As many of you will be beginning your work weeks around the world, those of us in the U.S. are getting ready for our annual Independence Day holiday July 4. The day has been a federal holiday since 1941, celebrated as the birth of America when delegates from 13 colonies formally adopted the Declaration of Independence July 4, 1776.

Festivities typically include outdoor occasions like barbecues and fireworks. As such, our staff will be off that day.

Helicopter services all around the U.S. are offering Fourth of July firework tours, such as Sundance Helicopters in Las Vegas.

R&WI congratulates its neighbor upstairs — Canada celebrated its 150th anniversary of Confederation July 1. The day marked 150 years since the nation enacted its 1867 Constitution Act, uniting three separate colonies. Canadian father-son Duo Bob and Steven Dengler were set to depart on their mission to circumnavigate the globe in a Bell Helicopter 429.

This week, other nations observing similar holidays include Algeria, Cape Verde, Venezuela, Comoros, Malawi, Cayman Islands and the Solomon Islands.