Misc. Mental Musings

Why the 4th of July?

S. G. Lacey

Every summer, Americans take time to honor the history of our great country. As an observed national holiday, most adults get the day off from work, and children are in the middle of their school recess. All manner of unique traditions abound, paying homage to the formation and expansion of the United States, while enjoying the typically pleasant weather throughout the country.

But how did July 4th get selected as the official day of celebration and ceremony? What is the history of Independence Day, and what will this event look like going forward? Examining America’s past can help provide guidance on the present, and even make predictions about the future. Don your most patriotic attire, raise that flag on the front porch, fire up the backyard barbeque, and look skyward at dark.

Forefathers:
Tracing the origin of the now ubiquitous July 4th date is pretty straightforward, with a minor twist.

In the summer of 1776, the fledgling Continental Congress, created less than 2 years earlier as a governing body for the original 13 colonies, became fed up with British rule, like many of the citizens they represented. On June 7th, Virginia delegate Richard Henry Lee introduced a motion for colonial independence during a legislative session in Philadelphia, PA.

Instead of making a sudden brash decision, the vote was shelved until more information on the topic could be compiled. A 5-man committee was formed to explore the options for revolting against the tyrannical hand stifling freedom from across the Atlantic Ocean. This famous body spend the next month drafting a document which eventually became known as the Declaration of Independence. [REF]

Besides the three famous authors, each stalwarts of U.S. history, Thomas Jefferson – VA, John Adams – MA, and Benjamin Franklin – PA, were a pair of lesser known politicians. Can you name them?

Roger Sherman – CT & Robert Livingston – NY

The actual vote by the Continental Congress occurred on July 2nd, accepting the document drafted by Thomas Jefferson and his colleagues. This decision was essentially unanimous, despite a brief abstention from the New York delegation. After two days of heated deliberation, on July 4th, 1776, delegates from all 13 colonies adopted the Declaration of Independence’s tenants, and Unites States was formed, at least verbally.

Hence the historical relevance tied to the 4th of July. However, this prescribed date for the birth of America is not without disagreement.

The most notable dissenter at the time was John Adams, who firmly believed that the correct timing for this historic formation of a free and independent nation was July 2nd. Throughout his life, even during his time as president, Adams would eschew celebratory events scheduled for July 4th.

While the ratifying vote occurred in early July 1776, it wasn’t until the 2nd of August back in Philadelphia that a vast majority of 56 delegates actually signed the neatly scribed official document. Considering the dynamic flux of this young colonial government, and the difficulties of travel in the 18th century, some of the final signees were not even present at the original July deliberations. Still, many historians argue that August 2nd is the true date when United States of America was officially inked into existence. [REF]

Ironically, two of our Founding Fathers, Adams and Jefferson, both passed away on July 4th, 1826, the 50th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence adoption. Or at least within a few days.

First:
In 1775, 2.5 million combined immigrants from Europe and their generational offspring resided in the 13 colonies along the eastern seaboard of North America. Can you list the original 13 states?

New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia

Before American independence, an annual celebration was held on the King of England’s birthday, which obviously and inconveniently varied based on who was in power. Traditional activities were tribute-based to the sitting royalty, including bells, bonfires, processions, speeches.

The summer of 1776 was decidedly different. King George III was British leader at the time, and his birthday ironically fell on June 4th. With the seeds of rebellion already sewn in the spring, after decades of undesirable taxation on stamps, tea, and other staple goods, in 1776, the typical honoring activities transitioned to mock funerals and satirical chants for the English king who citizens used to worship.

Back in the 18th century, before the existence of TV evening news or internet searching on cellphones, information dissemination was decidedly slower. In fact, reports heralding the decision of the colonies to separate from tyranny traveled slowly through printed newspapers transported county to county by riders on horseback.

A year after the seminal event, the Declaration of Independence was read out publicly in major cities on the commemoration date in 1777.

Claiming independence verbally is one thing. Earning physical freedom from a powerful nation is a decidedly different, more challenging, endeavor. This ultimate goal was achieved through the long and laborious Revolutionary War, which did not finally become resolved until September of 1783.

The frequent bloody battles, spanning from Saratoga, NY to Savanah, GA, didn’t stop the soldiers from having a little fun each July 4th in pursuit of their noble cause. Famously, Continental General George Washington gave his troops double rations of rum on this day of remembrance while on the field in 1778 and 1781, the later of which as the army was moving south towards Yorktown, VA for a siege which would effectively end the fighting. [REF]

After earning victory, the first Independence Day celebration in the White House was fittingly organized by Thomas Jefferson in 1801. Not surprisingly, President John Adams, who precluded Jefferson as the nation’s second president from 1797 – 1801, ignored this July 4th date throughout his tenure.

