The 4th Of July
Celebrated on the fourth day of July each year, Independence Day
commemorates the United States' adoption of the Declaration of Independence on
July 4, 1776. The famed document declared independence from
England.
From the start, this summer holiday has been one of the
country's most popular. On this day, it seems that everyone feels a sense of
patriotic pride. It's a day for family and friends, with unity found at all
levels of community. National pride is on full display with every fireworks
show, picnic, and barbecue.
Written by Thomas Jefferson, the Declaration
of Independence is considered the founding document of the nation. Known as
both the Fourth of July and Independence Day, the holiday is one that
celebrates the "birth" of these United States and suitably, its citizens throw
her a party each year.
A few milestones in the history of the holiday
include:
- 1783: The day becomes a holiday in some parts of the country, such as Boston.
- 1791: The first time "Independence Day" is used in reference to the day.
- 1870: The day is declared an unpaid holiday for federal employees.
- 1941: The day is revised to be a paid holiday for federal employees.
- 1976: Its Bicentennial.
In 1777, Philadelphia (home of the Liberty Bell) took it upon itself
to remember the day. Minor celebrations were held, such as bell-ringing and
fired guns, but the War of Independence was still being waged. When the war
ended however, this tradition would continue on and only expand with time to be
the huge fests that we see today.
Traditions associated with the Fourth
of July include fireworks of course, as well as picnics, barbecues, and
baseball. Many Americans choose to display their patriotic pride by wearing
flag pins, T-shirts, and hats that represent the Stars and Stripes, our
national symbols, and official colors.
John Adams, the nation's second
president, was a major proponent of recognizing the day. In a letter to his
wife Abigail, Adams famously wrote:
"I believe that it will be
celebrated by succeeding generations as the great anniversary festival... It
ought to be celebrated by pomp and parade, with shows, games, sports, guns,
bells, bonfires, and illuminations from one end of this continent to the
other."
And so the nation listened. The Fourth of July has in a sense,
turned into a huge party across the states. Just as Adams foresaw. Blockbuster
movies are released this weekend, as well as sales bonanzas from every store.
Americans go out and celebrate in a variety of ways, including outdoor
concerts, road trips, and shopping sprees.
With the Fourth of July,
citizens remember the country's founding in their own individual ways. What
makes it special though, is that we never forget. As a nation, it's important
that we take to heart what our Founding Fathers hoped for, for this country and
what her citizens have done over time to ensure that each person enjoys those
rights.
Written by Kurt Jonas
Kurt Jonas is the owner of
Mytshirtdesigns.com Show your Patriotism by purchasing a Patriotic T Shirt.
http://www.mytshirtdesigns.com/category_25_Patriotic_.html
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