4th of July in USA Independence and Freedom

Story and photos by Vivienne Mackie

The first settlement in the future US was founded in Jamestown, Virginia, in 1607.  The population of this New World grew steadily and by the mid-1600's England had established 13 colonies along the east coast.  England did not really interfere with its American colonies until the 1760's when it imposed taxes on tea, paper and glass.  The colonists were very angry about this and their resentment came to a head with the Boston Tea Party of December 1773 (lots of tea thrown into the harbor).  The British retaliated by sending troops to Boston.

In September 1774 the First Continental Congress met in Philadelphia.  They were upset with the British policies but still considered themselves subjects of England so, attempting to get the British Parliament to change its policies, they drew up a declaration of rights.  But the British were unmoved and conditions between the two sides worsened.

When the Second Continental Congress met in 1776 the colonists wanted independence and they appointed a committee to draft a declaration of independence. This document, written mostly by Thomas Jefferson, was approved and signed at the State House in Philadelphia (later renamed Independence Hall) on July 4, 1776, promising to fight the British rather than accept their laws any more.  The Philadelphians went wild.  Legend has it the Liberty Bell rang out the news, and as word spread through the colonies, people lit bonfires and celebrated everywhere.  (Americans have celebrated their independence ever since then).  After seven years of often bitter fighting, the British gave up and the colonists in America set up their own government.

Independence Day celebrations are now among the biggest US festivals.  There are huge parades with marching bands, cheerleaders, and decorated floats.  Of course, the Star-Spangled Banner is very much in evidence, even small children waving a flag and cheering.  During the day, which is usually hot and sunny, people have picnics and barbecues and at night there are huge fireworks displays.  Big cities like Chicago, Washington DC, and New York have televised parades and wonderful fireworks shows. But even small towns and villages have a Fourth of July celebration of some kind, the parades made up of marching school bands, the Shriners on their motor bikes, local firefighters and police, and the ordinary local people.  This day, probably more than any other, evokes very strong patriotic feelings for many Americans. In our university town, preparations for the Freedom Celebrations begin months in advance and so many groups take part in the parade that it often lasts at least two hours.

THE STATUE OF LIBERTY:
The Statue of Liberty, which stands on Liberty Island in New York Harbor, was a gift from the French people in 1886.  It is often regarded as the symbol of the independence of the US. For many people it is one of the most important US icons.

Just to the north of the US, CANADA also celebrates independence from British rule on July 1st every year. In 1867, Canada was lucky enough to win its independence without a war.  The celebrations are just as exciting as those in the US, with parades, parties, and special performances of plays and concerts.