What Occurred on July 4, 1776 That We Celebrate?  

In the pre-Revolutionary years, colonists held annual celebrations for the king’s birthday, which traditionally included ringing bells, lighting bonfires, organizing processions, and delivering speeches. In contrast, during the summer of 1776, some colonists celebrated the birth of independence by staging mock funerals for King George III. This act symbolized the end of the monarchy’s hold on America and the triumph of liberty.  

Festivities such as concerts, bonfires, parades, and the firing of cannons and muskets typically accompanied the first public readings of the Declaration of Independence, which began immediately after its adoption. Philadelphia hosted the first annual commemoration of independence on July 4, 1777, while Congress was still engaged in the ongoing war.  

George Washington issued double rations of rum to all his soldiers to commemorate the anniversary of independence in 1778. In 1781, several months before the pivotal American victory at the Battle of Yorktown, Massachusetts became the first state to declare July 4th an official state holiday.  

After the Revolutionary War, Americans continued to commemorate Independence Day each year through celebrations that provided the new nation’s emerging political leaders with an opportunity to address citizens and foster a sense of unity. By the last decade of the 18th century, the two major political parties—the Federalist Party and the Democratic-Republicans—began to hold separate Fourth of July celebrations in many large cities.  

We celebrate American Independence Day on the Fourth of July each year. July 4, 1776, is recognized as the day the Declaration of Independence was adopted, marking the birth of the United States of America as an independent nation.  

However, July 4, 1776, was not the day the Continental Congress decided to declare independence; that decision was made on July 2, 1776.  

It wasn't the day we began the American Revolution either; that event occurred in April 1775.  

It was neither the day Thomas Jefferson wrote the first draft of the Declaration of Independence (which occurred in June 1776), nor the date the Declaration was delivered to Great Britain (which took place in November 1776), nor the date it was signed (August 2, 1776).  

What occurred on July 4, 1776?  

The Continental Congress approved the final wording of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776. They had been working on it for several days after the draft was submitted on July 2nd and ultimately reached a consensus on all the edits and changes.   

July 4, 1776, is the date inscribed on the Declaration of Independence, as well as on the elegantly handwritten copy that was signed in August (the version currently displayed at the National Archives in Washington, D.C.). This date was also printed on the Dunlap Broadsides, the original printed copies of the Declaration that were distributed throughout the new nation.  

Consequently, when people think of the Declaration of Independence, the date that comes to mind is July 4, 1776.  

The Declaration of Independence includes four references to God: "Laws of Nature and of Nature's God," "Creator," "Supreme Judge of the World," and "Divine Providence." These references reflect the founders' belief that God is the source of natural rights and justice, and that divine influence plays a role in human affairs. Here is a summary of each reference:  

"Laws of Nature and of Nature's God":

This phrase, located in the introduction, signifies that God is the creator of both the natural order and the moral principles that govern human behavior.   "

Creator": This term, highlighted in the famous assertion that all individuals are endowed with unalienable rights, emphasizes that God is the ultimate source of these fundamental rights.  

"Supreme Judge of the World": This reference suggests that God will ultimately judge the actions of individuals and nations, ensuring that justice is upheld.  

"Divine Providence": This term, used in the final paragraph, suggests that God is actively involved in human affairs, providing guidance and protection.    

By 1817, John Adams expressed in a letter that America seemed to lack interest in its history; however, this attitude was about to change. As time went on, Fourth of July celebrations became more frequent, and in 1870, nearly a century after the Declaration's creation, Congress officially designated July 4 as a national holiday as part of a bill that recognized several holidays, including Christmas. Additional legislation regarding national holidays, including July 4, was enacted in 1939 and 1941.  

As time passes, I pray we continue to cherish America's history and strengthen our faith in God!  

Now that you are aware of the events that took place on July 4, 1776, feel free to celebrate!

Take care,

Mark