Celebrating The 4th Of July
“We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness.”
The Declaration of Independence constitutes some of the most important words in American history. On July 4, 1776, the Continental Congress officially adopted and signed the document by which the original 13 colonies declared themselves to be a free and independent nation. On the anniversary of the birth of the greatest country in the world, we celebrate the original patriots who made the ultimate sacrifice so that we are able to enjoy life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. This Fourth of July, we are proud to be Americans.
One self-evident truth is that an excellent way to celebrate our great nation is by enjoying our national cuisine: hamburgers and hotdogs. Backyard grilling originally became popular after World War II. The portable grill was an army invention, and the GIs returning home created a domestic demand. While you are celebrating the 4th with friend, family, and food, be sure to serve them an American brew. We have several pint glasses that will kick the patriotic mood up a notch:
After the adoption of the Declaration of Independence, colonists celebrated with concerts, bonfires, parades, and the firing of cannon and muskets. Along with concerts and parades, firing cannon as part of a military salute to American on her birthday remains a tradition. The Old Guard, which is the 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment, honors all 50 states at noon on July 4th at Whipple Field near Arlington National Cemetery. A 50-gun salute takes place to honor the states in the order in which they joined the union. During each five second pause between rounds, each state’s name and nickname is announced.
The tradition of celebrating the Fourth of July with fireworks began in both Philadelphia and Boston in 1777. In Philadelphia, the Pennsylvania Evening Post reported that during the evening of July 4, “there was a grand exhibition of fireworks (which began and concluded with 13 rockets) on the Commons, and the city was beautifully illuminated.” In Boston, similar festivities transpired with the Sons of Liberty setting off fireworks over Boston Common. Both cities still hold Fourth of July celebrations capped by fireworks displays, as do cities and towns all across the nation. Attending a fireworks display is a great way to party like it’s 1776. To help you do just that, may we suggest:
On the Fourth of July as we conclude our tribute to our country, we will think again of the Declaration of Independence, and as we reflect on the document that led to the birth of the America, we’ll toast this great land with Thomas Jefferson’s words. “And for the support of this Declaration, with a firm reliance on the protection of Divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes, and our sacred Honor.”