Massachusetts was the first state to make the 4th of July an acknowledged day of celebration way back in 1781, while freedom was still being earned. Surprisingly, Independence Day didn’t become an official national holiday until 1870, with federal employee pay for this time off occurring in 1941.

It’s hard to celebrate the birth of a nation without a good theme song. Again, this process was a little slow in developing.

In 1814, American Francis Scott Key, fittingly held hostage on a British warship in the Baltimore Harbor, penned a compelling poem he called “The Defense of Ft. Henry”. It wasn’t until 1931 that the poem was put to music, and the “Star-Spangled Banner” became the U.S. national anthem. Still, the well-known lyrics identifying the “rocket’s red glare” and “flag was still there” are key tenants of Independence Day celebrations even now. [REF]

Fireworks:
Despite his despising of the 4th of July date, John Adams wasn’t a complete miser. In fact, he envisioned the accomplishment of the Continental Congress on July 2nd as a cause for immense celebration. In a letter to his wife Abigail, he described the activities envisioned for this “great anniversary festival”.

“Pomp and parade . . . games, sports, guns, bells, bonfires and illuminations from one end of this continent to the other.” [REF]

While all these predictions came true in various forms, the call for “illuminations” is perhaps the most telling and insightful.

The first fireworks display celebration occurred in the Philadelphia, PA harbor in 1777. Explosives were launched from a boat, and the finale included a 13-gun salute to celebrate the total number of colonies in this newly created union.

These days, fireworks are a key element of regaling our country’s independence. It’s amusing that despite seemingly national collaboration, there are still significant differences in the legality of purchasing and using various pyrotechnics throughout the country.

At least the Federalists of yore would be proud with the continued state power. What is the only state which still prohibits any sale of consumer fireworks?

Massachusetts

Amazingly, the American Pyrotechnics Association is an actual governing body in the United States. Perusing their website provides some interesting facts about fireworks sales, applications, and injury risk.

The APA tracks two different kinds of fireworks: “display”, which require a license to purchase and are used for large scale public shows under the operation of professional pyrotechnic experts, and “consumer”, smaller offerings purchased at retail and launched by rank amateurs in backyard settings.

Examining the revenue in each of these categories is telling, both in terms of fireworks trends since the turn of the millennium, and especially in the last few years as a result of COVID lockdowns. In 2002, consumer fireworks revenue was just under half a billion, with display pyrotechnics tallying roughly $250 million. By 2019, the last year of normal data, the consumer purchases had doubled, while the display category increased to $375 billion.

Impressive annualized growth in both categories. But then the entire paradigm changed. In just 2 years, the total consumer fireworks sales more than doubled again, coming in at $2.2 billion. Apparently, the average stuck-at-home citizen found plenty of free time to procure and shoot off some fireworks during their isolated 4th of July holiday.

In contrast, predictably, the display revenue dropped under $100 million in 2020. Rebounding back above $250 million in 2021, it’s likely that this total will set a new annual record in 2022, as public celebrations of our nation’s birth return. Apparently, Americans have become increasingly patriotic, or bored, in recent years. [REF]

There’s another element of fireworks usage which is less compelling and less discussed than the loud, colorful, nighttime displays. Each year, thousands of injuries are associated with poor pyrotechnic safety practices: ranging in severity from a small child burning the tip of her finger on a lit sparkler, to a drunken bloke blowing off his hand with a bundle of powerful bottle rockets.

Fire has been at the core of homo sapiens survival since the days of caveman ancestors. As a result, it’s not surprising that our current celebration practices are based on exciting explosive exhibitions in the sky, considering the instinctual and historical roots of such experiences.

It’s easy to make the connection from soggy pilgrims huddled around a driftwood bonfire for warmth on the beach near Plymouth Rock, to Revolutionary War soldiers engaged in a smoky musket engagement at Bunker Hill, to glowing cannon balls arcing through the sky outside Gettysburg, in the heart of the Civil War which represents the most challenging time in our still-united nation, to watching red, white, and blue streaks above the National Mall, thunderous booms accompanied by choreographed music.

Food:

There’s one sustenance tradition which separates Americans from most other developed nations. Our penchant for outdoor barbeque events. Thus, it’s not surprising that smoky charred meats, finger food vegetables, single pan side dishes, and portable sweet desserts are staples on 4th of July menus.

Predictably, the most popular Independence Day items are defined by American’s stereotypical summer eating habits.

