The History of the Fourth of July
As we head into the part of summer where we celebrate the Fourth of July, it feels like a very familiar time for Americans. The day is full of festivities such as barbecues, music, and fireworks at night. The holiday that has become a comfortable tradition for us represents a new beginning of a new country, away from British rule.
The Fourth of July commemorates the passage of the Declaration of Independence by Congress in 1776. This officially declared that the 13 established colonies were now legally separate from Great Britain, one of the motivating factors of the first Pilgrims who first arrived in 1620 to pursue religious freedom.
The Declaration of Independence presented a request for America to no longer be under the rule of British Parliament. The request was accompanied by 27 very specific grievances as to why this should occur. History.com explains this list as being similar to a court case hearing. The colonists had been compiling evidence over the years to prove that King George III was a tyrant, and they were seeking what is equivalent to an impeachment, thereby releasing the colonies’ ties from the monarchy overseas.
The passage of the Declaration of Independence was a victory for Congress, who had been attempting to break away and begin their own country for several years. It was the beginning of America and the “pursuit of happiness,” a pursuit that would tragically leave Native Americans and people of color far behind. The language of the document that declared “all men are created equal” more specifically meant men (not women) who looked only like those penning the document.
To say America has made merciless mistakes along our way would be an understatement, but the Fourth of July can be a day to hold space for reflection on our past as a nation. Our history has also been blessed by heroes who were driven by honor and morals and pioneers who paved the way for others to follow their lead on higher ground.
As you head into your Fourth of July celebrations, we urge you to take a moment to consider the glory of the gift of freedom. The word freedom does not come delivered in a neat and tidy package. Yes, we enjoy it thanks to our founding fathers who worked tirelessly to achieve it, but we enjoy it also thanks to everyone who was and is a part of the story and who carried the founding fathers on their shoulders.
We hope you appreciate the day in all its enormity as you enjoy your own familiar traditions that celebrate the birth of this great nation, where the freedom to be ourselves continues to be our common goal.
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