Ever wonder why we celebrate the 4th of July with such fanfare, when the Declaration of Independence was signed August 2nd, 1776?  Well here is a little history!

Wikipedia, the free online encyclopedia gives us an indepth answer to this question:

In the United States, Independence Day, commonly known as the Fourth of July, is a federal holiday commemorating the adoption of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776, declaring independence from the Kingdom of Great Britain. Independence Day is commonly associated with fireworks, parades, barbecues, carnivals, fairs, picnics, concerts, baseball games, political speeches and ceremonies, and various other public and private events celebrating the history, government, and traditions of the United States. Independence Day is the national day of the United States.

During the American Revolution, the legal separation of the American colonies from Great Britain occurred on July 2, 1776, when the Second Continental Congress voted to approve a resolution of independence that had been proposed in June by Richard Henry Lee of Virginia. After voting for independence, Congress turned its attention to the Declaration of Independence, a statement explaining this decision, which had been prepared by a Committee of Five, with Thomas Jefferson as its principal author. Congress debated and revised the Declaration, finally approving it on July 4. A day earlier, John Adams had written to his wife Abigail:

“ 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. ”

Adams’ prediction was off by two days. From the outset, Americans celebrated independence on July 4, the date shown on the much-publicized Declaration of Independence, rather than on July 2, the date the resolution of independence was approved in a closed session of Congress.

One of the most enduring myths about Independence Day is that Congress signed the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776. The myth had become so firmly established that, decades after the event and nearing the end of their lives, even the elderly Thomas Jefferson and John Adams had come to believe that they and the other delegates had signed the Declaration on the fourth. Most delegates actually signed the Declaration on August 2, 1776. In a remarkable series of coincidences, both John Adams and Thomas Jefferson, two founding fathers of the United States and the only two men who signed the Declaration of Independence to become president, died on the same day: July 4, 1826, which was the United States’ 50th anniversary.

Wish to know where your local “Pomp & Parade” is going on this year? Well here is our Western Loudoun Lineup!

Saturday, July 03, 2010
Lovettsville Independence Day Celebration - Saturday July 3rd

- Parade starts at 5:30 p.m.
    If you wish to participate in the parade you must register by July 2nd
    Contact Elizabeth Bracey 540-822-5284.
- Community Center Carnival starts at around 6:00 p.m. directly following the parade
    Amusements; Live Entertainment; Delicious food; Rock Wall; Inflatable moon bounce;   
    Face & Hair painting; Turtle races & much more
    Cost is $4.00 for Adults;  $3 Ages 3-12; Free for under age 3; Parking is free
-  Fireworks start at 9:15 - Fireworks are launched from the Lovettsville Park, across
    from the Community Center (Hosted by Lovettsville Community Center & LCPRCS)

Sunday, July 04, 2010
Purcellville Independence Day Celebration - Sunday, July 04, 2010

- Parade starts at 1:30 p.m.
    If you wish to participate in the parade contact Donnie Embrey, 703-727-7191 to
    Register.
-  Rock the Field Festival starts at 2:00 pm and ends at 7:00 pm; Location: Behind
    Fireman’s Field; Join us at Fireman’s Field after the parade for a great time featuring
    Free Family Fun! Music, food, games, and more music! Music by FloydFish Classic    
    Rock, Maddy Curtis, The Immortals, Jake and the Burtones. Games & Amusements,
    Food & Drinks Available. More information go to http://www.rockthefield.org

Events are sponsored by Town of Purcellville, Purcellville Parks & Recreation Advisory Board, Dominion Resources, The Robey Foundation, Bluemont Concert Series and The Virginia Commission for the Arts.

Sunday, July 04, 2010 -  FIREWORKS & FESTIVAL
Independence Day Celebration at Franklin Park- Sunday, July 04, 2010

Celebrate the July 4th holiday with Franklin Park’s incredible fireworks display. Enjoy a family-friendly night-out with great music, delicious food, and entertainment.

Time 6:00 PM-10:00 PM
Admission Fee: $5pp donation
Telephone Phone: (540) 338-7603 Website:  http://www.loudoun.gov/franklinpark

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