Backyard barbeques, friendly games of corn hole and watching the fireworks are all part of the time-honored tradition of celebrating the 4th of July. It has become as much a family and community holiday as Thanksgiving and Christmas. This year, it is even more special.
On July. 4, 250 years ago members of the second Continental Congress met in Philadelphia and signed the Declaration of Independence, officially severing the ties between the American colonies and the British monarchy. The United States of America was born.
Since that day, the United States has grown in number from 14 states to 50. America has become the most influential nation in the world, inspiring the spirit of democracy, freedom and unity.
The nation has stood tall through two world wars and a bloody civil war that nearly tore it apart. It has survived the war against terrorism and has lost our heroes on the soil of foreign countries. We have stood tall in the war on drugs, racism, discrimination, and battled through the Great Depression. Our citizens have stood up for civil rights, equality and the freedom to live our lives to fullest.
At times our nation has felt division, but we have always found a way to come together. The 4thof July is more than just a holiday. It is more than just the birth of this great nation. It is a day for us to celebrate our families, our neighbors, our friends and to honor those before us that have sacrificed so much that we could keep pushing forward toward a greater future.
Franklin and Washington counties will be alive with celebration this July 4 to honor the people of the United States of America for its 250th anniversary.
In Chambersburg, there will be a Veteran’s Celebration at Memorial Park, which is located at 1 Washabaugh Way. The event begins at 3 p.m. and will feature kid activities such as bounce houses and games. There will be food trucks and other vendors and a fireworks display when the sun goes down.
Waynesboro will be hosting their 30th Annual Summer Jubilee featuring craft and food vendors, live entertainment with singer Ruthie Collins, and a fireworks display. The event will take place at 500 E. Main St. Festivities will begin at 8 a.m. with the live entertainment starting at 4 p.m.
At the Washington County Agricultural Education Center will be hosting a Once-in-a-Generation 250th Anniversary Celebration. Beginning at 12 p.m., there will be a full day of family-friendly activities, including live entertainment, food vendors, historical displays, a car show, children’s activities, and a drone show. The grand finale will be a fireworks show beginning at dusk.
At Veterans Stadium in Shippensburg, there will be a fireworks display, and the Shippensburg Town Band will be performing at 8 p.m. The National Anthem will be played at 9:15 p.m., and the fireworks will start at 9:30 p.m. Rita’s will be set up inside the stadium from 6 – 9:30 p.m.
Carroll Valley will be running its 250th Independence Celebration at 33 Valley View Trail in Fairfield. Guests can enjoy live music, food vendors and local artists. The festivities will begin at 4 p.m., and the grand finale fireworks will begin at 9:45 p.m.
Whether you are attending one of these amazing local events or spending the holiday with a backyard barbecue with friends and family, take a moment to reflect on the last 250 years. The moments of triumph and tragedy. The men and women who bravely forged ahead and laid the foundation that has made the United States the great nation that it is.
