The Fourth of July has always been my favorite holiday. To me, and probably to all Americans, this day exudes a sense of freedom and feelings of pride and joy. Admittedly, in my elementary school and even high school days, that mainly meant freedom from school and rigid schedules more than in the political sense. Now at Drexel, the Fourth of July no longer embodies the lazy days of summer without school or work, but the holiday still offers that same excitement and serves as a reminder of how good we have it.

The way in which Philadelphia has celebrated the nation’s independence has changed over the years. As the birthplace of our independence, Philadelphia continues to lavishly celebrate the Fourth of July, as can be seen by the ten-day series of events that was held this year in honor of America’s birthday.

The first Independence Day celebration was actually July 8, 1776. The day was marked by the first public reading of the Declaration of Independence. Bells and music were played in the background. During the first summer of independence, many towns held mock funerals for the king of England. This symbolized the death of the monarchy’s rule over the colonies and the birth of liberty. The next year, Independence Day was celebrated on the Fourth of July. Throughout the eighteenth century, Independence Day was celebrated with parades, speeches, and toasts. However, the day also provided a way for upcoming political leaders to discuss important issues the new nation still had to face, such as the rise of separate political parties.

As the nation entered the nineteenth century, Independence Day remained a serious holiday. By this time, the United States was much more populated and diverse. Abolitionists, women’s right activists, and other movements used the day as a political platform, arguing that they could not celebrate with the rest of the community because they were not granted the rights written in the Declaration of Independence. Traditions such as parades, picnics, games, and fireworks were also continued throughout the nineteenth century.

It was John Adams who wrote that this day “ought to be celebrated by pomp and parade, with shows, games, sports, guns, bells, bonfires, and illuminations from one end of this continent to the other,” but it was not until 1870 that Congress declared Independence Day a holiday. In 1938, Independence Day became a paid federal holiday, giving everyone the freedom to stay home and relax.

We are all familiar with how the Fourth of July is celebrated today, with parades, barbeques, fireworks, and with lots of food, drinks and music. Displays of red, white, and blue are common and American flags, balloons, and streamers are abundant. “The Star-Spangled Banner” and “God Bless America” can be heard throughout the day, as well as other popular, patriotic-seeming anthems like Bruce Springsteen’s “Born in the U.S.A” and Tom Petty’s “American Girl.”

This year, Philadelphia started the festivities early on June 25. At the Taste of Philadelphia event at Penn’s Landing, people sampled food from the region’s popular restaurants. A series of children’s events, “Go 4th and Learn,” opened the Franklin Institute and the Philadelphia Museum of Art on Tuesday, June 26 and Wednesday, June 27 respectively. Admission was free but on a first-come-first-served basis. At the Franklin Institute, children could interactively participate in a program about the Science of Fireworks, while at the Museum of Art children participated in art activities that focused on summer and Philadelphia scenery.

Another series, “Philly @ the Movies,” showed one movie per night from Monday through Thursday at outdoor locations including Penn’s Landing, LOVE Park, and Rittenhouse Square.

On July 2, an Independence Picnic was held for the public in Old City. Following American tradition, hotdogs were the main dish. Visitors could travel back in time in the historic district and meet characters such as Ben Franklin and Betsy Ross. Many toured Independence Hall to see where the Declaration of Independence was signed. Others visited the Betsy Ross House, which is fully furnished as it was during Ross’ time. And, of course, the Liberty Bell was surrounded by crowds of people. All of these destinations are free and open to the public year-round, but visiting on the Fourth of July would seem to reinforce a person’s patriotism.

The ten-day celebration concluded on the Fourth of July with several festivities throughout the day and into the night. Beginning at 10 a.m., Mayor Nutter started the day’s activities at a ceremony outside of Independence Hall. Following the ceremony was the Independence Day parade through Historic Philadelphia.

The United States turned 234 years-old this July. Birthday cake was definitely in order. Guests to the Independence Visitor Center could sample free cakes and other treats from Philadelphia’s own Tastykake.

Later in the afternoon, the party festivities were shortly interrupted to give way to the more serious Bell Tapping Ceremony. During this ceremony, descendents of the original signers of the Declaration of Independence honor their ancestors by tapping the Liberty Bell. Celebrators are reminded of the sacrifices and labor that went into winning and securing the freedom that we have today.

In another part of Philly, the Party on the Parkway was held simultaneously to the events in Old City. Party on the Parkway started at noon on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway and ended at 8 p.m. with the traditional fireworks display. Throughout the day, musicians took the stage to entertain audiences. Younger members could bounce around in the inflatables and play games in the Go 4th and Learn Fun Zone. Everything was free, including the picnic food.

At 8.p.m, the Life, Liberty, and You Concert kicked off with performances by The Goo Goo Dolls, The Roots, Chrisette Michele, and Chuck Brown. These bands played until it was dark enough for the fireworks to begin.

While America’s birthday party has changed over the past 234 years, one thing remains the same – it’s a fun-filled day for everyone and one on which we should all be proud and thankful. For those of you who were not in Philadelphia this past Independence Day, definitely consider making the journey to the nation’s home of independence next year!

Carolynn McCormack is a junior at Drexel University majoring in English. She is also working toward the Certificate in Publishing and Writing.