On July 2, 1776, the Continental Congress of the United States declared America’s independence from Great Britain. The Declaration of Independence was drafted, adopted, and signed in the City of Philadelphia, the first city to host festivities to commemorate this historical day.
Official Holiday
Massachusetts became the first state to declare July 4 an official state holiday. In 1870, Congress declared this day a federal holiday, but not until 1941 did it become a paid holiday for all federal employees.
Celebrations Then
Spectators at an 18th century July 4th celebration participated in various celebratory festivities. There were concerts, parades, musket and cannon firings and public readings of the Declaration of Independence.
Celebrations Now
Today, festivities keep to the same traditions from the 18th century. Friends and families gather for picnics and barbecues, fireworks displays, concerts, (especially in the “City of Brotherly Love”) and stand still while American flags fly proudly from the tops of buildings, homes, front lawns and vehicles.
You will find Fourth of July events in every city throughout American. Here is a list of events for this coming year’s holiday in cities where Lingo Staffing Service serves its clients. (These listings are just a small selection of events that will occur.)
City Listings
- Richmond, VA – INFO
- Charlotte, NC – INFO
- Pittsburgh, PA – INFO
- Murfreesboro, TN – INFO
- Summing, GA – INFO
- Roanoke, VA – INFO
- Columbus OH – INFO
- Fourth of July Celebration Presented by Virginia Credit Union – INFO
An Excerpt from the Declaration of Independence
“When in the Course of human events it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the political bands which have connected them with another and to assume among the powers of the earth, the separate and equal station to which the Laws of Nature and of Nature’s God entitle them, a decent respect to the opinions of mankind requires that they should declare the causes which impel them to the separation.
We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.
- That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed.
- That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to affect their Safety and Happiness. Prudence, indeed, will dictate that Governments long established should not be changed for light and transient causes; and accordingly, all experience hath shewn that mankind is more disposed to suffer, while evils are sufferable than to right themselves by abolishing the forms to which they are accustomed.
- But when a long train of abuses and usurpations, pursuing invariably the same Object evinces a design to reduce them under absolute Despotism, it is their right, it is their duty, to throw off such Government, and to provide new Guards for their future security.”
In closing, as we experience trying times in our nation, reflect on these words that describe the true meaning of independence in America and the men who fought and, in some cases, died to defend our freedoms more than 200 years ago.
Have a wonderful and safe July 4th holiday!
About Lingo Staffing
Lingo is a full-service staffing firm dedicated to providing top quality services to its clients and its candidate pool. With extensive knowledge and experience in light industrial, administrative, and professional employment, Lingo encompasses the capabilities and resources necessary to help you get ahead.
Our experience and commitment to client satisfaction make us the perfect choice to manage all your staffing needs. Our staff guarantees exceptional customer service with a fitting response time.
Our experts are located at an office near you: Virginia, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Tennessee, and Georgia.
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