Detroit (WWJ) -- Independence Day is an annual holiday commemorating the formal adoption by the Continental Congress of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776, in Philadelphia. Although the signing of the Declaration was not completed until August, the Fourth of July holiday has been accepted as the official anniversary of U.S. independence and is celebrated in all states and territories of the U.S.
The holiday was first observed in Philadelphia on July 8, 1776, at which time the Declaration of Independence was read aloud, city bells rang, and bands played. It was not declared a legal holiday, however, until 1941. The Fourth is traditionally celebrated publicly with parades and pageants, patriotic speeches, and organized firing of guns and cannons and displays of fireworks; early in the 20th century public concern for a "safe and sane" holiday resulted in restrictions on general use of fireworks. Family picnics and outings are a feature of private Fourth of July celebrations.
Michigan Congresswoman Candice Miller, R-Harrison Township, Thursday released the following statement in commemoration of Independence Day:
“On the Fourth of July Americans will gather to celebrate Independence Day, the day in 1776 when the Continental Congress approved the Declaration of Independence. From that day forward the United States of America has been a beacon to the world for freedom and hope.
“That independence we sought over 200 years ago has given birth to this wonderful, fantastic, American experience, born because of our desire for individual freedoms and true independence. It's because of independence that we have built a nation that is unique in world history. It is because of independence that we have nurtured creativity to solve challenges and compassion to help one another.
“When we gather to celebrate this day with family and friends at parades, picnics, and flag raising ceremonies, we remember those Americans who helped us achieve this independence and know that every generation of Americans will continue to answer the call of freedom.”
Early July Fourth Observances according to Wikipedia.org:
In 1777, thirteen guns were fired, once at morning and again as evening fell, on July 4 in Bristol, Rhode Island. Philadelphia celebrated the first anniversary in a manner a modern American would find quite familiar: an official dinner for the Continental Congress, toasts, 13-gun salutes, speeches, prayers, music, parades, troop reviews, and fireworks. Ships were decked with red, white, and blue bunting.
In 1778, General George Washington marked Independence Day with a double ration of rum for his soldiers and an artillery salute. Across the Atlantic Ocean, ambassadors John Adams and Benjamin Franklin held a dinner for their fellow Americans in Paris, France.
In 1779, July 4 fell on a Sunday. The holiday was celebrated on Monday, July 5.
In 1781, the Massachusetts General Court became the first state legislature to recognize Independence Day as a state celebration.
In 1783, Moravians in Salem, North Carolina, held the first celebration of Independence Day in the country with a challenging music program assembled by Johann Friedrich Peter. This work was titled "The Psalm of Joy".
In 1791 was the first recorded use of the name "Independence Day".
In 1870, the U.S. Congress made Independence Day an unpaid holiday for federal employees.
In 1941, Congress changed Independence Day to a paid federal holiday. The residents of Vicksburg, Mississippi, celebrated Independence Day for the first time since July 4, 1863, when the Siege of Vicksburg ended with a Union victory during the American Civil War.
These days, the 4th is commonly associated with fireworks, parades, barbecues, carnivals, picnics, baseball games, and various events celebrating the history, government, and traditions of the U.S., but is often viewed as simply a summer festival, apart from its patriotic overtones.
For more Independence Day information, check out the links below.
GreatStuff To Do On One Tank of Gas! High gas prices don't mean you have to stay at home for summer vacation. Click for a listing of fun stuff that's within range.
The American Flag Everything you need to know about the stars and stripes, Old Glory, the star-spangled banner -- the American flag.
The Liberty Bell The Liberty Bell, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, is a bell that has served as one of the most prominent symbols of the American Revolutionary War. It is a familiar symbol of independence within the United States and has been described as an icon of liberty and justice.
Statue of Liberty Located in New York Harbor, the Statue of Liberty was a gift of international friendship from the people of France to the people of the United States.
The Star Spangled Banner Click to read about and find the lyrics to the national anthem of the United States of America.
WWJ Newsradio 950 is Detroit's only all-news radio station and is the leader in Detroit radio news. Listen online to WWJ-AM 950 for live, local Detroit news, up-to-the-minute Detroit traffic, Detroit sports, Detroit business and Detroit community information. WWJ Newsradio 950 is an award winning radio station and you can listen online and podcast on demand Detroit news, Detroit Construction Alerts, Detroit School Closings, Winter Survival Guide and learn more about our Business Breakfasts. www.wwj.com.
