This week, we celebrate the 248th year of American’s independence. It’s a day that is usually celebrated with fireworks, mouth-watering foods straight from the grill, and a gathering of friends and/or family. Some may take in a baseball game, some may celebrate by watching the Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest, and some may just celebrate by staying home and relaxing. And there’s a 98% chance that you will hear “Proud to be an American” by Lee Greenwood.
John Adams, the second President of the United States, believed that future Americans would celebrate the “Great Anniversary” with “Pomp and Parade, Shews, Games, Sports, Guns, Bells, Bonfires and Illuminations from one end of this continent to the other”. He also thought America should celebrate Independence Day on July 2, when the Continental Congress voted for independence in 1776, rather than July 4, when it was formerly adopted. Adams reportedly turned down July 4 celebration invites for the rest of his life, undoubtedly taking it personally that his suggestion was ignored.
But while President Adams prognostications were mostly correct (I admit that I had to look up “Shew”, which is the old-fashioned spelling for “show”), some July Fourth traditions from the early days didn’t transcend the sands of time. For instance, we no longer celebrate the day by holding mock funerals for England’s King George III to celebrate victory over the British Monarchy.
In the spirit of celebrating our freedom of press, and my own pastime of being nosy, I went out and asked a few folks in our communities what it means to themselves to celebrate Independence Day and how they would be celebrating this week.
Here’s hoping all of you have a great and safe Independence Day! And hey, United Kingdom, have fun at work!
Michael Ethridge-Decatur
“I believe it’s a wonderful thing to celebrate the Fourth of July and I’m also thankful for the veterans that helped make our freedoms possible.”
Kimberly Walker-Newton
“For the Fourth, me and my family will be barbecuing hamburgers and hot dogs. We are also going to enjoy the fireworks show at Turkey Creek on the day before.”
Riley Ingram-Union
“Independence Day, to me, means celebrating freedom, our independence, and the things we get to do because of the bravery of our forefathers and veterans that helped us get these freedoms.”
Damarius Evans-Newton
“To me, Independence Day is a day of celebration for the birth of America. On the fourth, I plan to sit around with family and get some much-needed rest.”
Amanda Skinner-Decatur
“The Fourth is a time to remember and be thankful of the services of our founding fathers, who believed that freedom and liberty were worth dying for. My family will be celebrating by going to watch the fireworks at Turkey Creek and then going to a pool party at my sister’s.”
Halli Kate McDonald-Decatur
“We’re going to go to the beach and will watch the fireworks.”