Grilled chicken, campfire s’mores, corn of the cob, ice cream cones, light beer, sweet lemonade. Most July 4th spreads look very similar to other summer parties, just with larger quantities, and more selection. Delivery pizza, a decided picnic faux pau, can even make an appearance on the rare occasion when all other shared food is exhausted.

There’s one technique frequently used to make common items truly patriotic. Visual appeal, honoring the red, white, and blue which define our stamps, our flags, and many of our sports teams. The significance of these selected colors was explained by the Secretary of the Continental Congress way back in 1776: white signifying purity, red demonstrating valor, and blue exuding perseverance. [REF]

The historically accurate rich red, stark white, deep blue are rarely found in common foodstuffs. This limitation doesn’t seem to stop innovative chefs, or ambitious home cooks, at least for one day a year.

The trick to having the most desirable dish on family reunion picnic table is to get two compatible ingredients which are naturally colored, then improvise on the third. Tomato and mozzarella caprese, with indigoish basil. Spicy sausage, topped with white onions, and purplish cabbage.

It’s clear the blue hue tends to be the deal breaker for most of these savory presentations. Fortunately, in the dessert realm, through the use of natural fruits and synthetic dyes, the entire rainbow can be achieved. Red velvet, buttercream coated, cupcakes, with electric blue icing. Fresh blueberries and raspberries, adorning a bowl of vanilla custard.

There’s one food item that is ubiquitous with July 4th overindulgence. Nope, not beer, but a more child friendly offering. Hot dogs. American’s have repeatedly specialized in various forms of excess. Savory tube meats are no exception to this trend.

Over 150 million hot dogs are consumed in the United States on the July 4th holiday, essentially one for every pair of citizens throughout the country, equating to 3 times the rate of a typical day. Based on personal experience, there are decidedly fewer buns eaten, and this exorbitant consumption is important to keeping our 4-legged friends of various species happy as well.

Appropriately, the Nathan’s Famous hot dog eating contest is held annually on Independence Day at Coney Island, in Brooklyn, NY.

This contest theoretically began in 1916, pitting 4 immigrants against themselves to demonstrate their commitment to patriotism. Only in America would gorging oneself to the point of sickness be both a sport and a form of entertainment. Only in America could a corporation use a blatant lie to entice consumers to purchase their product, with the help of an accommodating and bloated media presence.

Regardless, the premise is purely nationalistic, all the way down to the 1916 date which adorns the uniform of all competitors. As the definition of an athlete expands in this era of virtual gaming, there’s no doubt these elite competitors have exceptional physical body control. [REF]

Feel free to start a training regimen at your own peril next barbeque. Boiled dogs and wet buns seem to be the best strategy, as opposed to the grilled meat and toasted bread which most of us who consume fewer that a half dozen at a sitting prefer.

What are the current Nathan’s hot dog eating records for each sex over the allotted 10 minutes?

Women = Michelle Lesco (48.5) & Men = Joey Chestnut (76)

Flags:

For all the apparent patriotism which individuals display during the 4th of July, our forefathers would be appalled at our treatment of the iconic Star-Spangled Banner in all formats, not just on the primary day of celebration, but throughout the year.

The United States flag has very explicit rules governing its physical treatment and display protocols. Which a vast majority of Americans are not familiar with. Let’s do a quick research project.

Do you own any apparel which is symbolically colored red, white, and blue? Does your residence display a flag which is not appropriately proportioned, in size, shape, or layout? Have you ever purchased a product which is adorned with America’s symbolic banner? How many times have you slapped our country’s national symbol on a private possession, in sticker, patch, or decal form?

Title 4 of the U.S. Legal code explicitly outlines activities which disrespect the flag, and are therefore unlawful. These banned orientations include flipping upside down, touching the ground, displayed horizontally, incorporated into clothing, damaged during mounting, used for carrying times, overlaid with text or artwork, part of marketing campaign, and embellishing a uniform. [REF]

It’s possible to spot nearly all of these outlawed usages during the course of one’s singular 4th of July celebratory weekend adventuring. A creative, patriotic, well-executed, bicep tattoo alone violates nearly half these tenants.

Basically, law-abiding citizens are cleared to fly the Old Glory from a study pole in the correct orientation, with the “union” represented by the white stars on the blue background upwards and adjacent to the pole, then just let it be.

Ironically, this law also states that flags which reach a condition where they are no longer fit for display, should be destroyed in a dignified way by burning.

Despite the demonstrative patriotism shown on the 4th of July, this is not our flag’s finest hour. Established within a year of the Declaration of Independence being signed, and celebrated within a month of this key holiday, the Star-Spangled Banner earned its own calendar honor. What’s the official date of Flag Day?

