Home : Holidays :

The Fourth Of July

In the United States, Independence Day (commonly known as "the Fourth of July" or simply "the Fourth") is a federal holiday celebrating the adoption of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776, declaring independence from the Kingdom of Great Britain. Independence Day is commonly associated with parades, barbecues, picnics, baseball games, and various other public and private events celebrating the history, government, and traditions of the U.S. Fireworks have been associated with the Fourth of July since 1777.

Though the Fourth of July is iconic to Americans, some claim the date itself is somewhat arbitrary. New Englanders had been fighting Britain since April 1775. The first motion in the Continental Congress for independence was made on June 8. After hard debate, the Congress voted unanimously (12-0), but secretly, for independence from the Kingdom of Great Britain on July 2. The Congress reworked the text of the Declaration until a little after eleven o'clock, 4th of July, when thirteen colonies voted for adoption and released a copy signed by John Hancock, President of the Congress, to the printers. (New York abstained from both votes.) Philadelphia celebrated the Declaration with public readings and bonfires on July 8. Not until August 2 would a fair printing be signed by the members of the Congress, but even that was kept secret to protect the members from British reprisal.

John Adams, credited by Thomas Jefferson as the unofficial, tireless whip of the independence-minded, wrote to his wife Abigail on July 3:

The second day of July, 1776, will be the most memorable epoch in the history of America. I am apt to believe that it will be celebrated by succeeding generations as the great anniversary festival. It ought to be commemorated as the day of deliverance, by solemn acts of devotion to God Almighty. It ought to be solemnized with pomp and parade, with shows, games, sports, guns, bells, bonfires, and illuminations, from one end of this continent to the other, from this time forward forever more.

Adams was off by two days, however. Certainly, the vote on July 2 was the decisive act. But July 4 is the date on the Declaration itself. Jefferson's stirring prose, as edited by the Congress, was first adopted by the vote of the 4th. It was also the first day Philadelphians heard the official news of independence from the Continental Congress, as opposed to rumors in the street about secret votes.

Despite the genesis of Independence Day, it is largely uncommon for Americans to express anti-British sentiment on the day or to view it as a celebration of anti-colonialism. Indeed, most Americans today consider the United Kingdom their greatest ally. Rather than specifically as an opportunity to commemorate the end of British rule in the 18th century, contemporary Americans generally perceive the holiday as a celebration of the U.S.A. itself and the political values that motivated the United States Declaration of Independence, including the explicit principles of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.

Families often mark the Fourth with a picnic or barbecue, and often gather with family relatives, taking advantage of the day off from work. Decorations (e.g., streamers, baloons, and clothing) generally are colored red, white, and blue due to the colors of the American Flag. Parades are often held the morning of the Fourth, baseball games are usually held (July 4th being nearly halfway into the baseball season), and the evening is usually marked by free displays of fireworks at public parks. Some other July 4 traditions concurrent with these events include face painting for the children and tossing of a football or frisbee.

Stuff

Spirit of ’76

Happy Fourth of July! The Fourth is one of my most favorite holidays. Unlike a lot of American celebrations, it has nothing to do with religion, love or secretaries. You don’t have to wrap any gifts, buy flowers or call your mom. Just hang out, eat hot dogs, go to the beach and try not to be enslaved by an English person—unless it’s Kate Beckinsale. Damn, she’s hot! Did you see Underworld? She plays this vampire chick who runs around in spandex shooting werewolves. Lots of violence and heavy camel toe. Katie, you can bite me anytime. Sorry, back to the Fourth of July.

How did Independence Day get started? In the summer of 1776, the founding fathers gathered in Philadelphia to sign the Declaration of Independence. This hallowed document, written by Thomas Jefferson (see the twenty-dollar bill), guaranteed each citizen the right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. Upon reading it, all the people let out a big cheer—unless they were black, Native American or female. But the founding white dudes were happy, and a great party broke out, and the night sky was full of fireworks for the people to ooh-eth and aah-eth at.

I’m not kidding that they had fireworks back then. In fact, the second president, John Adams (no money, just stamps) remarked, “[The Fourth] ought to be solemnized with pomp and parade…bonfires and illuminations from one end of this continent to the other, from this day forward forevermore.” Then his drunk cousin Sam Adams chased him around with a Roman candle.

Yes, fireworks have always been a part of the Fourth. Every year, in cities and towns across the country, they have elaborate fireworks shows set to patriotic music like “America, the Beautiful.” So far, they’re not often paired with hip-hop. I’ve yet to see a display set to “It’s Hard Out Here for a Pimp.” Although beautiful and symbolic, these shows are usually jam-packed with people, and I find myself thinking more about parking than freedom. And instead of looking up at the fireworks, my eyes are on the guy behind me yanking his doodle. Patriot or pervert? You decide.

I miss the days when you could set off your own stuff. Fireworks, like anything else that is fun is this country—smoking, drinking, abortions—are restricted and regulated. In some places you need a license or permit to carry fireworks. What’s next—assault rifles? OK, I know what you’re thinking: But, fireworks are dangerous, kids get hurt every year, blah blah blah. You’re right. Kids do get hurt. Dumb kids. Every Fourth, there’s a news story about some kid who stuffed an M—80 up his butt and blew his balls off. The reporter always calls it a tragedy. The only tragedy is that his buddies didn’t videotape it. You throw something like that on the Internet and the guy’s a superstar. Move over, fat Star Wars kid.

I think fireworks are a great learning tool. First off, in some states they’re illegal, so kids can practice lying to their parents, which will help them later when they’re buying booze and porn. And they’re good exercise—you never run faster than when you’re being chased by bottle rockets. And most important, there’s a war on. We can’t send kids into combat if the scariest thing they’ve ever done is light a sparkler. There is nothing lamer than a sparkler. A flashlight is more dangerous. I hate sparklers. When I hold one I feel like the Special Olympics torch boy. So, happy Fourth of July. Be free or die.

Greatest Movie Speeches About The Fourth

Braveheart

William Wallace's prebattle speech: I am William Wallace! And I see a whole army of my countrymen, here in defiance of tyranny. You've come to fight as free men, and free men you are. What will you do with that freedom? Will you fight?…Aye, fight and you may die. Run, and you'll live. At least a while. And dying in your beds, many years from now, would you be willing to trade all the days from this day to that…for one chance…just one chance to come back here to tell our enemies that they may take our lives, but they will never take our freedom!

When to use it: During your divorce hearing.

Handy substitutions: "Just one chance to tell my ex-wife that she may take 50 percent of my net worth, but she'll never take my freedom!"

Independence Day

President Whitmore's speech: Good morning. In less than an hour, aircraft from here will join others from around the world. And you will be launching the largest aerial battle in the history of mankind. 'Mankind.' That word should have new meaning for all of us today. We can't be consumed by our petty differences anymore. We will be united in our common interests. Perhaps it's fate that today is the Fourth of July, and you will once again be fighting for our freedom. Not from tyranny, oppression or persecution, but from annihilation. We are fighting for our right to live. To exist. And should we win the day, the Fourth of July will no longer be known as an American holiday, but as the day the world declared in one voice: 'We will not go quietly into the night! We will not vanish without a fight! We're going to live on! We're going to survive! Today, we celebrate our Independence Day!

When to use it: To add that extra "oomph" to any observance.

Handy substitutions: "We will not bump into walls! We will not squint at road signs! We're going to see! Today, we celebrate National Glaucoma Awareness Day!"

---

top of page

back a page