Gallagher: Day rich in history, meaning for us all

On July 4, 1855, the Daily Alta California newspaper printed these words: “Hallowed be the day, forever bright its memory in the heart of a nation. Sing to it, poets; shout to it, freemen; celebrate it with bonfires, parades and triumphant assemblies.” 

This week, as we look toward celebrating the birth of our country, we need to remember a few historic facts along with some of the excitement and emotion that characterizes this special day. Independence Day, also known as The Glorious Fourth, or the Fourth of July, is the largest secular holiday in the country. This holiday commemorates the adoption of the Declaration of Independence by the Second Continental Congress on July 4, 1776, when the signers of the 13 North American colonies declared their legal separation and independence from Great Britain. While most delegates actually signed on Aug. 2, 1776, many did sign on July 4.

The bravery of these men can never be underestimated, as putting their signatures on this document meant certain death if the war had been lost. By the time the Revolutionary War was over, several had been captured by the British as traitors and tortured to death, others had their homes ransacked and burned, still others died from wounds suffered during combat while most died in poverty having had their property and possessions taken from them. 

While celebrating the Fourth of July only became customary after the War of 1812, there were many spirited observances held earlier. On July 4, 1777, the militia at Shelby’s Fort, Tennessee celebrated with a shooting exhibition, an artillery salute and the reading of the Declaration of Independence. Congress encouraged the use of fireworks on the date by authorizing a display for July 4, 1777, in Philadelphia. The newspapers of the day enthusiastically described the “grand exhibition”, the “brilliant lights” and the “excellent rockets which ascended to an amazing height in the air, burst and displayed thirteen stars.” By the early 1780s many other towns were celebrating the Fourth with fireworks.

On July 4, 1778, Gen. George Washington marked the occasion with a double ration of rum for his soldiers. Meanwhile in Paris, ambassadors John Adams and Benjamin Franklin held a dinner for their fellow Americans.

The first July 4 celebration west of the Mississippi River was held by Lewis and Clark in 1804. Many isolated western forts began celebrating the day with military parades, artillery salutes and dinners with toasts and music. Across the country, small towns and cities celebrated with spirited speeches, parades, dances, picnics, horse races, foot races and fireworks. 

Our nation’s presidents have always participated in July 4 celebrations in one form or another. In 1790, President George Washington attended services at Trinity Church, though the actual celebration was moved to July 5 and held at St. Paul’s Chapel. President John Adams was in Philadelphia where “a great concourse of citizens” waited for him in order to “drink to his health.” Through the years, presidents have often reviewed military parades, received and entertained guests in the White House, given patriotic orations and watched the fireworks. President James K. Polk attended the laying of the cornerstone of the Washington Monument on July 4, 1848, while President Millard Fillmore participated in the laying of the cornerstone for the new Capitol building on July 4, 1851.

My own childhood memories of the Glorious Fourth are cherished ones. The fun with cousins, interesting visits with the older generation as they reminisced about past July 4 observances, great food and more are firmly planted in my mind. The American flag always waved proudly overhead and my father’s prayer for our country as he said grace was no doubt repeated at countless family gatherings and picnics throughout the country and by Americans overseas. This is what being an American is all about! 

Love for our families, our country and our God are some of the things that make being a citizen of this great country so special. We must forever keep these principles in our hearts if we are to survive as a nation and pass our priceless legacy on to the next generation. It is important that every American never forget the great price that has been paid for the freedom we are privileged to enjoy today. 

This Independence Day, as you spend time with your loved ones, think about these things and vow to keep the majestic flames of freedom alive. Say a prayer of thanks to the patriots of 1776 and to all the others who have given so much through the ensuing years. They all deserve our respect and our gratitude.

Jean Gallagher is president of Cabane 333 La Femmes.