~ American Independence Day ~
With the progress of globalization, July Fourth is arguably the most famous Independence Day in the world. The date immediately brings to mind celebrations ranging from picnics, fireworks, parades and speeches, to concerts, carnivals, fairs and family reunions. The American flag, the national anthem, "Star Spangled Banner" and all things red, white and blue are the unmistakable July Fourth themes at every event, effectively and proudly symbolizing the country's patriotism.
A national holiday in the United States, July Fourth commemorates the Declaration of Independence, signed in 1776, whereby 13 colonies at war with Great Britain announced their separation from the British Empire and the formation of the United States of America. This act, considered treason and punishable by death was a brave and selfless act by the 56 men from the 13 states who signed it. Ironically, John Adams and Thomas Jefferson, two of the signatories and eventually the second and third presidents of the United States, died on July 4, 1826 – 50 years to the day of the signing. James Munroe, the fifth president, also died on July 4, five years later.
Drafted by Thomas Jefferson, the declaration contains one of the most famous sentences ever written: "We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness." The first person to sign the declaration was John Hancock and to this day, if you are asked for your John Hancock, you are being asked for your signature.
You may or may not know, however, that until fairly recently, the Philippines also celebrated July Fourth; marking their independence in 1946 from the United States, to whom the country was "sold" in 1898 for $20 million by its colonial masters, Spain. In 1962, the holiday was changed from Independence Day to Filipino-American Friendship Day, and June 12 became Independence Day instead.
Whilst every town and city has its own specific Fourth of July celebrations, Bristol, Rhode Island, is the home of the oldest continuous celebrations. This year will mark the town's 230th annual event which comprises a concert, drum and bugle competition, fireworks, a parade, patriotic speakers, a Miss and Little Miss Fourth of July contest.
Popular places to be on this special day are those places with direct links to the founding fathers and battlegrounds of the revolutionary war, as well as those towns with charming main streets, quaint, nostalgia promoting buildings and a reputation for holding full-out events and activities.
According to Travel & Life Magazine, the number one place to be is Flagstaff, Arizona, where the frontier spirit, old-time town square and proximity to the Grand Canyon checks most of the necessities for the Fourth of July boxes. Coming in second is Bend, Oregon, with an all-day party in the park, old-fashioned hula-hoop contests, sack racing, watermelon eating and horseshoe pitching competitions.
Whether you are in the United States or not, chances are high that there will be a Fourth of July celebration near you. Enjoy the day and the feeling of togetherness it brings to all nationalities.
