What can we learn from the first Fourth of July?

It’s the biggest birthday party celebration of the year! Symphonies blare, cookouts barbeque, and red-white and blue banners whirl in each gust of wind. We light sparklers and lanterns with pride for our great nation. Every 4th day in July we do this to celebrate the signatures that declared this country’s independence from the British Empire. Americans have perfected the commemoration, watching parades, enjoying concerts and temporarily tattooing ourselves with stars and Uncle Sams. We are so accustomed to our traditions that we may forget the reason we celebrate in the manner we do.

What was the first day of America 241 years ago truly like? In 1776, when the Congressional document was approved, not many people knew the document had been signed that did not live in Philadelphia. John Adams could not tweet the news, nor could Benjamin Franklin Facebook Live John Hancock signing his name. Without instant messaging, newspapers published the document, and citizens paraded down cobble stoned streets and dirts roads to spread the good news to strangers and friends. As weeks passed, colony by colony people shared their excitement together. Muskets fired, city bells rang and British Empire signs and flags were destroyed. It was not until the year after that a formal celebration was organized. This country’s original members partied on ships, hosted parades and you guessed it, set off fireworks.

Today, we share this day with our closest family and friends, but this year I encourage you to try something different. When you’re at that parade or picnic you’ve had planned for months, wish a stranger a happy holiday, maybe even invite them to sit with you for a while. The 4th of July foundation is not solely based on independence, but on unity. This day that declares a separation also establishes a unification.

If you are still in Boston, you have a chance to participate in one of the most authentic celebrations in the country. You are living in the second of thirteen original colonies! You have the chance to walk the original stones that created this City Upon a Hill. Regardless of where you may be, I want America to celebrate the same way our founding fathers and mothers did. Power off your phones and cameras, and pretend it’s 1776 again. Make it your job to spread the joy that freedom brings. This 4th of July, look past the labels that divide our associations. Don’t be a just Democrat, or Republican, a native, immigrant, or tourist. Be united.

Happy Fourth of July!

-Jillian Lattimore, COM ’19