people celebrate
Mimi: I know it Ms Diaz! Its Indonesian Day!
Lester: You mean Independence Day?
Mimi: Oh yeah- I meant what Lester said!
Ms Diaz: Thats right! And does anyone know why today is so important?
Lester: Because its the day our founding fathers like George Washington and Benjamin Franklin came together to declare independence from Britain!
Stanley: Wow Lester how do you know so much about the 4th of July?
Lester: My mom loves history so I get it from her!
Marci: I just thought it was a day meant for barbecue and fireworks
Ms Diaz: Thats one way people celebrate it but Lester is exactly right on why today is so monumental! Before any of us were born the United States used to be owned by Great Britain and they ruled the settlers carelessly and on this day in the year 1776 a group of wise men came together and said enough was enough and declared independence from the British
Stanley: What did they do to the settlers Ms Diaz?
Ms Diaz: All sorts of things but one of their biggest concerns was the very high taxes the British imposed on all sorts of goods people needed
Mimi: Yikes! Well at least its not like that now! I'd hate to live during that time!
Ms Diaz: The state we live in Virginia is one of the original 13 colonies and thats why theres so much historical landmarks around here!
Stanley: Ms Diaz? I hear bald eagles are a symbol of America but why is that?
Ms Diaz: Good question Stanley! They mean-
*The bell rings*
Ms Diaz: Oh thats the bell! Alright class you are dismissed! Have a happy 4th of July!
*They all leave the class*
Stanley: I really wanted to know what a bald eagle represented..
Marci: Lester do you know what a bald eagle means? You seem to know a lot about American history
Lester: Sorry guys I dont have a clue-
Mimi: Theres Lionel maybe you can ask him
Stanley: Ok! Hey Lionel!
Lionel: Whats up little bro?
Stanley: Do you know what a bald eagle represents for the 4th of July?
Lionel: Uhhh.. no I dont Stan I thought you would know since you're the animal expert
Stanley: Aw man
Marci: Dont worry Stanley when we get to your house we can ask Dennis and go into the great big book of everything!
Stanley: You're right! Im sure Dennis will know!
Lionel: You're gonna go to the *fish* for that?
Stanley: Yeah! Dennis knows everything so hes sure to help us!
Lionel: Whatever you say little bro-
*They all go to Stanley's house*
Harry: Sooooo explain it to me again dudes.. whats so special about today?
Dennis: *Exhausted from telling him so many times* Today is the day America which is the country we currently reside in gained independence from the British..
Harry: Oh ok!
Elsie: Finally-
Harry: Uhhhh whos the British again?
Dennis and Elsie: Ughhhhh..
Stanley: *Opens door* Hey guys!
Dennis: Oh thank goodness- hello Stanley! Harry's having a bit of trouble figuring out whats so special about today
Elsie: And by a bit of trouble he means a *lot* of trouble
Harry: Sorry dudes I just dont know who this George Washingmachine guy is! Did he invent laundry?
Lester: Actually his name is George Washington and he was the first president of the United States after the American Revolution!
Dennis: Wow Lester you seem to know quite a bit about American history
Lester: I get it from my mom! She loves history!
Stanley: Dennis do you know why bald eagles are a symbol of America?
Dennis: The bald eagle represents strength and freedom! Which are some of the founding ideals of the country!
Marci: But *why* the bald eagle specifically? Why not something like a peacock or a hawk?
Mimi: Or a flamingo!
Harry: Or a dog! I think a dog would make a great symbol!
Elsie: Thats where you'd be wrong Harry a cat would make a much better symbol..
Dennis: Well I know where we can go to learn about *why* the bald eagle was chosen as our national bird!
Stanley: I do too! In the great big-
Dennis: No stop! Dont say it!
Stanley: Whats wrong Dennis?
Dennis: *Pointing to Harry and Elsie* You know..
Harry: What? Why are you pointing at us dude?
Elsie: Yeah we didnt do anything
Mimi: Im confused..
Dennis: Dont say the name of the book! You know what will happen..
Lester: You mean the great big book of everything?
Dennis: Lester no!
Harry and Elsie: ITSSSSSSSSSS THEEEEEEEEE.. great big book of everything with everything inside! See the world around us! This book's the perfect guide!
Dennis: Can I declare independence from you and this song!
Harry and Elsie: The bald eagle is our national bird so lets confirm what we've hearrrrrrrrrrd!
Dennis: Ok now that thats done.. lets get started shall we?
Stanley: Bald eagle.. that starts with B! *Opens book to bald eagles*
Mimi: Wait I thought bald eagles were supposed to be bald? That one isnt bald at all!
Harry: Yeah that sounds like false advertising to me dude!
