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| Independence Day Celebration in Centre Square, Philadelphia (a depiction of the celebrations of July 4th 1819, by John Lewis Krimmel) |
Separation of Thirteen
Colonies
The history of the independence of the United States can be
traced back to the separation of the Thirteen Colonies during the American
Revolution, which took place on July 2, 1776. At this time the Second
Continental Congress gave its nod to a declaration of independence from Great
Britain with Richard Henry Lee from Virginia State as its proponent.
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| This is a high-resolution image of the United States Declaration of Independence |
When the voting for independence was done, Congress gave
more thought on the Declaration of Independence, a formal announcement
containing the rationale of the act of granting the independence as written by
Thomas Jefferson of the Committee of five. After a brief discussion in the
House, the Declaration was signed and approved on July 4 of same year.
Date of Declaration
vs. Date of Resolution
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| Portrait of Thomas Jefferson by Rembrandt Peale in 1800 |
There was an initial debate on the actual date of U.S.
Independence because of the two-day difference from the signing of the
resolution to the real date of declaration. It is clarified that Americans mark
July 4 as their Independence Day based on the Declaration made on this day
itself as against July 2 when Congress approved the Resolution.
Although the date of the Independence Day has been resolved,
there were still more disputes among historians that the Declaration was signed
on August 2, 1776, almost a month after the adoption of the resolution. All
these arguments notwithstanding, American Independence Day continued to be celebrated
every Fourth of July.
Initial Celebrations –
Setting the Trend
The commemoration of America’s Independence Day had always
been marked with grandiosity from the first years after its declaration up to
present times. A year after Independence was declared, in 1977, thirteen
gunshots were discharged in the morning and evening in Bristol, Rhode Island.
On the other hand, a 13-gun salute was set off in Philadelphia on the first
year anniversary of America’s birthday. In addition to the gun firing, toasts,
speeches, military parades, music and ultimately fireworks displays were
conducted. These forms of celebrations had been maintained and kept on to
present times.
Keeping Up with the
Times – Fourth of July Celebration Today
Since the Fourth of July coincides with summer, many outdoor
activities are performed to celebrate the event. Today, this important occasion
is appropriated by most families in America as a day of reunion when everyone
shares time together to go on picnics at the beach or watch special games in
the stadium.
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| RED SEA (July 4, 2009) Sailors celebrate Independence Day with a steel beach picnic on the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69). |
The usual routine for the day long celebration starts with
flag raising ceremonies in the morning, an opportunity that many politicians
grab so they can be join their constituents in celebrating. With their
speeches, politicians honor the heroes and praise the laws, history and
heritage of the nation through speeches.
Highlight of
Celebration
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| 4th of July fireworks over Seattle |
The day-long outdoor activities finally culminate with the
much awaited highlight of the day, the magnificent fireworks exhibit that are
launched in many parts of the country, particularly in squares of key cities
and top tourist spots such as the sprawling beaches and parks.
Decorations adorn the streets, homes, buildings, town
squares and recreation grounds. The American flag is flown everywhere with
their miniature copies displayed in houses and cars. Parades are conducted
usually in the morning, and everywhere festive colors of yellow, red, blue,
green and the like are flown with much style and pomposity. Patriotic songs
like “God Bless America”, “My Country ‘Tis to Thee” and “The Star-Spangled
Banner” are sung to accompany the grand fireworks.
Tourists and vacationists join local folks in the revelry by
putting up bonfires the night before the Fourth of July. Most celebrations are
done in the outdoors so that everyone can see the lighting of fireworks and
share the bonfires together. At this time of the year, major cities and beaches
in the country are bustling with people who partake of the celebration. Times
Square in New York particularly becomes alive for the Independence Day holiday.
The largest fireworks every lit on the Fourth of July had
been recorded to be held in 2009 with more than 22 tons of pyrotechnics used in
the set up. In other states, there are also festivities of fireworks such as in
San Francisco Bay in San Francisco City, Charles River in Boston and Mission
Bay in San Diego.
Coincidence
Remarkably, the Fourth of July marks a coincidence of death
incidents of some presidents of the country. Both John Adams and Thomas Jefferson
who were the only two signatories of the Declaration of Independence and later
became presidents of the United States died on July 4, 1826. Meanwhile James
Monroe who was another founding father died on July 4, 1831 and Calvin Coolidge
who was the 30th president was born on July 4, 1872.
The American Dream
The United States has served as symbol of democracy before
other nations. With the declaration of Independence of July 4, 1776, the nation
had become the land of opportunity to many people all over the globe. As it is
stated in the national anthem America is known to be the “land of the free and
the home of the brave”. With this image,
United States has remained to be the favorite place to settle and work by
millions of people aspiring for a niche overseas.
Diverse Culture
Because of the influx of migrants over the years, United
States is now populated by various races that have embraced the American
culture and have become citizens enjoying the rights and privileges of America
citizens. Although English is the predominant language among settlers, many of
them still retain their mother tongue.
Photo
Credits: Wikimedia Commons
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