July 4: The Best Birthday

Remembering why we celebrate Independence Day

The National Park Service hosts an outstanding July Fourth fireworks extravaganza every year in Washington, D.C. (Courtesy of U.S. National Park Service)

With July Fourth only a few weeks away, it’s time to start planning how to make this year’s Independence Day the best ever.

No other special date inspires quite the same deep emotions as Independence Day, when we celebrate the adoption of the Declaration of Independence by the Continental Congress on July 4, 1776. Fun fact: The Continental Congress actually voted in favor of the Declaration on July 2, but it was revised and then completed two days later by Thomas Jefferson, John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, Roger Sherman, and Robert Livingston.

It's vital that we teach our children the significance of July Fourth so they know it's more than just fireworks and parades. (Ariel Skelley/Getty Images)

With that in mind, because it’s too easy to get caught up in planning a menu and festivities, take a moment to learn more about the circumstances that led to this day, and then share that knowledge with friends and family. The courage of our Founding Fathers to take a clear and unequivocal step away from England and King George, a crime they knew was punishable by death, must be remembered and honored.

The first Independence Day celebrations were, ironically enough, modeled after English celebrations of the king’s birthday, with bells ringing, big bonfires, parades, and speeches made by local politicians. We added fireworks to simulate the raging battles as the 13 American colonies fought what was at the time the world’s largest armed force.

There are many ways to celebrate this holiday, from simple to complex. In many parts of the country, all that’s needed is to step outside and watch as neighbors, towns, and cities put on a fireworks extravaganza. For a lot of folks, a backyard cookout attended by friends and family, followed by safely shooting off fireworks, is an excellent, time-honored way to mark the day.

The Continental Congress voted in favor of the Declaration of Independence on July 2, 1776, but it wasn't completed until two days later.(Bezzangi/Shutterstock)

Another option is to attend a local Fourth of July parade or fireworks display, being sure to check with the event organizer first for any event details or restrictions; then get ready to “ooh” and “aah.” Arrive early to ensure a good parking spot, and bring a blanket or folding chairs, water, and a few snacks. But for those seeking to make more of the day, the following suggestions were chosen for their history or uniqueness.

There are few things as purely “American” as a hometown Independence Day parade. (Roberto Galan/Shutterstock)

Historic Backdrops

Washington, D.C., is another great place to visit, capping a day of sightseeing with a 35-minute fireworks display organized by the National Park Service and featuring some of our country’s most iconic monuments as a backdrop. It’s also televised nationally.

Historical reenactments are a great way to get an idea of what our forefathers experienced as they risked everything to win freedom. (flysnowfly/Shutterstock)

Another option is to celebrate the day where it all began, in Colonial Williamsburg, where a full day of festivities starts off with a reading of the Declaration of Independence, followed by historic reenactments, musical performances, craft exhibitions and, of course, a dazzling fireworks show.

Another unique Fourth of July celebration, now in its 68th year, takes place as Hannibal, Missouri, sets aside five days to celebrate its favorite resident during National Tom Sawyer Days. From June 30 to July 4, the town steps back in time, presenting a slice of Americana that isn’t often experienced. The family-friendly events include parades, a fence whitewashing contest, frog jumping competitions, a crafts fair, concerts, and a fireworks display.

To experience unique ways to celebrate July Fourth, consider offbeat events such as the Key Lime Festival in Key West, Florida. (Courtesy of Key Lime Festival)

State Spinoffs

New York City does everything in a big way, with the Fourth being no exception. Now in its 47th year, Macy’s Fourth of July Fireworks Spectacular is the city’s largest fireworks exhibition and a good excuse to visit. There were an astounding 65,000 shells fired from five barges on the East River during the 2022 event. Good spots from which to see the show include FDR Drive at East 42nd Street, Gantry Plaza State Park, and Bushwick Inlet Park. The fireworks show is also televised nationally for those who are unable to attend in person.

Those eager to find a new and delicious way to celebrate the Fourth may want to consider heading to the southernmost state. Key West’s Annual Key Lime Festival is a five-day event that culminates on the Fourth with a dinner under the stars and a great view of the fireworks, hosted by the Key West Rotary Club. As the event name suggests, the other days are filled with events dedicated to the Key lime, found only in this part of the world.

For fireworks against a majestic backdrop, it’s tough to beat Wyoming’s Jackson Hole Independence Day Celebration. The events get underway on July 3 with a pancake breakfast at the city’s Town Square, followed by a music festival, with a parade of horseback riders, marching bands, classic cars, and more that begins at the Teton County Fairgrounds and winds its way into town on July 4. Other events include a rodeo, Old West shootout reenactments, and a 10-kilometer run. There are two fireworks shows on the Fourth, with one in the Teton Village at Jackson Hole Mountain Resort and the other at the base of Snow King Mountain in Jackson Hole.

Happy Birthday, America!