Independence Day: A time to celebrate and reflect

Grand Island Dispatch, June 29, 2007
by Michael J. Owen
U.S. Navy Journalist (Ret.)

“It ought to be celebrated by pomp and parade, with shows and games, sports, bells, bonfires and illuminations from one end of this continent to the other,” said John Adams, America’s second president.

Since 1776, “The Fourth of July” events have centered on the traditions and freedoms we have fought for and enjoy today. And like most of our nation on Wednesday, Grand Island will celebrate America’s 231st birthday, starting with the Kids Race at 9 a.m. and the Dick Bessel Road Race at 9:15, along Grand Island Boulevard. Then it’s the parade at 10 a.m., followed by a “huge party in the back” at the Pfc. Charles N. DeGlopper Memorial VFW Post 9249. Finally, at nightfall, Independence Day 2007 will climax with a spectacular fireworks display launched from Martin’s Fantasy Island. Admission is free for everyone, and Grand Island residents may enjoy the park earlier, starting after 5 p.m., with proof of residency.

Parade Shows Civic Pride

From floats and marching units to civic pride from clubs, schools, Scouts and veterans’ groups, the parade will begin at the southern end of Grand Island Boulevard. The Island’s bravest – the Grand Island Fire Company and the community’s finest – our law enforcement officers – along with town and county officials, will also be helping to sound the bells of freedom along the parade route.

Independence Day celebrates the birthday of the United States of America. Founded July 4, 1776, with the signing of the Declaration of Independence by the Continental Congress in Philadelphia. Here is a little history and just part of the document’s guiding words: “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, which among these are Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness.”

Why Independence?

At the time of the signing, a young America consisted of 13 colonies ruled by England’s King George III. There was growing unrest and concern among the colonies over taxes paid to England without any representation or say in the English Parliament. This is commonly referred to as “Taxation without Representation” among the colonies.

As the unrest grew, King George sent more troops to control the rebellion.

In 1774, the colonies sent delegates to Philadelphia to form the First Continental Congress, leading up to what most Americans now call the Fourth of July. Other historic events, such as the Boston Tea Party and heroic individuals, such as John Hancock, Samuel Adams, John Adams, Thomas Jefferson, Benjamin Franklin and George Washington, may come to mind this week.

Happy Birthday!

Whether we reflect and celebrate among the crowds or privately with family and friends at backyard barbecues and baseball games, many Americans will also honor the service and sacrifice of those who are still helping to preserve America’s freedom today in places like Iraq and Afghanistan. While these countries still thirst for freedom, and thousands leave their homeland to come to the “land of the free and the home of the brave” everyday, “we the people” of this great nation can all say with honor and privilege this week -- Happy Birthday, America!