June 27, 2006 > Fourth of July

by Mona Shah

The smell of a barbecue in your backyard, laughing in the park where many are picnicking, the roar of fireworks exploding in a calm sky and applause when flaming colors light up the night; July Fourth is the day every year Americans dedicate to honor our nation.

On this day, we celebrate our independence from the British and the beginning of the American Revolution, a war that represents the continuing struggle for Liberty, Justice, and Equality. However, there are little-known facts that shed additional light on this national holiday.

For many years, colonial Americans were subjected to British rule from afar. Among many objectionable laws, taxation without representation generated much distress. This blossomed into an issue of American liberty and finally produced a turning point that marked the beginning of the United States of America.

On June 7, 1776, Richard Henry Lee of Virginia proposed to the Second Continental Congress a statement of independence from England. Three days later, Thomas Jefferson assembled a committee to write an appropriate document expressing this milestone in modern history: The Declaration of Independence.

Congress approved Lee's proposition on July 2, 1776 and adopted a modified form of Jefferson's Declaration of Independence two days later on July 4th.

Over the next month, the Declaration was read to people in all the thirteen colonies, most often accompanied by cheers. Since this declaration would be considered treason by King George III of England, the fifty-six signers did so at risk of their lives.

Today, there are only 4 American holidays, always celebrated on their calendar days: Halloween, Christmas, New Year's, and Independence Day. For convenience reasons, there have been debates in the past to move Independence Day celebrations to the following weekend. Yet, the freedom of our nation never fails to be celebrated on the day our forefathers set aside for liberty. We owe these past patriots our thanks for the formation of our country and its freedoms.

Here are some events in the Tri-Cities area to help celebrate the holiday:

Tuesday, July 4
Fremont's 4th of July Parade
10 a.m.
Honoring Hometown Heroes
Irvington District
Fremont
(510) 226-9323

Tuesday, July 4
Milpitas Celebrates Independence Day
7:30 p.m.
Music, games, community parade and more
Milpitas Sports Center
1325 E. Calaveras, Milpitas
(408) 586-3296

Tuesday, July 4
Independence Day Celebration
10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Music, games, contests and more
Ardenwood Historic Farm
34600 Ardenwood Blvd., Fremont
(510) 796-0663

Tuesday, July 4
Call to Duty Concert
7:30 p.m.
Musical tribute to the 4th of July
Smith Center Amphitheater at Ohlone College
43600 Mission Blvd., Fremont
(510) 659-6031