4th of July Story

Mark Mwandoro
Marketing Director

​Happy Independence Day, USA!
It's that time of year again — the time when we all look up to the skies and watch a spectacular display of fireworks with a feeling of pride over our country, The United States of America. 

The 4th of July is an all-important American holiday that dates back to July 4, 1776. 

So, what do we really celebrate on this day? Well, this wasn’t the day that independence was declared nor the day that the Declaration was officially signed.

The 4th of July commemorates the adoption of the Declaration of Independence by delegates from the 13 colonies (Almanac, 2022). The Continental Congress approved the final wording of the Declaration of Independence and that is when we celebrate the birth of the United States of America. 

The Declaration of Independence is one of the most important documents in the history of the United States. It was an official act taken by all 13 American colonies in declaring independence from British rule. The document was originally drafted by Thomas Jefferson in consultation with fellow committee members John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, Roger Sherman, and William Livingston. The Congress had voted in favor of independence from Great Britain on July 2 but did not complete the process of revising the Declaration of Independence (Waldstreicher, 2022). 

This national holiday is marked by patriotic displays similar to other summer-themed events. Celebrations often take place outdoors with many politicians making it a point to appear at public events to praise the nation's heritage, laws, history, society, and people. Traditionally, Independence Day is observed with parades, concerts, outdoor food, and fireworks. Fireworks have been part and parcel of U.S. Independence Day celebrations since its first celebration in July 1777.

In celebration of the 40th Fair Saint Louis and in recognition of the St. Louis region’s collaborative efforts to overcome the pandemic, Fair Saint Louis 2022 will hold a three-day extravaganza that will feature action-packed entertainment that includes family-friendly attractions, numerous concerts, concessions, and a special mainstage Salute to the Troops and Folds of Honor ceremony (Explore St. Louis, 2022). The Fourth of July Fireworks Spectacular will be framed by the iconic Gateway Arch and dazzle over the Mississippi River which will be the largest fireworks show Fair Saint Louis has ever produced. 
 
 
References

Almanac. (2022, June 27). Happy Independence Day, America! Retrieved from ALMANAC: https://www.almanac.com/content/independence-day-fourth-of-july

Explore St. Louis. (2022, June 8). Fourth of July in St. Louis. Retrieved from explore St Louis: Fourth of July in St. Louis
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Waldstreicher, D. (2022). Independence Day. Retrieved from Britannica: https://www.britannica.com/topic/Independence-Day-United-States-holiday