Happy Fourth of July

Communities ready to celebrate national Independence Day

When the 4th of July parades and celebrations begin next Tuesday, they will mark an incredibly significant moment in American history: it was the day the United States officially became nation after the Declaration of Independence was adopted on July 4, 1776. Prior to that, our country comprised 13 colonies established by Great Britain.

The Declaration of Independence is one of the most important documents in the history of the United States. It was an official act taken by all 13 American colonies in declaring independence from British rule.

The document was originally written by Thomas Jefferson, but Benjamin Franklin and John Adams, along with Jefferson then worked together to make changes. The final draft of the Declaration of Independence was adopted on July 4, 1776, but the actual signing of the final document took place on August 2, 1776.

American citizens take part in festivities ranging from fireworks to parades, barbecues, carnivals, concerts, picnics and family gatherings in celebration of the freedoms America offers. Historically, some Americans celebrated Independence Day in the summer of 1776 by arranging for a mock funeral for King George III of England, symbolic of the death of the Crown's rule in the country.

While the first annual celebration of Independence Day happened on July 4, 1777, in Philadelphia, John Adams, a 'Founding Father' and the second president of the US, felt it should be celebrated on July 2. As such, he refused to attend the events of 4th of July, because he felt strongly about July 2 being the correct date.

Thomas Jefferson - who served as the third president of the country - became the first president to celebrate Independence Day at the White House in the year 1801. Horse races, parades, food and drinks were a part of the revelry, giving rise to a custom we see even today.

The Fourth of July did not become a federal holiday until 1870 and the date did not become a paid holiday for federal employees until 1941.

What is really special about America's celebration is the focus on the freedom and personal independence our country provides. While other countries celebrate with huge displays of military strength and lethal weapons of war, others have begun to emulate the American spirit of celebrating the rights and freedoms the United States provides to every citizen.