Independence day

The fourth of July has always been celebrated as America's birthday, even though the Continental Congress passed the resolution for independence on July 2, 1776 and most delegates didn't sign it until August 2. But it was on July 4 that the Declaration of Independence was adopted by the Congress and made official by John Hancock's signature.

At first, Fourth o f July festivals had a stately tone. "It ought to be commemorated...by solemn acts of devotion to God Almighty," wrote John Adams. "It ought to be solemnized with pomp and parade, with shows, games, sports, guns, bells, bonfires, and illuminations."

The first anniversary was indeed celebrated regally, with sermons, bonfires, and patriotic music. Ships in Philadelphia's harbor fired 13 - gun salutes, and a captured Hessian band provided the music for an official dinner. In Boston the general court gave orders "for making every Preparation for drinking Success to the Thirteen United States," orders that were happily obeyed as far away as Charleston.

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