When the Continental Congress adopted the Declaration of Independence 227 years ago, the Fourth of July became the first public celebration of the United States. While Congress or the president can establish a federal holiday for the District of Columbia and federal employees, a public holiday can only be established at the local level. It wasn’t until 1941 that Congress declared July 4 a legal federal holiday. Massachusetts became the first state with an “official” celebration of the Fourth when its legislature passed a resolution for the holiday in 1781. In 1783, Alexander Martin of North Carolina was the first governor to issue a state order for celebrating Independence Day on the Fourth of July.

From the beginning, celebrations of the day have been marked with bands and fireworks. On July 8, 1776, the first public readings of the Declaration were held in Philadelphia’s Independence Square to the ringing of bells and band music. One year later, on July 4, 1777, Philadelphia marked Independence Day by adjourning Congress and celebrating with bonfires, bells and fireworks.

A few facts about the American flag

On June 14, 1777, the Continental Congress passed an act to establish an official flag for the new nation. The resolution ordered that “the flag of the United States be made of 13 stripes, alternate red and white; that the union be 13 stars, white in a blue field, representing a new constellation.”

• The flag is usually displayed from sunrise to sunset. It should be raised briskly and lowered ceremoniously. In inclement weather, the flag should not be flown.
• The flag should be displayed daily and on all holidays, weather permitting, on or near the main administration buildings of all public institutions. It should also be displayed in or near every polling place on election days and at schoolhouses during school days.

American history online

Find fun and factual information about our country’s origins online:

• www.constitutioncenter.org

Constitution Center, the first-ever museum honoring and explaining the Constitution.

• www.monticello.org

Learn about the Virginia home of chief declaration author Thomas Jefferson.

• www.bso.org

Learn about the Boston Pops’ annual Fourth of July concert.

• www.nara.gov

Check out the National Archives in Washington, D.C.

• www.thefreedomtrail.org

Take a virtual tour of Boston’s Freedom Trail.

Be safe on the Fourth

Even though fireworks are prohibited within city limits, you can still celebrate with sparklers, snakes and toy caps. These items, however, still can be dangerous if not used correctly. Here’s some tips to keep safe:

• Always read and follow label directions.
• Have an adult present.
• Use outdoors only.
• Always have water handy (a garden hose and a bucket).
• Light only one firework at a time.
• Never give fireworks to small children.
• Never throw or point fireworks at other people.