INDEPENDENCE DAY
Do you know exactly what happened on July 4, 1776? What do our Fourth of July celebrations commemorate, and why? What makes our Independence Day what it is today? Was Independence day always on the 4th of July? These questions are all answered below. Keep on reading.
The Reason We Celebrate July 4
July 4, 1776, is the date written on the original Declaration of Independence, even though it wasn’t signed until Aug.. 2 of the same year. July 4 was when the Continental Congress officially agreed and approved the final edits to the document that Thomas Jefferson wrote. It declared the words that would establish a new nation, independent of Great Britain’s control.
Thirteen American colonies were already at war over oppressive taxation. Still, residents weren’t consistent in their opinions. And their efforts failed until the words of the Declaration united them. This unity gave them a foundation for the Revolutionary War victory in 1783. The Declaration is also the first formal statement by any group of people asserting a right to choose their government form. It is an essential document for all citizens of the world, not only for the colonists.
Although its name was Independence Day as early as 1791, the Declaration of Independence wasn’t always celebrated on July 4th. The United States Congress didn’t make it a holiday for federal employees until 1870. And lawmakers did not pass additional legislation to make it a paid national holiday until 1938.
Original Celebrations
During the Revolutionary War, July 4th was commemorated with 13-gun salutes, representing the 13 colonies. It also included official banquets for the Continental Congress and their families, parades, and shows for the troops. Ships at sea were draped with red, white, and blue while in port and at sail. And General George Washington reportedly ordered a double rum ration for his fighting men to celebrate. How is that for a celebration of Independence Day?
One of the signers of the Declaration of Independence was John Adams, who wrote the following in a letter to his wife, Abigail: “It ought to be solemnized with Pomp and Parade, with Shews, Games, Sports, Guns, Bells, Bonfires and Illuminations from one End of this Continent to the other from this Time forward forevermore.”
Celebrating July 4th Today
Today, we have our modern pomp and parade, shows, games, sports, guns, bells, and bonfires to celebrate July 4th. But we also have jet fighter salutes at airshows and choreographed fountains. Not to mention the fireworks exploding over the country’s lakes, rivers, and harbors. John Adams probably could never have imagined the magnificent displays we take for granted.
Whether you enjoy a road trip with your family or stay home to barbecue by the pool, you can plan a 4th of July that’s fun for everyone. In some parts of the U.S., you can celebrate with your patriotic fountains and fireworks. Start by contacting your local fire department to learn the rules for purchasing and using fireworks. Then ask if you’ll need a permit to use them. Finally, stop by your local retailer to check out their light show fountain kits to complete your patriotic display.
Celebrating July 4 in Washington, D.C.
If you plan to join the crowds gathering in our nation’s capital in Washington, D.C., Here are some suggestions for a budget-friendly but unforgettable 4th of July:
- See the real deal, the original 240-year-old Declaration of Independence is located in the National Archives. Which is north of the National Mall at 700 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, D.C., And meet the Founding Fathers in a lively reenactment.·
- Find a good spot on Constitution Avenue before the National Independence Day Parade begins at 11:45 a.m. between 7th and 17th streets. An authentic Revolutionary War Fife & Drum Band and top high school bands from across the country provide the sights and sounds of freedom.·
- Please stop by the National Portrait Gallery at 8th and F St. NW, Washington, D.C., to see the official, painted portraits of all 43 United States presidents and hear presidential reenactors telling stories of their time in history.·
- Catch “We The People,” a 20-minute film, at the Smithsonian American History Museum on Constitution Avenue NW. It chronicles the history of Independence Day, starting from its birth in 1776.·
- Drive about 30 minutes south of Washington, D.C., to immerse yourself in George Washington’s Mount Vernon home along the Potomac River. Savor ice cream, fireworks, and music from the Revolutionary War era all day.
However you celebrate Independence Day, remember it is more than just fireworks. Now you know a little bit about the history of the day. And why it is so important to our country. Enjoy your celebrations this Independence Day! Like this post? Find more on our MoneySmart Tips Blog.
