We watch fireworks and celebrate the United Stated of American becoming independent from the power of the King of England on July 4th every year, but what are we really celebrating with all those hot dogs and beer? The American Revolution didn’t end until September 3, 1783 with the signing of the Treaty of Paris.
July 4, 1776 was actually the day that representatives from the Second Continental Congress signed off on the final text of the Declaration of Independence, although it had been approved two days earlier.
Representatives from the original 13 colonies placed their signatures on the document ratifying it, officially severing all political ties with Great Britain. However, until the war was over, it didn’t make this country independent from British rule.
In May 1775, as political unrest related to the governing of the colonies by those representing King George III reached a new high, a convention of delegates from the thirteen original colonies met in Philadelphia to manage the Revolutionary War and act as the de facto national government until one could be created upon the completion of the war. They raised the Continental Army, chose George Washington as its commander, and wrote the Declaration of Independence — all with the threat of treason hanging over their heads. As a matter of fact, the last delegate didn’t sign until January 1777 because he was being hunted by British soldiers.
After the original Declaration of Independence was signed, copies were made and circulated among the people living in these new United States. Because the date on the paper that was in general circulation had the date of July 4, 1776 upon it, that was the date chosen to celebrate America’s independence. Although the war was still happening, celebrations of independence began occurring as early as 1777.
With the 250th Birthday of the signing of the Declaration of Independence taking place this year, many cities are planning special celebrations. This year also marks 170 years of Cheatham County, and 230 years of the state of Tennessee.
Ashland City
Ashland City’s Gateway Church Assembly of God will be hosting its sixth annual fireworks show on July 4 at its campus at 1642 Highway 12 South beginning at 9:00 p.m. There will be food trucks on site with food for purchase beginning at 5:00 p.m. Parking is free.
Pegram
The Town of Pegram will host its 50th annual Independence Day celebration including a parade on July 4. The celebration begins at 7:00 a.m. with a pancake breakfast at Pegram United Methodist Church at 479 Thompson Road, followed by the parade in downtown Pegram at 10:00 a.m. The Pegram Community Club barbecue starts at 11:00 a.m. It will feature live music, food trucks, beauty pageants, the annual Little League Coaches game, cornhole, tug-of-war and a hula hoop contest. The day ends with vendor booths and fireworks scheduled to begin at 9:30 p.m. in Pegram Park.
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