On July 4, 1777 the skies over Philadelphia and Boston were illuminated with fireworks to the sounds of gunfire and shots from 13 cannons. This was the first organized celebration of America's Independence, 13 shots for 13 colonies fighting for emancipation from Britain. The day marked one year since the signing of the Declaration of Independence in Philadelphia by America's founding fathers, whose Congress formally adopted the statement as the colonies' intent to secede from Britain and choose their own government.
Getty Images
Largely drafted by Thomas Jefferson, the list of grievances against the British Crown includes the famous preamble used to this day to define what it is to be American in Jefferson's words:
“We hold these truths to be self-evident; that all men are created equal; that they are endowed by their Creator with certain inalienable rights; that among these are life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness; that to secure these rights, governments are instituted among men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed.”
The American Revolution was also an inspiration for many other countries, including the famous French Revolution of 1789 and Simón Bolívar's model for the Latin American revolutions of independence from Spain. Although his dream of a united South America did not come to full fruition, Bolívar "The Liberator" remains a well revered figure in history with self admitted admiration of Revolutionary leaders Thomas Jefferson and George Washington.
John Trumbull, Declaraton of Independence
This weekend we will start the celebrations early with some all American favorites to kick off the holiday spirit of Revolution and Freedom!
A Feast for American Independence at Wilmington Wine's Creative Tastings
June 30/July 1, 2023
First Course
Watermelon Gazpacho
Cold watermelon soup with Serrano and mint
Second Course
Arugula Blackberry Salad
Baby arugula with fresh blackberries, feta and lemon champagne vinaigrette
Third Course
"Pigs in a Blanket"
Brown sugar glazed pork belly on puff pastry with honey dijon sauce
Fourth Course
Surf 'n Turf
Steak and shrimp with green beans and garlic dijon sauce
Dessert
Peach Cobbler
Fresh peach cobbler with vanilla ice cream