The best answer to the question posed in the title of this blogpost is a look at Laura Ingalls Wilder’s description of how they celebrated in her Little Town On The Prairie book. (see pp. 65-85)
- They did no work with the exception of chores and housework.
- They celebrated with horse racing and lemonade.
- They dressed in their Sunday best.
- They enjoyed firecrackers.
- They listened to speeches recounting what made them free.
- They read the Declaration of Independence to everyone.
A typical speech given…
“‘This is the day and date when our forefathers cut loose from the despots of Europe. There wasn’t many Americans at that time, but they wouldn’t stand for any monarch tyrannizing over them. They had to fight the British regulars…. A few barefoot Americans had to fight the whole of them and lick ’em and they did fight them and they did lick them. Yes sir! We licked the British in 1776 and we licked ’em again in 1812, and we backed all the monarchies of Europe out of Mexico and off this continent less than twenty years ago, and by glory! Yessir, by Old Glory right here, waving over my head, any time the despots of Europe try to step on America’s toes, we’ll lick ’em again!…
Every man Jack of us a free and independent citizen of God’s country, the only country on earth where a man is free and independent.'” (p. 73, Little Town on the Prairie)
On Tuesday most of us will celebrate with family get togethers, cook outs, and maybe enjoy a few fireworks.
This picture is pretty typical of what the grill looks like when I’m operating it. I usually set a few burgers on fire. 🤣
Although America looks very different now than it did in Laura Ingall Wilder’s time, our freedom and independence is still worth fighting for. In each one of our lives, maintaining independence allows us the freedom to make right choices as we follow God’s path for our lives.
I pray we all remain free in the days ahead and place our loyalty where it belongs.
“And he saith unto me, Seal not the sayings of the prophecy of this book: for the time is at hand.” Revelation 22:10
Thanks for sharing from Wilder’s book. I appreciate the historical insight, and that we are still grateful to the people who initially fought to make us free. Everyone of us enjoys that, and has the responsibility to vote so it stays that way.
Absolutely, Joni! Thanks for commenting:)
Great post, Jane. Love the speech!
Thanks, Tim:)
Jane,
Love this so much. We see it in movies and such but the speech made the times come alive. I’m sure most of us would have a Patriot who fought for our freedom in the Rev. War. You just need to know how to search for them. My proven Patriot is my GGGG grandfather, Jeremiah DuPree from VA. Proud to be a member of the DAR.
Deb
Debbie,
That is so exciting, to know your roots and have the examples of great heroes in your family to give you encouragement to live your best life, just as they did. I love to hear the old speeches and how people used to think versus today. We can learn so much from the past.