Nearly 250 years ago, delegates from the original 13 colonies convened in Philadelphia for the Second Continental Congress and unanimously voted on July 4, 1776, to adopt the Declaration of Independence. Because this action conclusively asserted the American settlers’ intention to seek liberation from the King of England’s rule, the date of this event has been designated as a national holiday to commemorate the birth of the United States of America.
During those early proceedings, John Adams, one of the Founding Fathers and a future president of the United States, penned a prophetic proclamation about this historical day in a personal letter: “It will be celebrated with pomp and parade, bonfires and illuminations from one end of this continent to the other.”
Just as President Adams predicted, July 4 has stood out in our country’s history as a special day to celebrate. For freedom’s sake, Susan B. Anthony stood before Congress defending women’s rights on this date in 1876; France gifted America the Statue of Liberty in 1884; and Katharine Lee Bates published the famous ballad, “America the Beautiful,” in 1865. (Americana topics such as these are published on share.america.gov, a government-sponsored website launched in 2014.)
Since its beginnings, many Americans—regardless of age, religion, race, or political affiliations—have heartily embraced this holiday and established annual traditions like cookouts with family and friends, parades, patriotic concerts, and fireworks shows. Attending these events is a great way to promote community and pass the red-white-and-blue baton to future generations. To further encourage patriotism and understanding about the United States’ foundations and current operational processes, learners of all ages can explore the kid-friendly, government-sponsored website Ben’s Guide to the U.S. Government Learning Adventures at bensguide.gpo.gov.
Some of the annual July 4 fanfare has a much deeper significance than its apparent entertainment value. For example, many activities are designed to feature and honor those who have bravely joined the nation’s armed forces. Whether they are marching in a parade, participating in a choreographed display on a military base, or demonstrating their musical proficiency in an orchestral group, those same soldiers are willing to provide protection for our country every single day. When we show up at these events, our physical presence, cheers, and applause are how we express our appreciation for their continued dedication to defending our freedom.
Regardless of whether one is a soldier, civic leader, or “ordinary” citizen, we are fortunate to live in this “Land of Opportunity,” where we are able to pursue the rights of “Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness,” as sagely proposed by the Declaration of Independence authors. Together, our ultimate goal is to build a nation we can celebrate, and such a country will only exist if local communities are strong. Local citizens—with a special recognition extended to the readers and advertisers of Our Town Magazine—have certainly taken risks to establish solid, reputable businesses, invested their personal resources, promoted education, and grown in faith to achieve the communal success that the Founding Fathers envisioned. We hope you all have a safe and happy July 4th!
