Independence Day

Photo © John H. McShane

On July 4 we Americans will celebrate the signing of the Declaration of Independence in 1776. This document declared our independence from the Kingdom of Great Britain and the United States was born. It is the most important holiday for the US and one of my favorites because it is all about the fireworks! I just can’t get enough of a good fireworks show.

I think the best fireworks shows I have ever seen were in Washington, DC. Now I have seen plenty of impressive fireworks shows but in DC it was different. It felt different. We were in the capitol of the United States on its most important day. With each firework that burst, the backdrop of DC and its monuments would light up. I felt so inspired…so patriotic. I wanted to stand up, put my hand on my heart, blurt out the National Anthem and then run for Congress. Well none of that happened. I don’t think anyone would have appreciated my singing and I’m not sure I know the all words. And as for Congress? I can barely run around the block much less run for an elected position. Even though my dreams of becoming a servant of the people didn't pan out, I am thrilled July 4 is here again.

Happy Birthday America

I can’t wait for your party!

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Fun facts about July 4th. Good old Wikipedia never lets me down.

• In 1777, thirteen guns were fired, once at morning and again as evening fell, on July 4 in Bristol, Rhode Island. Philadelphia celebrated the first anniversary in a manner a modern American would find quite familiar: an official dinner for the Continental Congress, toasts, 13-gun salutes, speeches, prayers, music, parades, troop reviews, and fireworks. Ships were decked with red, white, and blue bunting.
• In 1778, General George Washington marked Independence Day with a double ration of rum for his soldiers and an artillery salute. Across the Atlantic Ocean, ambassadors John Adams and Benjamin Franklin held a dinner for their fellow Americans in Paris, France.
• In 1779, July 4 fell on a Sunday. The holiday was celebrated on Monday, July 5.
• In 1781, the Massachusetts General Court became the first state legislature to recognize Independence Day as a state celebration.
• In 1783, Moravians in Salem, North Carolina, held the first celebration of Independence Day in the country with a challenging music program assembled by Johann Friedrich Peter. This work was titled "The Psalm of Joy".
• In 1791 was the first recorded use of the name "Independence Day".
• In 1870, the U.S. Congress made Independence Day an unpaid holiday for federal employees.
• In 1941, Congress changed Independence Day to a paid federal holiday. The residents of Vicksburg, Mississippi, celebrated Independence Day for the first time since July 4, 1863, when the Siege of Vicksburg ended with a Union victory during the American Civil War.