History: 4th of July

The Fourth of July is one of the most important celebration in American history and tradition, also known as Independence Day, it commemorates the adoption of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776, when thirteen American colonies declared their independence from British rule. Major cities like New York, Washington D.C., and Boston host grand spectacles like the Macy’s Fourth of July Fireworks in New York City, which is one of the largest in the country, drawing millions of viewers. Washington D.C. holds a National Independence Day Parade and a fireworks display on the National Mall, set against the backdrop of national monuments. In addition to these traditional celebrations, there are also historical reenactments, concerts, and sporting events. The most important aspect of the 4th of July is that it provides an opportunity for families and friends to come together for barbecues and gatherings, continuing the celebration and connection that lies at the heart of what the 4th of July truly represents. So how did the 4th July became an American tradition? The roots of Independence Day traced back to the Continental Congress meeting in Philadelphia on 1776. Tensions between the American colonies and the British government had been escalating for years due to issues like taxation without representation and British military presence in the colonies. In June 1776, Richard Henry Lee of Virginia proposed a resolution calling for independence. A committee, including Thomas Jefferson, John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, Roger Sherman, and Robert R. Livingston, was appointed to draft a formal declaration. On July 2, 1776, the Continental Congress voted in favor of Lee’s resolution for independence, and two days later, on July 4, the Congress formally adopted the Declaration of Independence, primarily authored by Jefferson. John Adams, in a letter to his wife Abigail, famously predicted that July 2 would be celebrated with “Pomp and Parade, with Shows, Games, Sports, Guns, Bells, Bonfires and Illuminations from one End of this Continent to the other.” However, it was July 4 that became the day of celebration, as it was the date on the document. The first commemorations of American independence were spontaneous and often took the form of mock funerals for King George III, symbolizing the end of British rule. Festivities included public readings of the Declaration, speeches, parades, and fireworks. These celebrations provided a sense of unity and shared purpose among the American colonists. In the early years, the Fourth of July was not yet a federal holiday. However, celebrations continued to grow, and by the early 19th century, they had become widespread. The War of 1812, in particular, fostered a stronger sense of national pride, and Independence Day began to take on greater significance. The Fourth of July became more institutionalized as American society developed. Political leaders used the day to promote their agendas and bring people together. In 1870, Congress made Independence Day an unpaid holiday for federal employees. It was not until 1938 that Congress declared it a paid federal holiday. From its revolutionary beginnings to today’s barbecue celebration, 4th of July is a constant reminder of American resilience and enduring evolution of it’s national identity.