Why Do We Celebrate the Fourth of July
If you’ve ever wondered why do we celebrate the Fourth of July, it all starts in the American Colonies in the late 1700′s.
In 1776, the Continental Congress began drafting The Declaration of Independence. This was not a haphazard decision. It came after years of petitioning the King of England to listen to the requests of the American Colonies. To offer them equal representation in Parliament. To reduce the excessive taxes that were such a burden on the colonies.
Finally, after the start of the Revolutionary War, the citizens of the American Colonies realized that England was not going to hear their requests, and that American Independence was the only answer.
So, on July 4th, 1776 The Declaration of Independence was signed – Independence Day.
Word spread like wild fire through the American Colonies, and celebrations broke out. Huge Bonfires, and constantly tolling bells could be seen and heard in towns all over the country. Statues and Images of the King were tore down and destroyed. America was officially independent from England – The first Fourth of July Celebration!
At the time, the signing of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776 was the climax of years of political struggle for the American Colonies, and through the years it has been celebrated as the beginning of the first free society in modern times. For the first time in World History, a group of individuals set out to establish a free country. A country where the people had the power to run the government, not a group of elite politicians, and not a king or dictator.
Our freedom, granted to us at birth by God, and protected by the sacrifices made by patriots from 1776 until today. So as you watch the beautiful fireworks, and wonder why do we celebrate the fourth of July, remember all the people through the ages who have fought to protect our freedom. And take a moment to remember our heritage and our history -
If you listen closely you can still hear the celebrations of the early patriots resonating through out the country as they proclaim freedom from an oppressive King!
Happy Fourth of July!
P.S. – Here’s to all the Men and Women who fight every day to protect our Constitution from all enemies! You are all in our prayers.
