We Suffer. We Overcome. We Celebrate. That’s how we define the Fourth of July, the Independence Day of one of the most powerful countries -the United States of America. It is a day of celebration and patriotic marches, lots of concerts and top of all, a reason to wave the American flag with pride. While the younger generation waits for this day to have joy and fun, the elders who know the history have pain in their heart and tears in their eyes.

The 4^th of July, the Independence Day has come after a lot of bloods and sweats poured by great patriots and freedom fighters. In the year of 1776, this day had finally come that every American wished –the day of freedom, the ray of hope and the birth of the country that would rule the world. Though the American history of War and Independence is lengthy, let’s glimpse at what all it went through.

We Suffered

The Native Americans suffered from British hostility in spite of ceased European-based war. The people of America sought rights to live happily and worry free. The attempt was very much needed to free them from brutality of British military and political control. From the cradles, we had been taught that we should accept the rulers and cannot raise the voice. The break was needed. But for those brave Americans, there were no guidelines, examples, or experience. What they all had was courage, passion high caliber and patriotism.

The rebellions just knew to let the world know that anyone can be freed from tyrannical system –we just need to keep our moral high, seek for the justice and then prepare with full force. The strange part of American Revolution is it’s never been came down from vengefulness like others. Take an example of Madame LaFarge foot knitting in Paris. The time witnessed the killing of a whole class of French citizens that is unforgettable.

With the threat of losing rights of self-government, the Americans were morally ready to oppose the British Government’s strive to enforce heavy taxes on the North American settlers and it resulted in putting a republican political standpoint rejecting royalty, corruption and aristocracy. This was followed by several disputes with the Parliament provoking protest and resistance. A large formal assembly, called as the First Continental Congress was formed where boycotting against Britain begun.

We Overcame

In the year of 1775, the British Army marched from Boston, Massachusetts on 19 April in order to arrest the local prominent leaders. The American Revolution War was ignited by the Battle of Lexington and Concord. It was George Washington in June 1775, who had lead campaign as he was unanimously selected as commander of newly formed Army of Continent.

Actually the Independence happened on July 2, 1776 as Second Continental Congress voted independence for the 13^th United States of America. It was two days later on July 4; Congress adopted the Declaration of Independence.

This was not enough! The British returned with their army in August 1776. General William Howe planted more than 15000 troops on the Long Island and captured New York. The Battle of Long Island is one of the most memorable events in the history of American Independence. The British converted the city for their main political and military base until late 1783. The America’s fortune looked down for a certain period as the British seized New Jersey. As the good luck would have it, Washington came up with bang and surprise attack crossed the Delaware River beating British Army in New Jersey at Trenton and Princeton. The victory boosted the moral of pro-independence supporters.

Poor planning and local dispute in the Great Britain camps made them down from Canada and their army descended from various places. Writers at Mouls Incorporation researched and learned that The Britain then started facing a major problem as the French were accompanied by Spain and the Netherlands. All European naval powers started rooting off the British rule and the Great Britain looked worried about losing the major World War. Of course, in this the American victory at Saratoga played a crucial role.

We Celebrate

The final blow to British happened with the news of their surrender at Yorktown. The force was still remaining in America and on the other hand, France and Spain looked stronger in the war. Lord North’s sighed, “Oh God! It’s all over” and it came as a stumbling block to George III and Lord Germain’s willingness to still carry on the war.

The fourth of July is a national holiday. The celebration of this emotional day takes place in every corner of the United States of America. The families come out and go for picnic, participate in local events and celebrate the day by decorating the dwellings. The balloons, clothing, streamers etc. are preferred in red, blue and white color –the colors of the American Flag. While parades happen in the morning, fireworks kindle the sky in the night. The fireworks are often accompanied by patriotic songs and national anthem. Few of the known include “This Land is Your Land”, “America the Beautiful”, “Stars and Stripes Forever” and “God Bless America”.

The “Salute to the union” is a salute of a gun for every state in the US. It’s fired on Fourth of July, the Independence Day at noon by military. Major displays of celebration and fireworks happen in cities like New York (in 2009, it had the largest fireworks –over 22 tones of Pyrotechnics exploded; Source: USA Today, July 2009), San Diego (over Mission Bay), Chicago (on Lake Michigan), Boston (on the Charles River) and in Washington DC (on the National Mall). Nevertheless, held since 1785, the oldest continued celebration of the Independence Day is at Rhode Island.

Little Known Facts about July 4^th –Independence Day of America

• John Hancock signed the letter first as he was the President of Congress. Other 54 delegates didn’t sign the Declaration until August 2, 1776
• The document traveled first by boat, down the Delaware River and Bay to Washington
• Two presidents died on Fourth of July –Thomas Jefferson and James Monroe (1826 and 1831)
• One president was born on July 4^th –President Calvin Coolidge (1872)
• During 1970s and 80s, the celebration did not occur nationwide. Many sates made their own independence declaration after Continental Congress’ approval
• The first fireworks was in Philadelphia
• The American Flags worth approximately $3.3 million are imported every year from China (Source: Foreign Trade Statistics –Census.gov)
• The import of fireworks is from China worth $223.4 million (Source: Foreign Trade Statistics –Census.gov)
• The Bald Eagle was considered to be a symbol of misfortune. Instead, a bird Turkey was thought to have place in America’s symbols. Nevertheless, the opinion was opposed and never favored.
• Potato chips and salads are most popular food at 4^th July barbecues. Idaho or Washington produces approximately half of nation’s spuds (Source: USDA National Agricultural Statistics Services)

Breathtaking fireworks in New York City

We read your mind -You’ll also like…

• July 4 —Independence Day of United States (6)
• History and Origin of Christmas Carols (1)
• Christmas Guide Part 1 (1)