Why We Celebrate July 4th and Not July 6th
Why We Celebrate July 4th and Not July 6th
Independence Day, celebrated on July 4th, marks a pivotal moment in American history. However, one might wonder why not July 6th, as many events leading up to the finalization of the Declaration of Independence occurred on the latter date. This article aims to explore the reasons behind the official adoption of July 4th as the date of celebration, delving into the history and context behind this decision.
The Significance of July 4th
On July 4, 1776, Congress adopted the Declaration of Independence, defining the reasons for the colonies' separation from British rule. It's a well-known fact that the document was not officially signed until early August, but the chosen date for its adoption has a deeper reason. Mr. Cunningham accurately noted that the July 4th date was significant because it was the day when the Declaration was declared and officially adopted by Congress.
Historical Context
The decision to celebrate on July 4th was not arbitrary. It was a strategic choice made by the Founding Fathers to unify the colonies under a single date. The actual signing of the Declaration occurred later in August, but the declaration itself was made public on July 4th, making it the official date for celebration. This date was further cemented by its publication in newspapers and its wide distribution among the colonies.
Reasons Behind the Choice of July 4th
There are two primary reasons for the selection of July 4th as the official date of celebration:
Trivial Reasons: Congress chose July 4th because that was the date it officially adopted the Declaration of Independence. This choice was made to align the declaration with the timing of its public announcement and distribution. Symbolic Reasons: July 4th marked the official declaration of independence, which was a critical step in the process of separation from British rule. The date was also chosen to commemorate the day the colonies took a definitive stand for their freedom.The Declaration of Independence
The document itself began with the formal declaration of independence, which was voted on July 2nd. However, it was not until July 4th that the colonies were officially informed and the Declaration was publicly read. This date became the celebrated milestone in the annals of American history, marking the birth of the United States.
Popular Demand and Traditions
Another reason for the official adoption of July 4th as Independence Day is that it aligns with popular demand. As history has shown, people tend to celebrate the dates that resonate with the narrative of their nation's founding. The choice of July 4th as the date of celebration is deeply ingrained in American tradition and has stood the test of time. While some scholars might argue that the actual signing of the Declaration on August 2nd or the engrossed copy on July 19th is more significant, the tradition of celebrating on July 4th has become a significant part of American identity.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while the details of the historical events leading up to the adoption of the Declaration of Independence are fascinating, the choice of July 4th as the celebration date is a reflection of the collective will of the American people. It represents the day they declared their independence, marking a pivotal moment in the birth of the United States. As Mr. Cunningham aptly noted, July 4th has become an agreed-upon date, much like December 25th is for Christmas.
It is true that there was a widespread realization in the 1990s that the date might have been incorrectly chosen. However, numerous factors, including the widespread publication of the Declaration and its popular distribution, have cemented July 4th as the official date of celebration. The idea of the Declaration of Independence remains the same, but adopting July 4th as the date of celebration has been a tradition that the American people have embraced for centuries.