We’re on the eve of the All-American holiday, the Fourth of July, which was first celebrated in 1776.

July 4, however, was not the day of the first celebration of the approval of the Declaration of Independence.

The Second Continental Congress, meeting in Philadelphia, approved changes to the Declaration on July 4, 1776. News did not spread instantly at that time — nor does it now — and it wasn’t until the Philadelphia Evening Post published the document on its pages on July 6, 1776, that people fully understood what was going on. It took much longer for the news to spread to other colonial cities.

On July 8, 1776, those who approved of separating from Britain had public readings of the Declaration in the Philadelphia Square — now known as “Independence Square” — and those readings were accompanied by bonfires and bands playing music. 

The next year, on July 4, 1777, Congress, which was in session at that time in Philadelphia, adjourned and the city celebrated with fireworks, bells and whistles.

Philadelphia is not only the cradle of our independence, but the birthplace of our nation’s Fourth of July parties.

Congress declared the Fourth of July a holiday in 1870 and approved it as a paid federal holiday in 1938.

Patriotism is still very much a part of the Fourth of July. However, rather than yelling, “No taxation without representation!” you would more commonly hear someone say, “Hold my beer and watch this!” This is because Americans love to celebrate the Fourth of July with things that go “boom” and each year there’s more emphasis put on the fireworks displays, both public and private.

In 2018, Fortune Magazine reported Americans spend more than $1 billion on fireworks each year. Between 2014 and 2017, spending on fireworks by citizen consumers increased by $200 million.

Several states have rolled back laws concerning limiting sales of fireworks. Now, more than ever, the average citizen can buy thousands and thousands of dollars of high-quality fireworks. Safety is a huge concern, yet nothing quite says “America” like blowing things up and watching colorful explosions. Many people skip municipal or charitable fireworks displays and pony up the money to purchase their own stockpile of fireworks for the Fourth of July. The only thing better than watching fireworks explode is being able to light the fuse yourself. This is quite an expensive way to celebrate your independence, and there are some much more cost-friendly and community-minded ways to celebrate.

Monroe Park and Recreation Department organizes the city’s annual Fourth of July celebration at Twining Park.

Recreation Director Marge Klinzing was quick to point out that sponsors and volunteers are at the heart of Monroe’s Fourth of July celebration.

“This whole day is full of people supporting the Park and Rec Department while celebrating their independence,” she said. “I can’t say enough about the people who make it possible.”

For the last 28 years, the Presenting Sponsor for the Sky Concert Fireworks show has been Wisconsin Bank and Trust. Colony Brands is the Gold Sponsor and the Cliff and Dorothy Reasa Community Charitable Fund of the Monroe Fund is the Silver Sponsor.

The are 20 different groups and businesses sponsoring the event; 40 sponsors for the ball tournaments. Many of the items for the concession stand are donated by citizens, Klinzing said.

This year’s theme for the all-day celebration is “Heroes,” which meshes with the Park and Rec’s annual theme. The Fourth of July event at Twining Park is recognizing those in the military, police, firefighters, EMTs — all of those who help others on a daily basis.

The celebration is a fundraiser and has the potential to bring in approximately $5,000 to $6,000. This year’s fundraising efforts are going toward ball park improvements at Twining and Honey Creek parks.

Monroe’s community celebration is just one example of similar celebrations held throughout the area.

How each American chooses to celebrate their independence is up to them. 

Family picnics, road trips, community get-togethers are all worth it, as is a day of watching your favorite patriotic movies.

The Fourth of July is our party. Have a safe day and spend a moment to remember the sacrifices that have been made to maintain our freedom.

— Matt Johnson is publisher of the Monroe Times. His column is published Wednesdays.