Dennis: Hehe they arent actually bald Harry and Mimi they are called that because the word bald used to mean white headed which refers to the white feathers on their head
Stanley: I also learned about how they can see from very far away!
Lester: So *thats* where the expression "You have the eyes of an eagle" comes from!
Marci: Im still curious as to why they chose this bird as our symbol specifically
Stanley: Well lets go in the book and find out!
Harry: We're right behind ya dude!
Lester: Yeah lets go!
Everyone: Into the book to have some fun! Yahoo! *They jump in and they all dawn 1700s clothing*
Elsie: What is this place?..
Marci: And why are we dressed so weird?
Mimi: Its not weird Marci I like how I look!
Dennis: I agree I look rather dashing dont I? Not that I dont always look handsome though
Harry: You look cool dude!
Dennis: Why thank you Harry
Elsie: That doesnt answer my question- where are we?
Dennis: We're in Philadelphia where the founding fathers signed the Declaration of Independence!
Marci: Wheres Philadelphia at? Is it in the state we live in?
Dennis: *Pulls down a map and points to Pennsylvania* Philadelphia is in the northeastern state of Pennsylvania which was one of the original 13 colonies!
Lester: I went to Philadelphia last month and it didnt look like this!
Dennis: Thats because we're not in the present we're in the past! 1776 to be precise! When America declared its independence!
Harry: How come these British guys were so bad?
Dennis: The settlers here felt oppressed and felt the British government wasnt governing on behalf of the people which led to events such as the Boston Massacre and the Boston Tea Party
Marci: I see some guys over there in that room! Who are they?
Lester: Those are some of the founding fathers like Thomas Jefferson!
Dennis: And it appears they are getting ready to sign the declaration of independence!
Thomas Jefferson: *Reads the declaration* We hold these truths to be self evident that all men are created equal
Marci: Just men? What about women?
Mimi: Yeah I dont see any ladies in there..
Dennis: Errr thats a lesson for another time girls..
Elsie: I dont see any bald eagles Dennis..
Stanley: Yeah where do the bald eagles come in?
Dennis: I think we should jump to another page so we can skip a few years into the future
Everyone: Ok!
*They jump to the next page*
Stanley: Where are we now?
Harry: And why are still dressed all fancy?
Elsie: Im quite fond of this dress I have on.. *Twirls a bit in it*
Mimi: Me too!
Dennis: That was just the fashion choices of the time Harry
Harry: Well whatever the case I think Elsie looks excellente! And so do you Mimi!
Mimi: Thanks Harry! I feel like a princess!
Elsie: *Blushes* Heheh thanks Harry.. *Licks him and nuzzles*
Harry: Anytime dudette! You look great in anything!
Elsie: Why do you think I have so many costumes! But you dont look too bad yourself ya know-
Dennis: Ahem-
Elsie: Oh sorry- got a little carried away..
Dennis: Right.. now to get back on track we're in 1782 which is 6 years after the declaration was signed and the constitution was ratified
Stanley: Consti what?
Lester: The constitution! Its what lists off all the freedoms we have!
Dennis: Hes right! And in our time there are more amendments than there were in the past meaning even more rights and freedoms for us all! For instance *spins around* can you tell me what the first amendment of the constitution is?
Harry: Uhhh the right to play fetch!
Elsie: No Harry- they didnt write it with dogs in mind
Lester: I know! Free speech!
Stanley: Boy you're good at this Lester
Lester: Thank you!
Dennis: Correct! The first amendment gives us all the right to freely say anything and practice any religion! Good job!
Harry: So what are we doing in 1782? Is this where the tea party in Boston happens?
Mimi: Oooh a tea party? I love tea parties!
Dennis: Thats not what they mean when they call it the "Boston Tea Party" that was when the colonialists threw out a bunch of tea into the Boston Harbor as a form of protest against high taxes on tea
Stanley: So what *are* we doing here then?
Dennis: *Points* Over there is Charles Thomson the man who thought of the idea to make the bald eagle our national bird! We originally had it as the white eagle but Charles thought a bald eagle better symbolized our country's strength and resilience!
Stanley: Hes right it does look cooler!
Harry: The eagle looks like one tough dude!
Dennis: Thats precisely why the bald eagle was chosen Harry! A tough country needs a tough symbol and the bald eagle was perfect!
Joyce: *Calling from downstairs of the house* Stanley! Your dad is getting the barbecue ready!
Stanley: Oh boy its barbecue time!
Harry: Mmmmm hotdogs my favorite!
Elsie: Why do you even like hotdogs Harry? They're all floppy and gross-
Harry: No they're not Elsie they're really good you should try it!
Dennis: Is everyone ready to celebrate!
Everyone: Yeah!
*They all jump out of the book and head to the backyard*
Mark: Hey kids! You're just in time I got the grill running and we're gonna have some good old fashioned hamburgers and hotdogs!
