A lot of folks will flock to Washington, D.C. to celebrate Independence Day, and that’s great. But others will ply the historically correct path, to two of the keystone cities that set the stage for our new nation. It was from Williamsburg, Va. that emanated events leading to the Declaration of Independence – and in Philadelphia, Pa. that the world-changing document was debated and adopted.
Here’s what’s happening in both cities this Fourth of July:
- At Colonial Williamsburg, the celebration lasts over 12 hours, starting off at 10am with a Salute to the States. That will be held behind the Courthouse. Beginning at noon, on the west side of the Capitol, there will be a dramatic reading of the Declaration. At 5:30pm Colonial Williamsburg’s Fifes and Drums step out smartly and march from the Capitol to Market Square. At 6pm it’s more patriotic music as the Heritage of America Band, United States Air Force Langley, performs at Market Square. While the 6pm Independence Day Celebration per se is already sold out, as is the 8pm performance of the Virginia Symphony Orchestra, you can still hear fifes and drums at 7:45, and get in on the 9:30 fireworks.
- Philadelphia’s July 4th tradition marches on beginning at 11am this coming Wednesday. Over 5,000 participants from a dozen states will make their way to 5th and Chestnut Streets, ending the patriotic procession an hour-and-a-half later at Front and Market Streets. Among those you might be on the lookout for this year are the Hoh Japanese Drummers, Minas Brazilian Dancers and Drummers and the oldest fife and drum band in the United States. That would be the Mattatuck Drum Band, and it was established back in 1767, nine years before the Declaration of Independence. Reminding spectators this nation continues at war even as we celebrate our freedom, hundreds of active duty enlisted personnel, as well as veterans from all five services, will march in the parade.
Be it Willamsburg, Philadelphia or Main Street of your hometown, make this Fourth of July something more than burgers and fireworks. Get out and immerse yourself in the meaning of that pivotal moment in time 236 years ago.
(Image: Andrew Morrell Photography)
