4 Broadcaster Press June 26, 2018 www.broadcasteronline.com Celebrating USA AMERICA FIREWORKS PLANNED FOR INDEPENDENCE DAY IN VERMILLION Independence Day, or the Fourth of July, is right around the corner and falls on a Wednesday this year. In communities across the state and nation, families are making plans to celebrate our country’s independence and make plenty of great memories with loved ones. The highlight of this holiday is undoubtedly the magnificent fireworks displays. There’s nothing like lying on a blanket in the cool summer air, watching the vibrant pyrotechnics above going off to a chorus of ‘oohs’ and ‘ahs’ from all around. In Vermillion, the community is invited to join together in watching this year’s stunning fireworks display as they are shot off from behind the Vermillion Technology Center. Excellent views are possible from Bartow Park or the Walmart parking lot. The display will begin near dusk, or approximately 10:00 pm. This year’s display is proudly sponsored by the City of Vermillion, Walmart, and the Vermillion Area Chamber & Development Company. Questions can be directed to Susan Heggestad, Marketing & Tourism Manager at susan@vermillionchamber.com. NEAR DUSK, APPROXIMATELY 10:00 PM Did You Know? While July 4th is synonymous with American independence, one of the United States’ founding fathers felt that July 2nd was a more appropriate date to celebrate the colonies’ declaration of independence from Great Britain. John Adams, who would serve as the second President of the United States, felt July 2nd was the correct date to celebrate the colonies’ independence and even protested July 4th by refusing invitations to appear at events on that day during his lifetime. Adams’ contention dates back to June 7, 1776, when Richard Henry Lee, the Virginia delegate of the Continental Congress, first introduced a motion calling for the colonies to declare their independence. Voting on Lee’s motion was postponed, though a five-man committee consisting of Adams, Benjamin Franklin, Thomas Jefferson, Robert R. Livingston, and Roger Sherman was appointed to draft a statement justify- ing independence from Great Britain. Lee’s motion was approved on July 2nd, and Adams even wrote his wife, Abigail, that the day would be celebrated as the anniversary of the colonies’ independence for many years to come. But that was not to be, as American independence is instead celebrated on July 4th, the day when the Continential Congress formally adopted the Declaration of Independence. Metro Creative Connection Each year on July 4, Americans celebrate the birth of their nation and independence from Great Britain. This day marks the anniversary of the presentation and acceptance of the Declaration of Independence, signed 242 years ago on July 4, 1776. The Declaration of Independence began as a letter to Britain’s King George to explain why the Continental Congress was interested in declaring independence from Great Britain. The writing of the declaration began on July 2 and the final wording was established on July 4. Independence Day is full of opportunities to celebrate and enjoy oneself. Parades, fireworks, parties, barbecues, and much more are part of the festivities. Another way to commemorate Independence Day is to educate oneself about the many historical and entertaining facts that surround the day. The following are some interesting details about the origins of Independence Day and the celebrations that surround it. • Although 56 people eventually signed the Declaration of Independence, only John Hancock signed the document on July 4, 1776. The rest added their names later on. John Hancock’s signature is ornate and widely recognized. Putting your ‘John Hancock’ on a document has become synonymous with the process of signing something. • The Declaration of Independence was adopted while the Continental Congress met in Philadelphia at the Pennsylvania Statehouse. That building is now known as Independence Hall. • The average age of the signers of the Declaration of Independence was 45. The youngest person to sign was Thomas Lynch, Jr., who was 27 when he signed the document. Benjamin Franklin, at age 70, was the oldest signee. • John Adams and Thomas Jefferson were the only signees who went on to serve as presidents. Coincidentally, Jefferson and Adams both died on July 4, 1826, within hours of each other. • Philadelphia is the birth place of much American history and is home to the Liberty Bell. Each Independence Day, the Liberty Bell is tapped (not rung, as the vibration would further damage the cracked bell) 13 times in honor of the original 13 American colonies. • The original 13 American colonies were located all along the eastern seaboard. They include Virgina, New York, New Hampshire, Massachusetts Bay, Maryland, Connecticut, Rhode Island, Delaware, North Carolina, South Carolina, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Georgia. • The stars on the original American flag were placed in a circle. This was so all of the colonies would be equally represented. • Independence was gained in 1776, and the first celebration took place in Philadelphia four days later. The White House held its first Independence Day festivities in 1801. • Benjamin Franklin proposed that the turkey be the national bird of the United States. However, John Adams and Thomas Jefferson overruled him, and the bald eagle became the national bird. • The only copy of the engrossed and signed Declaration of Independence is in the National Archives in Washington, D.C. Independence Day is a time for hot dogs, ice cream and, of course, revisiting America’s history. Metro Creative Connection CELEBRATING INDEPENDENCE DAY 4TH OF JULY 217 W. Kidder St • Vermillion, SD (605)624-3741 FAMILY FIRST CHIROPRACTIC 1114 Princeton Vermillion, SD 57069 605-202-7231 Festive Facts for July 4th Crystal L. Paden, DC • Michael P. Paden, DC ChiropraCtiC physiCians 102 E. ChErry st. #106 VErmillion, sD 57069 ph: (605)624-9483 CALL FOR AN APPOINTMENT TODAY WALK-INS WELCOME • MOST INSURANCE ACCEPTED Quality Care for Pain Free Living! Henderson’s (605) 624-6904 807 Princeton St. Two Locations • Open 24 Hours 815 Princeton St. 921 E. Cherry St. Johnson ElEctric, inc. Have a happy & safe 4th of July. 1012 W Cherry • Vermillion, SD Vermillion 525 West Cherry Street • Vermillion, SD 57069 605.624.5574 402 East Main St. Vermillion, SD 57069 605.624.4466 • www.koberfuneralhome.com Have a happy & safe... 4 of July! th 113 W. Main St. • Vermillion • 624-2655 605-624-8050 Corner of W. Cherry & Stanford 605.624.2695 • 201 W. Cherry, Vermillion, SD Celebrating Independence Day!