Lionel: Somehow burgers and dogs always taste better on 4th of July
Mark: Its like my great uncle Stew said at the ranch the fresh air heightens the senses which makes it taste better!
Harry: Did he say dogs?! I dont wanna be eaten dude!
Stanley: Dont worry Harry he didnt mean it like that he just shortened the word hotdog
Joyce: So how was school Stanley?
Stanley: It was great mom we learned all about why today is so special!
Mimi: Yeah we learned all about the founding fathers and what they did for this country!
Lester: And Dennis taught us all about what the bald eagle represents for America!
Joyce: Dennis told you that?
Stanley: Yeah he did hes super smart!
Dennis: *Blushing* Oh do go on haha..
Joyce: You got an active imagination kiddo
Lionel: Yo dad are the burgers and dogs ready yet?
Mark: Almost! Just gotta do one last flip on the patties *Flips in the air and it lands on the grill* yes got them to land 4 times in a row!
Joyce: *Rolls eyes playfully* You're such a showoff honey
Mark: Nah I just love grilling! Ok everyone food's ready!
Stanley: Alright!
Mark: *Gets hotdog for Harry and throws to him* Here you go boy!
Harry: Woof! *Catches and eats*
Elsie: Yuck
Harry: Come on Elsie give it a try!
Elsie: Oh alright fine- *Bites into the other end* well.. I guess its not so bad
Harry: I told you you'd like it!
*At night*
Mimi: Your dad makes the *best* burgers Stanley
Stanley: He does! They were really good!
Marci: But nothing beats your mom's corn on the cob! How does she do it Stan?
Stanley: I dont know she says its a secret!
Mimi: I hope you remembered not to eat so much corn like you did last year Marci
Marci: Ugh.. believe me sis I learned my lesson from that..
Elsie: I did like going back to colonial America it was interesting seeing the founding fathers up close
Dennis: It certainly was! And seeing how the bald eagle came to be our national bird!
Lester: It symbolizes strength and freedom!
Harry: And its one cool looking dude!
Mimi: I also learned that bald eagles arent actually bald
Stanley: Yeah they're just called that because of the white feathers on their head
Mark: You kids ready to see the best part of the night?
Mimi: What is it?
Marci: Fireworks of course! They're really cool!
Harry: What are fireworks?
Dennis: You'll see in a second Harry
*Fireworks start shooting off*
Harry: AHHHHHH *Clings onto Stanley* why are they so loud?!
Stanley: Its ok Harry they wont hurt you
Elsie: Im with Harry on this they're way too loud for my taste-
Joyce: Dont they look beautiful?
Mark: Yeah they do but not as beautiful as you honey!
Joyce: Hehe stop it Mark *Kisses him*
Lionel: Yeah I think I'll just watch from inside to get away from all this mushy stuff *Goes inside*
Harry: *Sees what Mark did and decides to do it with Elsie* Hey Elsie you know whats more pretty than those fire thingies?
Elsie: They're called fireworks Harry and what?
Harry: You!
Elsie: I know you just saw Stanley's dad say that to his mom and thought it'd work on me-
Harry: Awww..
Elsie: But.. *Puts her paw on his* I still appreciate it
Harry: So it *did* work?
Elsie: Maaaaybe..
Harry: Yay! *Licks her*
Elsie: And this is why I love you you're so silly
Harry: Awww thank you! Being silly is really fun you should try it more!
Elsie: Oh get over here you big goober *Hugs and kisses him* I love you Harry..
Harry: *Hugs back* And I love you more Elsie!
Elsie: No *I* love you more haha!
Dennis: *Talks to camera* Do you know or live with a couple of saps everyday? Cause I certainly do
Harry: *Cuddles up against Elsie* Now this is the life.. hanging with my dudes and dudettes watching some wicked fireworks! Even if they're really loud..
Dennis: Thats the best part about all of these holidays Harry! You spend them together!
Stanley: Yeah im glad to have friends like you Dennis
Dennis: So am I Stanley!
Marci and Mimi: So are we!
Lester: And me!
Harry: Happy 4th of July dudes! *Licks everyone*
Dennis: I forgot what it was like to have dog slobber all over me-
Elsie: Welcome to my world Dennis
Dennis: In any case- happy Independence Day everyone! Make sure to celebrate this country with pride and share it with your friends and family! *Salutes*
Lester: *Makes a bald eagle sound* That was happy 4th of July in bald eagle!
Dennis: That was pretty good Lester!
Lester: Thanks Dennis!
Everyone: Happy Independence Day!
Hooray another fanfic done! I know I havent written anything in a while but thats what we call writers block lol I hope you enjoyed this story! If you'd like make sure to review! Oodelay see you next time!