Column: The Absurd Fight Over President Trump's July 4th 'Salute to America'

In 1777, the first Fourth of July commemoration was celebrated in Philadelphia with bonfires, bells, and fireworks. The next year, 1778, General George Washington celebrated with a thirteen-gun-salute, one for each of the colonies, along with a double ration of rum for his troops. In 1779 the holiday fell on a Sunday, so it wasn’t celebrated until July 5th. In 1870, the U.S.

In 1777, the first Fourth of July commemoration was celebrated in Philadelphia with bonfires, bells, and fireworks. The next year, 1778, General George Washington celebrated with a thirteen-gun-salute, one for each of the colonies, along with a double ration of rum for his troops. In 1779 the holiday fell on a Sunday, so it wasn’t celebrated until July 5th. In 1870, the U.S.