Celebrating the History and Grandeur of July 4

Originally published by murraylobbpllc.

With summer now fully upon us, beach vacations, barbecues and family reunions fill our calendars. But, even in the midst of so much revelry and recreation, it is important for each and every American to stop and remember the reasons why we mark the Fourth of July in such a festive manner and to celebrate the glorious history of our nation’s founding. The purpose behind Independence Day is to mark America’s formal declaration of its ultimate departure from colonial rule and its birth as a fully independent land. It should be noted, however, that the Continental Congress did not make its decision to declare independence on July 4, but rather on July 2, 1776. In actuality, July 4 marks the date upon which the drafters of the Declaration of Independence finalized the language to be used in what would become one of our nation’s most sacred documents. Early Observances of the Fourth Though in the earliest years following the drafting of the Declaration of Independence, formal celebrations were nothing like the national observances we see today, July 4 was an occasion for jubilation among many, particularly in Philadelphia, where the document was perfected. July 4, 1777 saw Congress adjourning early in order for lawmakers and residents to enjoy fireworks, bonfires and bells. Following the conclusion of the War of 1812, Independence Day observances became more commonplace and more akin to our modern celebrations. Upheaval in the political parties of the day sparked renewed interest in the Declaration of Independence, with the date July 4 taking on greater meaning for many. Some historians believe the fact that three early American presidents, John Adams, Thomas Jefferson and James Monroe, all died on the Fourth of July has lent additional significance to the date in the minds of patriotic citizens. Congressional Recognition of Holiday Though observed by many since its founding, it was not until Congress took formal action in 1870 that the Fourth of July became a fully recognized national holiday. The piece of legislation itself, H.R. 2224 established the day as an unpaid federal observance, along with other events including Christmas and New Year’s Day. The proposed law did little more than acknowledge the significance of the date and did not establish additional benefits in relation to it. However, in 1938 Congress designated July Fourth as a recognized holiday for which all federal workers would receive a paid day off. In 1959, the federal holiday designation was supplemented by a provision stating that if the Fourth happens to fall on a Saturday, workers covered by the law will have Friday off. Renewing Our National Commitment to Liberty Though it is easy to get swept away in the fun and excitement of a Fourth of July picnic and lose sight of the holiday’s true meaning, let us remind ourselves of why we continue to celebrate our nation’s independence well over two centuries after it was declared. July Fourth affords all of us a valuable opportunity to ponder our commitment to equality, liberty and individual rights so eloquently expressed by the founders. In essence, a treatise based in the finest traditions of common law, the Declaration of Independence embodies ideas central to our society, including the notions that all of us are endowed with unalienable rights and that government rightly derives its specific powers only from the consent of those it governs. We at Murray-Lobb encourage all Americans to join in this most important national day of remembrance and reflection while also taking part in the joyous, colorful and jubilant gatherings it inspires each and every year. Whether you choose to take in the sights and sounds of a local fireworks display or host friends and family at a backyard picnic, July Fourth is the perfect time to bask in the grandeur and glory of the freedoms we all hold so dear. In the succinct, yet utterly apt words of John Adams when toasting the 50^th anniversary of the Declaration, “Independence Forever!”

Curated by Texas Bar Today. Follow us on Twitter @texasbartoday.

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