Happy Independence Day, America!
Posted by zyrcster in Across The Commons
July 4th fireworks highlight the Washington Monument and the Smithsonian Folklife Festival’s Philippines Chapel in 1998, 1998
Smithsonian Institution: 98-8774
Happy 4th of July to the United States of America!
This is a national holiday for the US, celebrating the adoption of the Declaration of Independence — a great day for BBQs, picnics, baseball, and, of course, fireworks. Of this occasion, President John Adams stated,
The second day of July, 1776, will be the most memorable epoch in the history of America. I am apt to believe that it will be celebrated by succeeding generations as the great anniversary festival. It ought to be commemorated as the day of deliverance, by solemn acts of devotion to God Almighty. It ought to be solemnized with pomp and parade, with shows, games, sports, guns, bells, bonfires, and illuminations, from one end of this continent to the other, from this time forward forever more.
We celebrate across the Commons …
| with pomp and parade … |  Library of Congress |
| & we’ll gather for speeches … |  Brooklyn Museum |
| and shows … |  Library of Virginia |
| and songs. |  State Archives and Library of Florida |
| We’ll fly the flag from trains … |  Nantucket Historical Association |
| with plenty of food under Old Glory! |  Library of Congress |
| Tomorrow, we’ll debate a saner way to celebrate our liberty! |  Library of Congress |
Tags: Library of Congress, Library of Virginia, Nantucket Historical Association, Smithsonian Institution, State Library and Archives of Florida