Pam Dudding
Contributing writer
Stores everywhere have the red, white, and blue décor for sale, hoping the people in the USA will celebrate and buy their items, while other stores are advertising sales and specials to help celebrate.
The United States of America honors July 4, as a federal holiday, calling it “Independence Day.”
It was based on the signing of what is known as the Declaration of Independence, a document ratified by the Continental Congress on July 4, 1776.
In 1976, several Craig County students of the glee club and the band drove to Philadelphia to celebrate the 200th anniversary and got to play and sing for Queen Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom there. It was a memorable experience.
Today, this holiday is still honored, celebrating the independence from Britain.
The Declaration of Independence was a document that stated that the original 13 colonies of America were no longer subject to the British monarch, declaring them free and independent states.
This independence came after the Revolutionary War, a conflict that lasted from 1775 until 1783.
However, it was odd, but the July 4 holiday was not officially recognized until 1941.
Today, many people take the day to spend with family and friends, having cookouts, going boating or swimming, or just relaxing under a shade tree.
When the colonists favored their independence, at first, they were considered “radicals.” But it did not take long before others saw the benefits of being separated from Britain.
History tells recounts that initially, a Virginia delegate, Richard Henry Lee, introduced the motion for the colonies’ independence, but it was postponed, and a committee was formed to draft the formal statement. Three of those men were Thomas Jefferson, John Adams and Benjamin Franklin.
It is stated that Adams and Jefferson both died on July 4, 1826, the 50th anniversary of the adoption of the Declaration of Independence.
The actual resolution was signed on July 2, in a near-unanimous vote and then on July 4, the Continental Congress formally adopted the Declaration of Independence.
History shares that the tradition of setting off fireworks on July 4 began in Philadelphia on July 4, 1777, during the first organized celebration of Independence Day.
It adds, “Ship’s cannon fired a 13-gun salute in honor of the 13 colonies. The “Pennsylvania Evening Post” reported: “at night there was a grand exhibition of fireworks (which began and concluded with thirteen rockets) on the Commons, and the city was beautifully illuminated.”
Today citizens of the country still celebrate, and Craig County will be having its annual Independence Day Parade, starting at the Fairgrounds, and ending on Main Street.
Prizes for the parade participants will be awarded at the court yard at the end of the parade.
There will be patriotic music along the parade route, lemonade at the Masonic Lodge, and at the Old Hotel they will have hot dogs, hot apple pies and sweets.
Then at 12 p.m., the Paint Bank Volunteer Fire Department will host its annual fundraiser, where those interested can get a great meal including your drink and dessert. They will also have a yard sale and their auction after the meal.