In Rome, the games in honor of Apollo (ludi Apollinares) were originally held on July 13. They proved so popular that they were extended backward for a week and began on July 6. In the US, the major holiday in July is Independence Day, and it is celebrated with stirring Sousa marches and
Fireworks on the Fourth
Higgledy-Piggledy
Month named for Julius --
Former Quintilis now
Changed to July --
Once hosted ludi, but
Second-millennial
Holiday festivals
Light up the sky.