June 14th

While the proportions and colors of the modern American flag are specifically defined, the size can vary widely.

The largest version of Old Glory ever made was the brainchild of Thomas Demski, a loyal Long Beach, CA resident. This offering measured 505 feet wide, and 225 feet tall, resulting in each star being 17-feet-high. Considering the 3,000-pound fabric weight, and 500 people required to fully unfurl the banner, this massive “superflag” has never actually freely flown from a real flagpole.

However, this massive pennant, which cost $80k to construct, did get unfurled at the Washington Monument grounds during Flag Day 1992, has covered the field for multiple Superbowls, and was even hung from the Hoover Dam as part of the 1996 Atlanta Olympics nationwide torch relay.

Demski, a true patriot, constructed this enormous fabric assembly with his own financial resources. He also has a Stars and Stripes tattoo, and painted his house with America’s national emblem. Fortunately, the U.S. Government has chosen not to prosecute him for these legal transgressions. [REF]

Fun:

Nearly every urban center in the United States boasts some form of 4th of July celebration, often combining the mandatory elements of parade, food, music, and fireworks with a distinct local flair. Notable Northeast corridor municipalities, steeped in colonial heritage, trend towards choreographed displays in period-relevant militia costumes, big band symphonies executing recognizable battle hymns, and powerful pyrotechnic retorts along the waterfront harbors.

However, the United States is a diverse nation, with many unique customs and behaviors.

New Orleans predictably leans towards vibrant costumes, blues rhythms, creole fare, and colorful displays of light. Los Angeles predictably adds an entertainment flair, with celebrity appearances, big-name musical acts, and citywide parking lot tailgating competing to secure the best spots for the multitude of nighttime pyrotechnic shows.

Even the small town of Granbury, Texas, home of Davy Crocket, gets into the action, with an old timey themed festival, complete with street vendors, country music, and, of course, a lakeside fireworks display. [REF]

The Macy’s Independence Day celebration is generally accepted as the largest fireworks show in the United States, offering up a trio of impressive stats. This evening display lasts 30 minutes and incorporates over 3,000 visual effects. How many individuals watch this exhibition live annually throughout the New York metropolitan area, the city that never sleeps?

3 million people

While many venture into the city to celebrate, others take the nearly ubiquitous day off to enjoy their favorite natural activity. Campgrounds during the 4th of July are booked months in advance, and boat ramps become congested early each morning throughout this holiday weekend.

Here again, the fortuitous selection of the date, in the heart of summer, ensures maximum potential for warm, sunny weather across the entire united country which this holiday is meant to honor. Every patch of mown grass, every inch of raked sand, every lane of placid water, becomes a viable palette for these outdoor adventures.

Water plays a prominent role in Independence Day festivities, much like the Boston Tea Party of yore, which arguably sparked the entire rebellion.

For some colder lakes in the northern regions of the country, this weekend represents the first opportunity to get the family boat on the water at the lake house, be it motorized or sail powered. On both coasts, the 4th of July is a mandatory beach day, regardless of water temperatures, rampant traffic, weather conditions, immense crowds, and guaranteed sunburns. Floating barges throughout the country serve as a key platform to safely and magically dispense fireworks skyward, with the 360° expanse of flat liquid maximizing the potential viewership.

Unfortunately, with increased aquatic activity comes increase accidents. Alcohol, crowds, heat, and inexperience conspire to make this a dangerous weekend for any watersport. Over 1/3rd of all boating accidents and fatalities occur during festive weekends, encompassing the 4th of July, along with Memorial Day and Labor Day, the two other national holidays which define the ends of the summer season.

Fortunately, the numerous governing bodies regulating the country’s multitude of waterways put out all manner of safety protocols and guidance. So, don that neon-orange life jacket to stay buoyant, and make it easy for your party to spot you in the crowds. Just make sure to lather up with sunscreen to avoid an awkwardly pattered and likely painful burn. [REF]

Foolish:

The 4th of July is the de facto birthday for a famous, albeit fictional, American icon. Uncle Sam. This character was conceived way back in September of 1813. The visual likeness and virtuous morals were potentially modelled after Samuel Wilson, an entrepreneurial meatpacker in Troy, NY, who showed his patriotic medal during the War of 1812 against, you guessed it, the British.

Conveniently, this invented individual’s initials are the same as the United States; thus, the now-infamous moniker and imagery are often used to represent the nation itself in cartoon form. Various artistic representations of Uncle Sam have been utilized throughout history for American military propaganda purposes, most notably recruiting troops to serve in World War I. [REF]

To this day, the tall hat, characteristic goatee, and red, white, and blue costume can be found in nearly any Independence Day parade of repute.

