Setting off fireworks on July 4 is an American tradition, dating back to at least 200 BC. Originally, it was a ceremonial occasion, but soon the practice became more important to the American people. The first Fourth of July party took place in Philadelphia, where a ship’s cannon fired a thirteen-gun salute to celebrate the 13 American colonies. The Pennsylvania Evening Post reported a grand display of fireworks on the Commons. Later, the Sons of Liberty set off fireworks over Boston Common, which started the American Independence movement.
Earlier this week, US President Joe Biden delivered a stirring speech at the White House, acknowledging that the Fourth of July comes amid an unsettling political climate. During the event, he discussed recent Supreme Court decisions involving abortion, the expansion of gun rights in public, and climate change. Biden’s remarks were a timely message, as the day marks the anniversary of the decision. And he also expressed the hope that the US is a better place as a result of the historic decision.
The shooting in Chicago also prompted many northern suburbs to cancel Fourth of July celebrations. The shooting near the Highland Park train station forced Metra to stop moving its trains. The train, which was carrying frightened paradegoers, had to be diverted to a different location. A nearby smoothie bowl shop, Bright Bowls, 777 Central Ave., held frightened paradegoers for several hours. However, the shootings caused more casualties than expected.
Independence Day is a federal holiday in the United States. Independence Day commemorates the signing of the Declaration of Independence, a document that set the nation’s founding principles. The Declaration of Independence was signed on July 4, 1776, and was officially adopted the following year by the U.S. Congress. In the late 1800s, Independence Day became a paid holiday for federal employees. Though the political significance of July 4th has diminished over the years, it still remains a significant national holiday and a symbol of patriotism.
Independence Day was still celebrated by Americans after the Revolutionary War, and American culture continued to celebrate it by holding parades, memorials, cookouts, fireworks, and other traditional American traditions. It also provided a forum for emerging political leaders to address the citizens, and helped create a sense of unity among Americans. In fact, in the 1870s, two political parties started to hold separate Fourth of July celebrations in big cities. Today, many Americans celebrate Independence Day by wishing each other a Happy Fourth.
America began as thirteen British colonies before the Revolution. Jamestown, Virginia, was the first colony. Other European nations colonized the country throughout the 17th and 18th centuries. By the time of the Declaration of Independence, there were around 2.5 million settlers. Their primary goal was independence from Great Britain. But, they were not satisfied with this; they sought independence. It is now a national holiday. So, we celebrate Independence Day on July 4 every year!
