2008 Woodie Awards
Fourth of July celebrations a pastime
Joan Downs
Issue date: 7/4/07 Section: News
- Page 1 of 1
John Adams of Massachusetts was elated with the ratification of the Declaration of Independence.
"The second day of July 1776, will be the most memorable epocha in the history of America," he wrote in a letter to his wife Abigail.
"I am apt to believe that it will be celebrated by succeeding generations as the great anniversary festival ... It ought to be solemnized with pomp and parade, with shows, games, sports, guns, bells, bonfires and illuminations, from one end of this continent to the other, from this time forward, forevermore."
The actual vote for independence occurred on July 2; however, the formal declaration was adopted July 4, 1776.
The Declaration of Independence set forth a list of grievances to King George III of Great Britain that had resulted in "absolute Tyranny over these States."
The Declaration of Independence was one of the first formal declarations of the new nation. It held, "that all 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."
The Fourth of July, or Independence Day, is still celebrated with parades and fireworks. Some churches honor the day by ringing bells.
However, the United States is one of changes and of individual liberties as set forth in the Bill of Rights, ratified December 15, 1791. The rights echo and expand those listed in the Declaration.
The first right indicates a departure from the religious sentiments of John Adams. The First Amendment to the United States Constitution reads:
"Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press, or the right of the people to peaceably assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of Grievances."
The first amendment is the bedrock of the Bill of Rights. Twenty-seven amendments have been added to Bill of Rights. The freedoms are tools to protect against tyranny and a reason for jubilation as Adams envisioned on Independence Day.
"The second day of July 1776, will be the most memorable epocha in the history of America," he wrote in a letter to his wife Abigail.
"I am apt to believe that it will be celebrated by succeeding generations as the great anniversary festival ... It ought to be solemnized with pomp and parade, with shows, games, sports, guns, bells, bonfires and illuminations, from one end of this continent to the other, from this time forward, forevermore."
The actual vote for independence occurred on July 2; however, the formal declaration was adopted July 4, 1776.
The Declaration of Independence set forth a list of grievances to King George III of Great Britain that had resulted in "absolute Tyranny over these States."
The Declaration of Independence was one of the first formal declarations of the new nation. It held, "that all 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."
The Fourth of July, or Independence Day, is still celebrated with parades and fireworks. Some churches honor the day by ringing bells.
However, the United States is one of changes and of individual liberties as set forth in the Bill of Rights, ratified December 15, 1791. The rights echo and expand those listed in the Declaration.
The first right indicates a departure from the religious sentiments of John Adams. The First Amendment to the United States Constitution reads:
"Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press, or the right of the people to peaceably assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of Grievances."
The first amendment is the bedrock of the Bill of Rights. Twenty-seven amendments have been added to Bill of Rights. The freedoms are tools to protect against tyranny and a reason for jubilation as Adams envisioned on Independence Day.
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