Like “Uncle Sam” Wilson, many now ingrained American traditions stem from random local experiences.

This is certainly the case in Bar Harbor, ME, located right on the Atlantic Ocean, and thus known for its wealth of seafood. Apparently, back in 1978, the town had more lobsters than they knew what to do with. This was the year that the local YMCA created an obstacle course for these crawling crustaceans.

The only activity more fun than watching live lobsters race is gambling on the action. To this day, the competition occurs annually on July 4th, with amusing activities spread around the town. Each red-shelled participant dons a colored and numbered rubber band around their claws for ease of identification, allowing viewers to wager via tokens, raffles, and of course, side bets with friends using cold hard cash.

Despite being admitted as the 49th state of the Union in 1959, 183 years after the Declaration of Independence, citizens in this far northern state are still quite patriotic. Conveniently, in the middle of the summer, the city of Anchorage, AK has 19 hours of daylight during which to celebrate.

One drawback is that the window of darkness for fireworks is fleeting, and the nighttime sky is more of a light grey, as opposed to the midnight black which provides the desired background for colorful explosions. Don’t forget to grab a nap after the hearty blueberry pancake breakfast or main street frontier parade.

Not everyone in the United States is gorging themselves on July 4th, at least not until later in the day. In Atlanta, GA, the United States city with the most recent Summer Olympic ties, the day starts for many with a massive Peachtree 10k road race. The logistics required are complex, and the outfits diverse, through patriotic colors understandably abound. How many participants toe the starting line, and how many spectators show up to cheer these athletes on, battling the crowds and humidity?

60k runners and 150k viewers

There’s one 4th of July tradition in rural Kentucky which we can all get behind, especially after a few years of working from home. Computer trap shooting.

The process is simple. Just grab a piece of obsolete electronics and your favorite shotgun, then head down to the local range. Originating in one small town, this odd holiday traditional has spread to a wide swatch of central Kentucky. While not as environmentally sustainable as recycling, this is a great way to celebrate one’s 2nd amendment rights on America’s birthday. [REF]

Future:

Considering that the 4th of July represents the legislative formation of the United States, ignoring some ongoing debates around the exact numerical date, this is a very significant annual occurrence. While relevant on the calendar, it’s hard to debate that Independence Day is as important to citizens as other common family gathering events, like Thanksgiving, Christmas, or New Year’s.

Understandably, during the dark and cold winter for many across the country, individuals are looking for ways to break out of the cabin-fever monotony and enjoy the company of others, sharing food, gifts, and booze.

The government has recently added a new federal holiday in the summer. Juneteenth, which provides another opportunity for seasonal celebration. While the 4th of July is meant to honor fledgling America’s rebellion from British rule, the 19th of June pays homage to the specific day when the black slaves in Galveston, TX, were finally freed, way back in 1865.

This happened more than two and a half years after President Abraham signed the Emancipation Proclamation, legally banning slavery, and several months after the Confederate Army surrendered at Appomattox courthouse, effectively ending the Civil War. [REF]

In the future, it will be interesting to see how Juneteenth and Independence Day celebrations blend together and play off each other. With fixed dates separated by just one weekend on the early summer calendar, this time period, when schools across the country have been released, and sunny weather is prevalent, will no doubt spurt all manner of vacation and partying.

Backyard gaming is a staple of July 4th gatherings, often pitting competitive family members who rarely meet up against each other. From beer pong to balloon toss, cornhole to cards, wagering to wheelbarrow races, the comradery associated with getting humans of all ages together to socialize is palpable.

Unfortunately, America is becoming increasingly polarized, and decreasingly united. In the early years of our nation, when the early government was just being formed, during the 4th of July each political party held their own gatherings and parades in major metropoles. Unfortunately, it feels like we are headed back towards those divided, divisive times, similar to when we were a fledgling republic.

Nearly two and a half centuries later, it wouldn’t hurt to remember the aligned passion which allowed our inexperienced, overmatched cohort to defeat the all-mighty British tyrants. At least we can transfer this sense of nationalism to our children, as they munch on hot dogs, run through sprinklers, and watch the skies light up with color, on this glorious summer holiday.

Facts and Figures:

7 infamous Independence Day occurrences throughout history. [REF]
20 random 4th of July traditions which only Americans can related to. [REF]
25 insightful pieces of Independence Day trivia. [REF]
50 recipes inspired by America’s birthday, one for each state in the union, with compelling pictures. [REF]
2022 nationwide 4th of July fireworks guide. [REF]