Spirit of independence lives on

While many think of firework displays and neighbors barbecuing on the long July 4 holiday weekend, the historical reasons Americans are celebrating are sometimes lost in the enjoyable time spent with friends, good food and festivities.

July 4 was originally selected by America’s Founding Fathers to mark the Second Continental Congress’ adoption of the final revision of the Declaration of Independence, which announced the intention of the colonies to separate from Great Britain.

As such, the date remains in the national consciousness as a day that has become synonymous with the ability to act courageously in the face of tyrannous power.

“Independence Day reminds me of the people who, throughout the past couple hundred years, have given us the rights we have today, like freedom of speech and religion,’ Art Association member and Porterville Studio volunteer Nancy Pengilly said.

Though the document was not signed by many of the committee’s delegates until August of 1776, the Fourth of July soon became the official date on which the anniversary of the symbolic birth of America has been celebrated each year since.

Pengilly, who has lived with her family in Springville for 32 years and just returned from a trip to Central America, said that the July 4 holiday calls to her attention all the advantages American citizens have and take for granted that people in other areas of the world may not have.

“I’m glad we have the chance to have good roadways, sewer systems, running water and a good education,” Pengilly said. “We all have our complaints, but here at least we can complain and make things better,” she added.

Others see the holiday as a date that increases feelings of patriotism and nationalistic pride among American citizens. “There is no time that people feel more American than on the Fourth of July,” OLA Raza immigrants rights center Chief of Operations Roberto Ignacio de la Rosa said.

The nationalism that spikes around the summer holiday sometimes causes feelings of exclusivity in those that are newer additions to the United States, or don’t fit the mold of the ‘typical’ American, de la Rosa said.

“Maybe [Independence Day] will be different under our first president of color, and that inclusivity will help change how these types of holidays take place,” he said.

Like many, de la Rosa feels that one of the main themes of the July 4 holiday resides in its underlying message of independence. “It represents the freedom to live your life the way you deem best,” he added.

Gary Lasure, a second-generation Porterville resident, also cited the rights shared by Americans as an important aspect of the celebratory weekend. “[July 4] is about our freedom,” Lasure said.

Lasure, who supported the Porterville High School Boosters Club fireworks stand this weekend, has celebrated July 4 in Tulare County for three generations, and views the celebrations as a reflection of the American fight for liberty.

“It reflects what our county has done over the years,” Lasure said. “We use the fireworks to celebrate our freedom and blessings,” he added.

Some were excited about the commemoratory and historical nature of the weekend’s festivities.
“Independence Day is a birthday celebration for America,” Porterville resident and Boosters Club member Toby Thornton said.

As the fireworks go off Saturday night, Americans nationwide will gaze upward and appreciate both the fruits of their labors as well as those of the Founding Fathers.

“Happy Birthday, America!” Thornton added with a grin.

Contact Sarah de Crescenzo at 784-5000, Ext. 1045, or sdecrescenzo@portervillerecorder.com.