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About Heppner gazette-times. (Heppner, Or.) 1925-current | View Entire Issue (July 3, 2024)
Heppner Gazette-Times, Heppner, Oregon Wednesday, July 3, 2024 -- SEVEN Colonial Unrest to Modern Celebrations: The History of the 4th By Chris Sykes The history of the Fourth of July dates back to the American Revolu- tionary War and the events leading up to the adop- tion of the Declaration of Independence. Here’s a detailed look at the key historical moments and developments: Prelude to Indepen- dence Colonial Unrest: Throughout the 1760s and early 1770s, the American colonies experienced grow- ing unrest due to British policies, including taxation without representation, the Stamp Act, and the Town- shend Acts. These measures sparked widespread pro- tests and resistance among the colonists. First Continental Con- gress: In 1774, represen- tatives from the colonies convened the First Conti- nental Congress to address grievances against British rule and to organize a coor- dinated response. This was a significant step toward unity among the colonies. Outbreak of War: The conflict escalated into open warfare in April 1775 with the battles of Lexington and Concord, marking the beginning of the American Revolutionary War. Declaration of Inde- pendence Second Continental Congress: In May 1775, the Second Continental Congress convened in Phil- adelphia. As the war contin- ued, the push for complete independence from Britain gained momentum. Drafting the Decla- ration: In June 1776, the Continental Congress ap- pointed a committee to draft a declaration of indepen- dence. Thomas Jefferson was chosen to write the first draft, with input and revisions from John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, Roger Sherman, and Robert R. Livingston. Adoption of the Decla- ration: On July 2, 1776, the Continental Congress voted in favor of independence. Two days later, on July 4, 1776, the Declaration of Independence was formally adopted, announcing the colonies’ separation from Britain and outlining the principles of individual liberty and government by consent of the governed. Early Celebrations First Celebrations: The first celebrations of inde- pendence began in 1777, with Philadelphia holding an official dinner, parades, and fireworks. Similar cele- brations took place in other cities. Continental Army Mo- rale: General George Wash- ington had the Declaration read to his troops to boost morale and reaffirm the cause for which they were fighting. Evolution of the Hol- iday State Recognitions: Over the following years, various states began to rec- ognize July 4th as a holiday, with celebrations including public readings of the Dec- laration, patriotic speeches, and community events. Federal Holiday: In 1870, almost a century after the Declaration of Inde- pendence, Congress made the Fourth of July a federal holiday. It was further es- tablished as a paid holiday for federal employees in 1941. Modern Celebrations National Holiday: To- day, the Fourth of July is celebrated across the Unit- ed States with a wide range of festivities, including fireworks, parades, con- certs, barbecues, and family gatherings. It is a day for Americans to express their patriotism and reflect on the nation’s history and values. The Fourth of July re- mains a symbol of Ameri- can freedom and indepen- dence, honoring the found- ing principles and the en- during spirit of the nation. Here are some interest- ing facts about the Fourth of July: John Adams’ Predic- tion: John Adams, a key figure in the push for in- dependence, believed that July 2nd, the day the Con- tinental Congress voted for independence, would be celebrated as the nation’s birthday. He famously wrote to his wife, Abigail, predicting that July 2nd would be celebrated “by succeeding generations, as the great anniversary festival.” Declaration Copies: After the adoption of the Declaration of Indepen- dence, it was printed and distributed to the colonies. The first public reading of the document occurred on July 8, 1776, in Phil- adelphia’s Independence Square. Founding Fathers’ Deaths: Both Thomas Jef- ferson and John Adams, two of the signers of the Decla- ration of Independence and former presidents, died on July 4, 1826, the 50th anni- versary of the Declaration’s adoption. James Monroe, the fifth president, also died on July 4, five years later in 1831. Largest Fireworks Dis- play: The Macy’s Fourth of July Fireworks in New York City is one of the largest and most famous fireworks dis- plays in the United States, attracting millions of view- ers both in person and via broadcast. National Anthem Con- nection: The tune of “The Star-Spangled Banner,” the national anthem of the United States, was origi- nally a drinking song from a British social club. Flags and Decorations: Approximately $1 billion is spent on fireworks each year in the United States. Additionally, Americans purchase millions of Ameri- can flags, bunting, and other patriotic decorations to celebrate the holiday. 13-Gun Salute: The United States military ob- serves Independence Day by firing a “Salute to the Union,” a 50-gun salute, one for each state, at noon on July 4th at military bas- es. Oldest Fourth of July Celebration: The oldest continuous Independence Day celebration in the United States is the Bris- tol Fourth of July Parade in Bristol, Rhode Island, which began in 1785. Colonial Inspired Recipes: Many tradition- -Continued to PAGE EIGHT Don’t Let Salem Dictate Morrow County’s Future! VOTE NO on Recall! 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