American Independence Through the Years
Photo: GPA Photo Archive Flickr
While its history may be relatively fresh compared to other nations, Independence Day in the United States is unlike any other. Aside from today’s celebrations of fireworks, barbecues, and parades, patriotism in America dates back to the very day the country gained independence.
July 4th, 1776
Two days prior to this notable date, on July 2nd, the Declaration of Independence was accepted by most members of the Continental Congress. John Adams, one of the writers of this historic document, believed that July 2nd should be the official date for the celebration of independence. However, it wasn’t until July 4th when the document was formally adopted and so the famous day was coined “Independence Day.” Written mostly by Thomas Jefferson and signed by 56 members of the congress from all 13 colonies, this document became the foundation for a new nation, one that was officially independent from Great Britain.
Early Celebrations
Photo: Wikimedia Commons
Back in 1776, the celebration of independence was modeled after the king’s birthday, which had been annually commemorated by bonfires, bell-ringing, and speechmaking. These festivals had become a long-standing Anglo-American political tradition during which the toasts to the king were recorded and later reprinted in newspapers. Similarly, the first public readings of the Declaration of Independence after its adoption were accompanied by parades, concerts, bonfires, and the firing of cannons.
Fireworks
Possibly the most famous of July 4th traditions is the lighting of fireworks, probably because of how old the tradition seems to be. Using fireworks on the Fourth of July came from the city of Philadelphia, on the first anniversary of America’s independence.
On July 18th, 1777, The Virginia Gazette published a newspaper describing the Independence Day festivities that had occurred in Philadelphia that year. The article mentions the “colors of the United States” on display, as well as the firing of thirteen cannons in honor of the thirteen states at the time. The over 200-year-old newspaper also recounts the “grand exhibition of fireworks” that illuminated the city. While independence no longer tends to be honored with the firing of cannons, displaying the nation’s colors and watching fireworks have remained a staple part of the yearly celebration.
Modern Celebrations
Photos: GPA Photo Archive Flickr
Surprisingly, the most notable of Fourth of July festivities have not changed much over the last two and a half centuries. Americans often spend the holiday having fun with their friends and families, often at outdoor get-togethers and barbecues, and celebrating the birth of their nation.
Parades remain an important part of the holiday, the largest ones can be found in popular cities such as Boston, Philadelphia, New York City, and Washington D.C. These parades are often coupled with enjoying the best of American cuisine and watching the enchanting firework displays after dark, just as Americans did on the one year anniversary of independence, 244 years ago.
Vocabulary list:
Patriotism (n): devotion to and support for one’s country
The Declaration of Independence: the formal statement written by Thomas Jefferson declaring the freedom of the thirteen American colonies from Great Britain
Coined (v): to invent a new term or phrase
Officially (adv.): in a formal and public way
Commemorated (v): to show respect for; to mark or celebrate
Accompanied (v): to occur at the same time as
Recounts (v): to give an account of an event or experience
Illuminated (v): to make visible or bright; to light up
Staple (n): a main or important element of something
Enchanting (adj.): delightfully charming or attractive
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Kalyna is an undergraduate student at The Ohio State University studying business marketing and psychology. On campus, she gives tours as a University Ambassador and is also involved in greek life. In her free time, she enjoys going to the gym, being in the sun, and spending time with her friends and family.