Signed on July 4th, 1776 , the Declaration of Independence was a proclamation that decreed freedom from English rule. Once established, John Adams told his wife that the day would be forever remembered with pomp, parades and fireworks. In 1777, Philadelphia celebrated the new holiday with a thirteen gunshot salute, speeches, prayers, music, parades, troop reviews, and fireworks, much as Adams had predicted. Ships in the harbor were draped with red, white, and blue bunting to add to the festivities. In 1778, from his New Jersey headquarters General George Washington commemorated July 4 with a double portion of run for his soldiers, and a gun salute.
In 1781 Massachusetts officially recognized July 4 as a state celebration for the first time in the new nation. It was a decade later, legend tells us, that the name “Independence Day” was first used. In 1870, the US Congress declared Independence Day an unpaid holiday for federal employees; but in 1938, Congress changed Independence Day to a paid federal holiday – likely a very popular move!
Through the years, parades and fireworks have remained two of our most time honored traditions. The Fourth of July is also a popular day, along with other US holidays, to honor military personnel, both past and present. If you have someone in your life you would like to honor amongst the parades and picnics, Gainan’s Flowers can make a custom red, white and blue bouquet for you.
Whether you are waving a flag at a parade or grilling hamburgers at the family picnic, Gainan’s Flowers wishes you a very Happy 4th of July. We invite you to come into any one of our three Billings florist locations to order your red, white and blue bouquet or floral arrangement to celebrate this most historic day. From 1776 until now, American pride runs through our veins – call us today and we’ll help you to celebrate in true American style, with patriotic flowers that will add pride to any gathering.