What does the Declaration of Independence of the United States mean to you?
More than two hundred years ago, citizens of the North and South had faith in their new country. It was a new land that was independent from foreign sovereignty, a hope for freedom.
During the Civil War (1861 -1865) celebration of Independence was subdued if not totally ignored. However, two events on July 4, 1863, altered the future of our country forever. In late June General Robert E. Lee led his Army of Virginia on a strike against the Union Army on its own ground. Newly appointed General of the Potomac (US) George Meade learned of Confederate plans and began to move his men toward Lee’s Army. The two met at the small college town of Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. On the third day of intense fighting, with neither side clearly victorious, Lee began to move his men, both able and wounded, south to Virginia. Immediately Meade retreated leaving the Gettysburg citizens; old men and women of all ages along with children, to clean up the mess of the dead: men, horses, and mules to bury.
Over 1,000 miles southwest in Vicksburg, Mississippi, citizens, and Confederate soldiers had withstood a siege of 47 days. After trying every possible entry into the town of 5,000, Union General U. S. Grant decided to starve all the Confederates and all civilians out of the strategically important on the Mississippi River.
By the end of June, Confederate General John C. Pemberton realized he must surrender. Negotiations with Grant began. Grant wanted the surrender on July 4, Independence Day in the United States. Pemberton refused, asking for July 3rd. Grant finally convinced Pemberton that the July 4th surrender would have more impact on President Lincoln and his Cabinet. Pemberton did convince Grant not to press for unconditional surrenders he had done routinely in the past. On the Fourth of July, as Pemberton marched his bedraggled, starving army to surrender, a pall fell over the city to remain for many years to come.
For more that 81 years no Independence Day festivities were held in Vicksburg. The exception was July 4, 1945. The United States and her allies had completely defeated the Third Reich under the reign of Adolph Hitler. Victory in Japan was inevitable. Everyone in the United States was celebrating, including the good people of Vicksburg. They even celebrated on July 4, 1946, but gradually the event declined, again.
In rural America, especially in the South, the Fourth of July was rarely celebrated. Agricultural responsibilities in the busy summers allowed little frivolity. Flags were hung outside homes and stores, but life was still working on farms.
Two other dates were especially important to the United States. In addition to 1945 and the end of World War II Americans were jubilant on July 4, 1919, and
July 4, 1976. In 1919 America had been involved in a massive world war. Independence Day chose to show support for the U. S. Army, Navy, and Marines still in France. One of those men was my grandfather, an engineer who mapped areas in France and Belgium during that time. He was extremely proud of his actions.
The other special Fourth of July was on July 4, 1976. The idea of celebrating America’s Independence and 200th Birthday seemed to have caught the attention of most Americans for weeks before. Festivities began on Flag Day in June. From then to the Fourth of July, flags flew constantly. Period costumes, patriotic music, and hundreds of parade goers let the world know how proud Americans were. Now, how did you show you pride in America this weekend?