The Fourth of July is a holiday most people look forward to every year. It's a national holiday, so many people are off of work and are able to go down the shore with their friends and family. People bbq, throw parties, drink lots of alcohol, and what is a Fourth of July without a good fireworks show? It's midsummer and it's a holiday especially loved by millennials; school is out and it is a great excuse to get drunk with all your friends while celebrating 'Murica. But I think with all of the fun revolving around the holiday, people are forgetting the importance this date actually holds in American history.
Back when the United States was only the thirteen original colonies and still governed by Britain, the colonies originally had the freedom to develop themselves, but things unexpectedly changed in 1763. Britain believed they deserved some of the colonies' revenue and started to tax goods. The colonies thought this was unfair since they weren't represented in parliament. The colonies formed a group known as the first continental congress to convince Britain to listen to them. The colonies attempt failed and this began the start of the Revolutionary War.
Many people believe July 4, 1776 is the day we received our freedom from Britain, but this is only partially true. On this day, Thomas Jefferson's draft of the Declaration of Independence was accepted and supported by all 13 colonies. While this is the day we officially announced our independence from Britain, we were not in the clear yet. The Revolutionary War was still being fought. The Declaration of Independence was not enough for Britain or the rest of the world to recognize the United States as a free country.
When the war officially ended in 1783, that's when the people of the United States officially began celebrating Independence Day with speeches, parades, and, you guessed it, fireworks. The Fourth of July was recognized as a national holiday in 1870 when a bill was passed recognizing holidays, such as Christmas. July 4th is also a unique date because there are three different presidents who have died on this date including Thomas Jefferson, John Adams, and James Monroe.
You may believe having off of work, going to the beach, or getting drunk with friends is a reason to praise the Fourth of July but these reasons are minuscule compared to the truly important event that the holiday honors. Remember this brief history lesson when celebrating your holiday festivities this week. Cheers to America.
