17. The First Fourth of July

After the Battle of Lexington swift messengers rode in all directions over the land telling the tidings that the struggle for American independence was begun. The news set the people aflame with excitement. Men dropped whatever they had in hand to join the little army under George Washington, who was elected general of the American soldiers. The colonists now believed that nothing but liberty would save them. Men like Patrick Henry of Virginia said, “Give me liberty or give me death!” So, on July 4, 1776, at the State House in Philadelphia, the Declaration of Independence, prepared by Thomas Jefferson, was discussed. Above the State House where they met hung a great bell. The old bell-ringer sat there ready to ring the bell the moment the declaration was signed. His little grandson was at the foot of the stairs to tell him when to ring. The old man waited and waited. At last he heard the little boy running up the stairs, shouting, “Ring, grandpa! Ring, grandpa! Ring for liberty!” The old man took hold of the bell-rope, and the glad news of liberty rang out over the city. The bell was kept ringing for two hours. The crowds in the street shouted, “We are free!” “We are free!” Flags were waved, bonfires were lighted; parades were formed; speeches were made; and, as the news spread, the joy increased everywhere! That was the first Fourth of July.