Fireworks, Freedom, and the Founding Fathers

Wendy & Rich 0:00
Hey, everyone is rich Bennett. Can you believe it? The show is turning 10 this year. I am so grateful for each and every one of you who've tuned in, shared an episode, or even joined the conversation over the years. You're the reason that this podcast has grown into what it is today. Together, we've shared laughs, tears, tears, and moments that truly matter. So I want to thank you for being part of this journey. Let's make the next 10 years even better. Coming to you from the Freedom Federal Credit Union Studios Harford County Living Presence, conversations with rich Bennett. 

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Rich Bennett 1:01
Today we're talking about one of the most significant days in American history, Independence Day. Celebrated every year on the 4th of July. It's a day of parades, barbecues, and fireworks, but it's also a day with a deep and meaningful history that's worth exploring. To truly appreciate the 4th of July, we need to go back to the beginning. For years, the 13 American colonies were under British rule. While there were periods of relative peace, tensions began to escalate in the mid 1700s. Britain imposed various taxes and acts, like the stamp act, and the towns and acts, which the colonists viewed as oppressive and unjust, leaving to the rallying cry no taxation without representation. This growing unrest eventually led to pivotal events like the Boston massacre in 1770 and the Boston Tea Party in 1773. These acts of defiance signal a growing desire for self-governance. The movement for independence gained momentum. And in June of 1776, the Continental Congress appointed a Committee of five to draft a document that would formally declare the colony separation from Great Britain. This Committee included some of the most influential figures at the time. John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, Roger Sherman, Robert R. Livingston, and most notably, Thomas Jefferson, who was the primary author of the Declaration. On July 2nd, 1776, the Continental Congress voted to approve the resolution for independence. Two days later, on July 4th, 1776, the Declaration of Independence was officially adopted. This wasn't just a breakup letter to King George III. It was a perilful philosophical statement. It declared it all men are created equal and in debt with certain unknowable rights, including the rights to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. It was a revolutionary idea for its time and laid the groundwork for the United States as we know it. So how did people celebrate this momentous occasion back then? The first independence day celebrations were quite different from what we see today. In 

1777, Philadelphia held the first annual commemoration of Independence Day. There were bonfires, parades, and the ringing of bells. Fireworks also became a tradition early on, symbolizing the rockets' red glare and bombs bursting in air, much like the imagery later found in the Star Spangled Banner. It wasn't until 1870 that the Independence Day was declared a federal holiday by Congress, solidifying its place as a cornerstone of American identity. 

Today, the Fourth of July is a vibrant tapestry of tradition. Families and friends gather for barbecues, communities organize parades with margin bands and elaborate floats, and of course, the night sky lights up with dazzling fireworks displays across the country. But beyond the festivities, the Fourth of July is a time for reflection. It's an opportunity to remember the courage and sacrifices of those who fought for our freedom. It's a day to appreciate the principles of liberty and equality that the Declaration of Independence champions, and to consider how we can continue to uphold and strengthen those ideas in our society today. It's a reminder that freedom is not free, and it requires ongoing effort and dedication. So as you celebrate this Fourth of July, whether you're at a backyard barbecue, watching a parade, or marveling at a firework show, take a moment to reflect on the profound history behind this holiday. It's a celebration of independence, attribute to the resilience of a nation, and a reaffirmation of the enduring pursuit of liberty and justice for all. 

Wendy & Rich 5:20
Thank you for listening to the conversations with Rich Bennett. I hope you enjoyed today's episode and learned something from it as I did. If you'd like to hear more conversations like this, be sure to subscribe to the podcast so you never miss an episode. And if you have a moment, I'd love it if you could leave a review. It helps us reach more listeners and share more incredible stories. Don't forget to connect with us on social media or visit our website at Conversations with Rich Bennett.com for updates, giveaways, and more. Until next time, take care, be kind, and keep the conversation going. 

Rich Bennett 5:59
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