July’s most important holiday is, of course, the 4th of July. This is the date that brave men, in Philadelphia, approved the Declaration of Independence. Here are the opening words, never to be forgotten:
In Congress, July 4, 1776,
The Unanimous Declaration of The Thirteen United States of America
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 effect their Safety and Happiness…
Since that day in 1776, citizens of the United States have held commemorative celebrations and festivities each year on July 4. However, it wasn’t until June 28, 1870, that the United States government passed a law naming Independence Day a federal holiday.
Nearly every community in Florida has a July Fourth celebration. Events nearby include:
• Independence Day Celebration, Punta Gorda – Family-friendly activities and vendors will be featured at Fishermen’s Village from noon to 6 p.m. Live music from 5 – 9 p.m. Fireworks display kicks off at 9 p.m. Admission and parking is free.
• Red, White & Boom Cape Coral – Fireworks display by Cape Coral Parkway, at the foot of the bridge. For your safety – no personal fireworks, pets, or outside alcoholic beverages.
• Red, White & Boom Fort Myers – Caloosa Sound Amphitheater, free concert begins at 8 p.m.; fireworks show at 9:45 p.m. Bring your own seating.
• The Fort Myers Beach Fourth of July fireworks – show begins at approximately 9 p.m. at Times Square. You are encouraged to bring beach chairs and enjoy the show! Starting at 8:30 p.m., the Matanzas Pass Bridge will be closed until approximately 11 p.m.
