A staff report
The Fourth of July—also known as Independence Day or July 4th—has been a federal holiday in the United States since 1941, but its origins trace back to the 18th century and the American Revolution. On July 2nd, 1776, the Continental Congress voted in favor of independence, and two days later, delegates from the 13 colonies adopted the Declaration of Independence, a historic document drafted by Thomas Jefferson. From 1776 to the present day, July 4th has been celebrated as the birth of American independence, with festivities ranging from fireworks, parades, and concerts to more casual family gatherings and barbecues.
A Brief History of Independence Day
According to History.com, when the initial battles of the Revolutionary War broke out in April 1775, few colonists desired complete independence from Great Britain, and those who did were considered radical. However, by mid-1776, many colonists had come to favor independence, driven by growing hostility against Britain and the spread of revolutionary sentiments like those expressed in Thomas Paine’s bestselling pamphlet, “Common Sense,” published in early 1776.
On June 7, 1776, the Continental Congress met at the Pennsylvania State House (later Independence Hall) in Philadelphia, where Virginia delegate Richard Henry Lee introduced a motion calling for the colonies’ independence. Amid heated debate, Congress postponed the vote on Lee’s resolution but appointed a five-man committee—including Thomas Jefferson, John Adams, Roger Sherman, Benjamin Franklin, and Robert R. Livingston—to draft a formal statement justifying the break with Great Britain.
On July 2nd, the Continental Congress voted in favor of Lee’s resolution for independence in a near-unanimous vote (the New York delegation abstained but later voted affirmatively). John Adams believed that July 2nd would be celebrated as the birth of American independence and reportedly turned down invitations to appear at July 4th events in protest. Adams and Thomas Jefferson, the latter of whom drafted the Declaration of Independence, both died on July 4, 1826, the 50th anniversary of its adoption.
The Evolution of Celebrations
In the pre-Revolutionary years, colonists celebrated the king’s birthday with the ringing of bells, bonfires, processions, and speechmaking. During the summer of 1776, some colonists marked the birth of independence by holding mock funerals for King George III, symbolizing the end of the monarchy’s hold on America and the triumph of liberty.
The first public readings of the Declaration of Independence were accompanied by concerts, bonfires, parades, and the firing of cannons and muskets. Philadelphia held the first annual commemoration of independence on July 4, 1777, while Congress was still occupied with the ongoing war. In 1778, George Washington marked the occasion by issuing double rations of rum to all his soldiers. Massachusetts became the first state to make July 4th an official state holiday in 1781.
After the Revolutionary War, Americans continued to commemorate Independence Day annually, in celebrations that allowed the new nation’s emerging political leaders to address citizens and create a feeling of unity. By the last decade of the 18th century, the two major political parties—the Federalist Party and the Democratic-Republicans—began holding separate Fourth of July celebrations in many large cities.
Modern-Day Celebrations and How to Celebrate
The tradition of setting off fireworks on the Fourth of July began in Philadelphia on July 4, 1777, during the first organized celebration of Independence Day. Ship’s cannon fired a 13-gun salute in honor of the 13 colonies, and the Pennsylvania Evening Post reported a grand exhibition of fireworks. This tradition continues today, with fireworks being a central part of Independence Day celebrations.
For those looking to celebrate the Fourth of July in a meaningful and fun way, here are some ideas:
- Fireworks Displays: Enjoy a local fireworks show. Goldston’s Beach at 1608 White Lake Drive will host a free fireworks display in White Lake at 9 PM. Spectators are invited to watch from anywhere they feel comfortable, even on the water, to “light up the night sky at White Lake.”
- Parades and Concerts: Attend a local parade or concert. Many cities and towns host parades that feature floats, marching bands, and community groups, as well as concerts that showcase patriotic music.
- Family Gatherings and Barbecues: Host a family barbecue or picnic. Gather friends and family for a casual get-together, complete with traditional American foods like hot dogs, hamburgers, and apple pie.
- Historical Reenactments: Participate in or watch a historical reenactment. Many communities hold reenactments of Revolutionary War battles or the signing of the Declaration of Independence.
- Community Events: Join community events and activities. Many towns host fairs, carnivals, and other festivities that offer a fun way to celebrate the holiday with neighbors and friends.
- Decorate with Patriotic Themes: Decorate your home with red, white, and blue. Show your patriotic spirit by adorning your house with flags, banners, and other decorations that celebrate the nation’s independence.
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