Indenpendance Day – July 4, 2023

It commemorates the historic event when the 13 American colonies claimed their independence from Great Britain, ultimately leading to the formation of the nation.

Authored primarily by Thomas Jefferson, the Declaration of Independence solidified this momentous decision, and four others, namely Roger Sherman, Benjamin Franklin, John Adams, and Robert Livingston, worked alongside Jefferson on the drafting committee.

First Signature

John Hancock, the President of Congress at the time, became the first person to sign the Declaration, leaving a bold signature that gave rise to the phrase “put your John Hancock” when referring to signing one’s name.

In a letter to his wife, John Adams accurately predicted the lasting impact of Independence Day in American history, suggesting that the day be celebrated with parades, bonfires, and fireworks.

His vision has indeed come to fruition, as these festivities have become intrinsic to the Fourth of July celebrations.

First publication in a newspaper

The Pennsylvania Evening Post became the first newspaper to publish the Declaration on July 6, 1776, thanks to John Dunlap, a local printer who produced copies of the manuscript. At that time, approximately 2.5 million people inhabited the nation. Fast forward to July 2021, and the United States is now home to around 331.8 million people, as reported by the United States Census.

Liberty Bell Ringing

Every Independence Day, the Liberty Bell in Philadelphia rings 13 times to honor the original 13 states. Descendants of the signatories of the Declaration of Independence have the privilege of tapping the bell at 2 p.m. Eastern Time, paying homage to their ancestors’ remarkable contributions.

Inaugural Fourth of July Fireworks

The inaugural Fourth of July fireworks display took place in Philadelphia in 1777, where fireworks, cannons, and bells resounded in honor of the 13 original states. Similar to contemporary celebrations, the first anniversary of the Declaration also included a dinner and parade. Today, Americans continue this tradition, spending over $1 billion on fireworks annually. The renowned Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks show, requiring over 8,000 hours of preparation, stands as the pinnacle of these celebrations.

Synonymous with sales and discounts

Furthermore, Independence Day has become synonymous with sales and discounts. Historically, it was considered unpatriotic to keep businesses open on this day before the Civil War. However, afterward, restaurants and stores started offering sales on red, white, and blue merchandise, a trend that persists to this day.

Becoming a Federal Holiday

It is noteworthy that Independence Day did not attain federal holiday status until 1870, nearly a century after the signing of the Declaration. Today, it holds a place of prominence alongside holidays like Christmas, symbolizing the country’s cherished freedom and independence.

Independence, Freedom, and Lmited Government Intervention

In essence, Americans celebrate Independence Day to honor the establishment of the United States of America and its liberation from Great Britain. This occasion serves as a reminder of the values of independence, freedom, and limited government intervention that were enshrined in the Declaration of Independence, shaping the nation’s history and identity.