Declaring our Independence
Today in our nation there looks to be uncertainty around every corner. Gas prices are higher than they have ever been, the price of food and clothing has sky rocketed, and there is an impending fear about certain freedoms that stand at risk. Many families are being forced in a position to wonder how they will adjust to the chaos. But even so, through the tough times, we will all gather as a nation to celebrate the 4th of July-our nation’s declaration and reminder of independence.
Second Continental Congress officially declared freedom from Great Britain on July 2, 1776, when Congress approved a resolution in a unanimous vote. Just two days later on July 4th, Congress adopted the Declaration of Independence in a draft written by Thomas Jefferson and other members of the committee. Unbeknownst to most, once the declaration was approved the document was sent to a printer, John Dunlap, who printed 200 copies. Amazingly, there are still 26 original copies still intact today.
On July 8th 1776, Col. John Nixon from Philadelphia read aloud the Declaration to the public for the very first time. The first gathering in celebration of the Declaration of Independence was held that day. This special place in history is known today as Independence Square, a historic National Park in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
I remember many of my family’s Fourth of July celebrations, but the one I remember the most ended with an exciting fireworks show that unraveled in a very unforeseen way. I recall that evening my Dad took my siblings and me to get fireworks per our usual tradition. Of course, when he approached us in the living room and asked if we would like to get some fireworks we immediately shouted “I do! I do!” in unison. Full of jittery excitement, all five of us climbed into the family car- a green panel—sided station wagon.
We arrived at the fireworks stand Dad picked out roman candles and sparklers for my younger sister and me. He bought my two oldest brothers firecrackers and bottle rockets. Dad payed for the fireworks then the man behind the counter let Dad know that he was going to put all the big fireworks in a larger bag and the sparklers in a smaller bag. (Remember this moment of the story, because it is important!)
We were bouncing and chatting in the car with excitement. We could not get home quick enough to light up the fireworks. When we arrived home, Dad put the large bag of fireworks in the garage and told the boys he was going to let my sister and me light the sparklers first. My Dad lit the three sparklers and gave one to Mary Ellen and me. He then gave my youngest brother, Bobby, one as well. Bobby was about six years old at the time and truly had no business holding a lit sparkler. But as my mother used to say, with seven children running around, you can’t possible keep up with each one all the time. So, just as soon as my Dad turned around Bobby got bored with the sparkler. Without Dad, or any of us older siblings noticing, Bobby wandered into the garage to find a place to throw away the lit sparkler.
What do you know? He stumbled upon a brown paper sack that seemed like a good enough garbage bin for him. However, Bobby didn’t realize it was the brown paper sack that was holding all the other fireworks!
I can remember seeing Bobby run out of the garage one moment and then he was gone. Then suddenly, fireworks crackled and banged and flew right out of the garage! Everyone ran to take cover. When the chaos finally ended, Bobby had “guilty” written all over his face. I still can’t help but laugh about it to this day. It was an unusual fireworks show, and it happened very quickly, but it was one I will never forget.
The Fourth of July is one of our nation’s biggest holidays, and like my family, others will find ways to make their celebration unique. Some cities have scheduled parades, musical concerts or downtown fireworks. Families and friends are gathering at homes, parks or campsites to have a barbecue with all the fixins’ and fireworks. So, when you get together this weekend to celebrate July 4th remember to be safe while making memories with your loved ones. Wherever you may be, and whatever you may be doing, I ask that you take a moment to reflect upon our nation’s independence. As you look upon the Stars and Stripes and the red, white and blue remember our founding fathers and what it took to declare our Declaration of Independence that was made that day in July for this great nation.