Expert Available to Discuss History and Pageantry of America’s Birthday

Newswise — Grandiose displays of fireworks, parades, and concerts are hallmarks of celebrating the Fourth of July. According to James Heintze, American University librarian emeritus and author of The Fourth of July Encyclopedia (McFarlane, 2007), little has changed since 1776 in terms of how we celebrate America's birthday.

"The fireworks, the parades, the music, the costumes date all the way back," Heintze said. "The degree and character change with the times, but the patriotism is always the same."

Heintze has compiled one of the most extensive databases about the Fourth of July. The database, which can be viewed at http://gurukul.american.edu/heintze/fourth.htm, documents selected celebrations and events that have occurred from the first Fourth of July in 1776 to present day. Among the numerous little-known facts and events listed are:

"¢ The United States observes no national holidays (holidays mandated across all 50 states by the federal government), including the Fourth of July. Congress, the president, or both can legally establish an "official" holiday, but only for federal employees and the District of Columbia. States and municipalities decide whether to adopt holidays observed by the federal government."¢ In 1808, residents of Richmond, Va., resolved that only liquor produced in this country would be consumed at July Fourth celebrations. This was a result of the tension between the United States and Great Britain that eventually led to the War of 1812."¢ In 1942, the first Fourth of July after the United States entered World War II, fireworks in most cities were canceled due to blackouts. Many citizens went to work to do their part for the war effort. "¢ In 2007, a total of 3,188 persons took oaths of citizenship or were naturalized as American citizens during ceremonies at Walt Disney World, Lake Buena Vista, Fla.; William Paca House in Annapolis, Md.; Camp Victory in Iraq; and Monticello in Charlottesville, Va.

Heintze has also chronicled how each American president celebrated the Fourth of July. John Adams and his descendents boast the longest family legacy of celebrating the Fourth of July, but one of the most unconventional observances of the holiday goes to our 27th president. "In 1911, William Howard Taft celebrated the Fourth of July in one of the most unique ways experienced by one of our presidents," Heintze said. "He went to Indianapolis, which was the farthest west any president to that date had traveled to celebrate. In honor of his visit, the people of Indianapolis held a locomotive collision. A grandstand was built for Taft to get the best view of two unoccupied trains smashing into each other at full-throttle speed."

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