Celebrating the 4th of July
In the United States, we celebrate our Independence Day on July 4. The Declaration of Independence was signed July 4, 1776, declaring the creation of the United States of America as a country. Our usual July activities are outdoor gatherings and activities that bring large groups of people together. We usually celebrate the 4th of July holiday with fireworks, parades, family gatherings and picnics. Those kinds of things are probably not advisable this year. This year it’s social distancing with avoidance of crowds and face masks are suggested for even small gatherings.
This year, we’ll have to swap some of our traditions — parades and large patriotic concerts — for low-key small group celebrations.
A Couple of Suggestions
(1) Have a virtual “Fireworks Watching Party” and watch the fireworks from home on TV or on your computer. The New York Times recently had an article on large fireworks displays. The Times article says Macy’s fireworks show will happen on several nights from Monday through the holiday. Individual displays will last about five minutes and will be set off from unannounced locations. A recap of the fireworks will be televised nationally on July 4 at 8 p.m. Eastern on NBC.
In the Washington, DC area, authorities are asking people to watch “A Capital Fourth” from home. Tune in to PBS, PBS.org, Facebook or YouTube at 8 p.m. Eastern July 4. Other cities are hosting a variety of televised and virtual celetrations.
There will also be a variety of local events held outdoors and televised or streamed in your area.
(2) To learn more about the history and background of Independence Day,
A broadcast of “Hamilton,” the acclaimed Broadway musical from the writer and its star Lin-Manuel Miranda, airs on Disney Plus on Friday. Check out “1776.” This 1972 movie traces the debates at the Second Continental Congress. Those debates led to the Declaration of Independence. According to Times article it will air on July 4 on TCM at 2:30 p.m. Eastern.
Finally
For all the details, check out your local newspaper and TV schedule. To get all the details on nationally broadcast events, check the Times article