HAPPY FOURTH OF JULY 2023!

What is the 4th of July, anyway? It is also known as Independence Day – an annual American holiday that is significant in our history. On July 4th, 1776, the Declaration of Independence was adopted and the United States became its own nation, separate from Great Britain. Before America was its own country, it was comprised of 13 Colonies established by the Brits: New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island, Delaware, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina and Georgia.

Great Britain passed legislation that gave it more control within the Colonies, especially when it came to taxation, in order to boost revenue for The Crown. The Colonies did not have a say in the Crown’s policies. This became known as taxation without representation. All of these tensions led to the colonial militias battling the British troops and the American Revolutionary War began.

In June 1776 the Continental Congress met in Philadelphia and a  committee was formed to draft an official independence document, which became known as the Declaration of Independence. On July 4, 1776, the Declaration of Independence was officially adopted, and America became a free nation. After declaring independence, America continued to fight in the Revolutionary War and officially defeated Great Britain in September 1783.

Although the 4th of July has been celebrated each year since 1776, it did not become a federal holiday until 1870 and it became a paid holiday for federal employees in 1941.

America’s early independence celebrations – People would attend bonfires, concerts, and parades to celebrate the new nation. The Declaration of Independence was often read aloud, and cannons were fired afterward. People celebrated proudly.

Today we celebrate with local fireworks displays, sparklers, barbecues, games and crafts, local 4th of July shopping sales, and planned trips during this holiday. 

Americans remember this country’s fight for freedom, and we celebrate with friends, family, food and fun. Happy birthday, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA!

Solitaire

www.solitaireparke.com