The Red, White And Blues Of America's Delayed Acceptance Of Independence Day | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Student Life

The Red, White And Blues Of America's Delayed Acceptance Of Independence Day

America's patriotic holiday was not always celebrated so patriotically.

11
The Red, White And Blues Of America's Delayed Acceptance Of Independence Day
pexels

With fireworks burned out, parade festivities at a close, and barbecue now cold leftovers, the thought of the Fourth of July feels like last week's news. Despite our patriotic festivities coming to a close, I thought it best to shed light on how that explosive day started off with a far from celebratory welcome. For those who may protest this, let's remember that it's never a day too late to gain some necessary knowledge.

Also known as Independence Day, July 4th commemorates the official independence of the United States of America in 1776 after the Continental Congress agreed upon the independence of the U.S. and received the draft of the Declaration of Independence written by Thomas Jefferson, which was then completed with edits and changes on July 2nd. Not until July 4th was the final copy of the Declaration finalized and confirmed, ultimately becoming the date included on the document and that which delegates from the thirteen colonies came together to adopt the Declaration of Independence.

The celebration of July 4th itself however did not become an official holiday until 1941. Oddly enough, the Declaration was not greeted with as much patriotism and honor as we Americans view it now. Many years had passed since the finalization of the Declaration, yet its importance was regarded minimally as it went neglected as a celebratory event. Furthermore, controversy surrounded its origins as partisan disagreements lent itself to conflict between the Democratic Republicans who supported and admired Thomas Jefferson's Declaration and the Federalists who thought it opposed our British roots and was "too French," defying their policies.

Fortunately though, the 1800s would bring with it a new outlook on the significance of the Declaration. Following the War of 1812, the Federalists party began to fall apart and emerging parties of the 1820s and 1830s embraced the Democratic-Republican party as their own. Eventually with this new rise in the Democratic-Republican party, the Declaration, dated as July 4th, was printed in copies and was distributed throughout.

In 1870, nearly one-hundred years following the creation of the Declaration, did celebrations begin to take precedence for July 4th. Congress included the event and date within a bill to establish national holidays, this bill also included Christmas. Finally, legislation for national holidays were passed in 1939 and 1941, thus making the Fourth of July, Independence Day, an official holiday.

Surprisingly enough, tradition hasn't much changed to commemorate July 4th. Parades, fireworks, barbecues, and patriotic colors of red, white and blue still reign supreme as the staples of Independence Day. This, I'm certain, would make our founding fathers tip their hats in gratitude.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Featured

15 Mind-Bending Riddles

Hopefully they will make you laugh.

179696
 Ilistrated image of the planet and images of questions
StableDiffusion

I've been super busy lately with school work, studying, etc. Besides the fact that I do nothing but AP chemistry and AP economics, I constantly think of stupid questions that are almost impossible to answer. So, maybe you could answer them for me, and if not then we can both wonder what the answers to these 15 questions could be.

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

Most Epic Aurora Borealis Photos: October 2024

As if May wasn't enough, a truly spectacular Northern Lights show lit up the sky on Oct. 10, 2024

6799
stunning aurora borealis display over a forest of trees and lake
StableDiffusion

From sea to shining sea, the United States was uniquely positioned for an incredible Aurora Borealis display on Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024, going into Friday, Oct. 11.

It was the second time this year after an historic geomagnetic storm in May 2024. Those Northern Lights were visible in Europe and North America, just like this latest rendition.

Keep Reading...Show less
 silhouette of a woman on the beach at sunrise
StableDiffusion

Content warning: This article contains descriptions of suicide/suicidal thoughts.

When you are feeling down, please know that there are many reasons to keep living.

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

Power of Love Letters

I don't think I say it enough...

452179
Illistrated image of a letter with 2 red hearts
StableDiffusion

To My Loving Boyfriend,

  • Thank you for all that you do for me
  • Thank you for working through disagreements with me
  • Thank you for always supporting me
  • I appreciate you more than words can express
  • You have helped me grow and become a better person
  • I can't wait to see where life takes us next
  • I promise to cherish every moment with you
  • Thank you for being my best friend and confidante
  • I love you and everything you do

To start off, here's something I don't say nearly enough: thank you. Thank you, thank you, thank you from the bottom of my heart. You do so much for me that I can't even put into words how much I appreciate everything you do - and have done - for me over the course of our relationship so far. While every couple has their fair share of tiffs and disagreements, thank you for getting through all of them with me and making us a better couple at the other end. With any argument, we don't just throw in the towel and say we're done, but we work towards a solution that puts us in a greater place each day. Thank you for always working with me and never giving up on us.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

11 Signs You Grew Up In Hauppauge, NY

Because no one ever really leaves.

23126
Map of Hauppauge, New York
Google

Ah, yes, good old Hauppauge. We are that town in the dead center of Long Island that barely anyone knows how to pronounce unless they're from the town itself or live in a nearby area. Hauppauge is home to people of all kinds. We always have new families joining the community but honestly, the majority of the town is filled with people who never leave (high school alumni) and elders who have raised their kids here. Around the town, there are some just some landmarks and places that only the people of Hauppauge will ever understand the importance or even the annoyance of.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments