Americans celebrated their independence before they were independent. In July of 1776, colonists heard the Declaration of Independence read aloud for the first time in Philadelphia’s Independence Square. They were overwhelmed with joy to hear the news that the colonies were free from British tyranny, and they took to the streets in spontaneous celebration and boisterous revelry. The Revolutionary War would last for six more years, and the colonists were so sure of victory that they continued to celebrate the Fourth of July every year throughout the conflict.

On July 2, 1776, John Adams was euphoric when the Continental Congress voted for independence. He wrote to his wife, “The Second Day of July 1776, will be the most memorable Epocha [period of time], in the History of America. I am apt to believe that it will be celebrated, by succeeding Generations, as the great anniversary Festival.”

Adams correctly predicted America’s independence being celebrated for generations to come. However, the colonies chose July 4, the day the Declaration of Independence was ratified by Congress, as the anniversary date. It is interesting to note that John Adams was so affronted by the choice of the fourth instead of the second that he refused to attend any Fourth of July celebrations for the next 50 years. John Adams died on July 4, 1826.

Adams’s letter to his wife continued, “It ought to be solemnized with Pomp and Parade, with Shews [shows], Games, Sports, Guns, Bells, Bonfires and Illuminations [firecrackers] from one End of the Continent to the other from this Time forward forever more.” The first planned Independence Day celebration was held in Philadelphia on July 4, 1777. The Pennsylvania Evening Post reported, “The evening was closed with the ringing of bells, and at night there was a grand exhibition of fireworks (which began and concluded with thirteen rockets) on the Commons, and the city was beautifully illuminated.”

Fourth of July celebrations are part of our unique American heritage, and they bring us many cherished traditions. No Fourth of July celebration would be complete without singing the Star Spangled Banner, which was written during the War of 1812 and became our National Anthem in 1931, 88 years after the death of Sir Francis Scott Key. Aerial fireworks displays can be seen from coast to coast during the celebrations. The simple firecrackers set off by the colonists in 1776 evolved into a billion-dollar pyrotechnic business. Traditional Fourth of July foods are abundant, with hotdogs being the most popular. The National Hot Dog and Sausage Council estimates 150 million hotdogs are consumed by Americans on the Fourth of July every year.

Even with all the hoopla, the holiday has not been without controversy. This spring, the National Park Service denied a permit for a fireworks display at Mount Rushmore on July 3, citing environmental concerns and protests by Native American tribes. Judge Robert Lange ruled against Gov. Kristi Noem’s appeal, and the spectacular fireworks display will not be held in South Dakota this year.

However, Judge Lange also noted the need for Fourth of July commemorations. He wrote: “This country could use a good celebration of its foundational principles of democracy, liberty and equal protection of law, after a pandemic that has disrupted society and business and has killed nearly 600,000 United States citizens to date....and after this nation has become so sadly divided by the politicization of so many issues….”

The judge is correct – Americans need a good celebration! After months of political and ideological hostility, as well as a pandemic, lockdown and economic uncertainty, we need to come together and celebrate America’s birthday. We need to unite and celebrate our common ideal – America’s freedom.

When the colonists heard the newly-written Declaration of Independence read to them, they were ecstatic to realize they were free. They heard that they had the right to “life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.” Today, 245 years later, we continue to enjoy the same rights in a free country where we have been given the opportunity to pursue our dreams.

The United States of America is not perfect, and never will be, but we continue to work toward “a more perfect union.” After years of debate, struggle and even a Civil War to give equality to all people, we remain united. We remain free. Americans of every race, gender, religion and ethnic have the equal opportunity to pursue the American Dream according to their individual interests and ideas.

This will be the Fourth of July weekend. Turn off the news, forget politics, and unite around our shared values of freedom and individual rights. We are free and blessed to live in America. It’s time to celebrate as joyfully as the colonists did in 1776.

Bonnie Ewoldt, of rural Milford, is a retired teacher, news junkie and freelance writer. Her opinion pieces have appeared online and in newspapers across Iowa and neighboring states. Visit her blog at http://www.bonniesblogbox.wordpress.com.