America on the Fourth of July

America on the Fourth of July is a day we associate with fireworks, parades, barbecues, picnics, baseball games, and family reunions. Historically, it is more.


It is the birthday of the American Republic, a nation not founded on lineage or language, race or creed, but on the simple principle set forth in the Declaration of Independence that,

"[A]ll 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."

Independence Hall 1876

The Continental Congress, on the occasion of the first anniversary of the birth of America, celebrated with an official dinner in Philadelphia at Independence Hall with prayers, speeches and toasts, parades and a 13-gun salute, and, of course, fireworks. It matters that we continue this tradition, safely of course, remembering those whose sacrifices made this day possible.

Happy Birthday America!