Happy Independence Day!

Independence Day on July 2^nd? It seems a little early to be celebrating, but it almost happened. It was a grueling hot summer in 1776. The American colonies were in open revolt and in Philadelphia a group of men gathered to officially declare the colonies’ independence from Britain. It was an historical milestone, but it’s only a fluke of public relations that made July 4^th the official day. The Declaration was actually signed on July 2^nd, but the founding fathers thought it needed a little PR pizzazz before it was presented to the public. It took them an additional two days to come up with just the right catchy slogan, and just like that July 4^th was born.

It didn’t take long for the American public to enthusiastically embrace Independence Day. Fireworks were added a year later and have become a staple ever since, along with parades, bonfires, concerts, and the firing of cannons. Strangely enough, the federal government, created as a result of the Declaration, was one of the last American institutions to recognize Independence Day. It didn’t become an official federal holiday until 1870, and it took another 70 years for federal employees to actually get paid for the day off. 

Believe it or not, barbeques were already a thing, and the 4^th of July made for a great excuse for a summer party. The first barbeques weren’t really so much family events as community events, where the entire town gathered together near an open fire pit to roast and then consume whatever animal was on hand. 

The details may have changed a little bit, but the basics haven’t. The celebration of July 4^th is a tradition that goes back over two centuries. It’s patriotism and a great party, all in one. What’s not to like?

Happy 4^th, everyone!