July 4th: Independence Day

Being a student at Approach is not only an opportunity to learn a new language, but to immerse yourself in a whole new world of experiences. When you live in the United States, even if it is for a short period of time, you will be able to experience American culture, especially here in Massachusetts, which is considered a truly historic state. 

Did you know that the Massachusetts General Court became the first state legislature to recognize July 4th as a state-wide celebration (holiday)? It happened in 1781 and only after a couple years, in 1801, the White House held its first Fourth of July party. In this article you will learn who was involved in the declaration of independence, when it happened, and how to celebrate the holiday.

History

Independence Day, also called the Fourth of July, commemorates the passage of the Declaration of Independence by the Continental Congress on July 4, 1776. The Declaration announced the political separation of 13 North American colonies from Great Britain. It is one of the greatest days each year that everyone remembers the sacrifices made by our freedom fighters to gain Independence. Also, it teaches everyone the importance of Independence. Why does Boston have such a large Independence Day celebration? As mentioned before, this city is where the fight for American liberty began, and July 4th is a very special occasion here. 

Curiosity

• Actually, the Declaration of Independence was not signed (except by John Hancock) on the Fourth of July. That is just the day the document was adopted by the Continental Congress.
• Three U.S. presidents, John Adams, Thomas Jefferson, and James Monroe, all died on the Fourth. Adams and Jefferson died within hours of each other in 1826.
• There is a popular myth that says Benjamin Franklin proposed the turkey as the national symbol but was overruled by John Adams and Thomas Jefferson, who recommended the bald eagle.

Boston Fireworks and Pops Concert 

Returning this year, after being canceled in 2020 due to the pandemic shutdown, the spectacular July 4th fireworks over Boston Common will light up the sky for in-person spectators and those watching the live broadcast of this amazing annual event.

However, the celebration will be slightly different this year. The Pops Independence Day concert will take place at Tanglewood, located in Lenox in Western Massachusetts instead of in Boston at the Hatch Shell as it usual is. The event is free of charge, and the concert will also be live-streamed for anyone who cannot see it in person.

You can check the lineups, tickets for the concert, schedule and more details by clicking this link.