John Adams thought that America's birthday would be celebrated every year on the 2nd of July. Adams thought that the vote by the Continental Congress on July 2, 1776 to secede from British rule would become the date that Americans would honor throughout the ages. Ultimately, he would be proven wrong on his prediction of the day each year that America celebrates its independence.
In fact, Adams would be two days early in his forecast of America's annual birthday. It was on the fourth of July 1776 when the Declaration of Independence was actually ratified. The Declaration of Independence was a document written by Thomas Jefferson in just a few short days that not only called for a separation from British rule, but also provided a framework for a new form of self-government. In fact, the ratification of the Declaration of Independence would eventually mark the historic date that Americans remember each year.
Even though Independence Day was not declared an official United States holiday until 1941, the day has been observed by Americans annually for more than the last 230 years. From the very beginning, fireworks have almost always marked a testament to America's July birthday. Today, Americans observe the Fourth of July holiday as a celebration in the recognition of all the rights that were bestowed on them as a free and independent country. Indeed, July Fourth has now become an annual national summer birthday party celebration in the United States.
In recent times, the Fourth of July has become well known for a holiday menu featuring barbeques, hot dogs, ice cream, alcohol, fireworks, beach visits, museums, concerts, patriotic songs, historic demonstrations, and parades. Some or all of these events can be seen in every American city and town. It is day that features the image and caricature of Uncle Sam and a visual patriotic sea of red, white, and blue American colors that appear almost everywhere.
There are a myriad of local celebrations to attend, but if you prefer to travel, there are many places in America that feature major events that honor American independence and culture. This year, one of the largest Fourth of July parties will be seen once again in Boston, Massachusetts, with the annual Boston Pops concert and fireworks show. If you prefer history and long for the open air, you can join the more than 20,000 people each year who attend the annual fireworks show (July 3rd) at Mount Rushmore National Park.
In New York City, Macy's is sponsoring the nation's largest Independence Day fireworks display, while out on the west coast, the Rose Bowl is planning a day of food, music, and the "biggest and best fireworks show in Southern California." In the nation's capital an all-day celebration features parades, concerts, and a fireworks display over the Washington Monument. Certainly, there will be many people who will travel to the place where it all started in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania for various holiday events and the ceremonial tapping of the historic Liberty Bell.
Of course, a focus solely on the celebration of our national patriotism on the fourth of July has not always been the case. In the years immediately following the Declaration of Independence in 1776, Americans also loved to exercise their right of political rebellion. In fact, men would usually meet on July fourth in their local establishment of alcohol worship and, while polishing off several cold summer brews, would openly criticize the politics of the newly-formed and fledgling American government.
However, the politicians of both major American political parties should not have to worry about any loud criticism of their recent very dubious performance in elected office, on the holiday of July 4, 2008. In America, this is a Presidential election year and there is plenty of time for Americans to resume their right of political rebellion once again early on the following morning of July 5th.
James William Smith has worked in Senior management positions for some of the largest Financial Services firms in the United States for the last twenty five years. He has also provided business consulting support for insurance organizations and start up businesses. He has always been interested in writing and listening to different viewpoints on interesting topics.