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Philadelphia 243 Years ago – A Brief History Lesson.
The Fourth of July produces patriotic feelings as much as any holiday in the USA. So what was the historic event that makes July 4th our “Independence Day” and when was the first fireworks display to commemorate? Here is the basic background:
On July 2, 1776, the Continental Congress voted to approve a motion by Richard Henry Lee (an American Statesman from Virginia) to separate the colonies from Great Britain. Two days later, the declaration proclaiming the independence of the United States of America from Great Britain and its king was formally adopted by 12 Colonies. In summary, on July 4, 1776, Congress officially adopted the Declaration of Independence, and as a result the date is celebrated as “Independence Day”. It is important to note that the signing happened later that summer of 1776.
In 1777, Congress authorized using fireworks to help mark the first anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. The celebration, which took place in Philadelphia, also included bonfires and bells.
Here is a 4 minute video courtesy of History.com to inspire your family:
https://www.history.com/news/9-things-you-may-not-know-about-the-declaration-of-independence
