Military.com reports: “On July 4, 1776, the thirteen colonies claimed their independence from England, an event which eventually led to the formation of the United States. Each year on July 4th, also known as Independence Day, Americans celebrate this historic event.
“Conflict between the colonies and England was already a year old when the colonies convened a Continental Congress in Philadelphia in the summer of 1776. In a June 7 session in the Pennsylvania State House (later Independence Hall), Richard Henry Lee of Virginia presented a resolution with the famous words: ‘Resolved: That these United Colonies are, and of right ought to be, free and independent States, that they are absolved from all allegiance to the British Crown, and that all political connection between them and the State of Great Britain is, and ought to be, totally dissolved.’”
The Declaration of Independence is an important part of American democracy, because first it contains the ideals or goals of our nation. Second, it contains the complaints of the colonists against the British king. Third, it contains the arguments the colonists used to explain why they wanted to be free of British rule.
George Washington is particularly highlighted out of the Founding Fathers of the United States as being the “father of his country” for his role as the commander-in-chief of the Continental Army during the American Revolutionary War, and for his tenure (and voluntary retirement) as the first President of the United States.
Why do we set off fireworks on the 4th of July? Slate.com reports: “Before the Declaration of Independence was even signed, John Adams envisioned fireworks as a part of the festivities. … The first commemorative Independence Day fireworks were set off on July 4, 1777.” This tradition has continued through the years to this day.
I remember our family had get-togethers with big dinners. All of our relatives would bring their musical instruments and a wonderful day was had by all, from the youngest to the oldest. They would spend the whole day together.
Some churches had all-day meetings with invited speakers and special singing with “dinner on the grounds,” as the older generations referred to those picnics. An article from the 1914 Brown County Democrat has an announcement of a “Big Celebration at Needmore. They were planning an old-fashioned Fourth of July celebration in the Linzie Chitwood grove. Beverly F. C. Bailey and Elder J. W. Street were on the program for addresses. Mr. Street’s subject will be ‘The Great Experiment.’ There will be plenty of good music, athletic sports, for which there will be prizes awarded, and refreshments.”
Another article: “Celebrate the 4th. The girls of the Presbyterian Sunday School announce all-day festivities to be held near the court house July 4th. Ice cream, cake and lemonade will be served.”
Brown County was and is no different than any other location in the United States. Yes, we celebrated the Fourth of July with fireworks.
— Pauline Hoover, Brown County Historical Society
