Published: July 03, 2008 04:10 pm      

Offices close to observe Independence Day

Staff reports

Fourth of July festivities start early Friday with a parade on the square and barbecue in Jacksonville.

Opening ceremonies for the “Salute to Vets” parade — the largest Fourth of July parade in recent Rusk history — starts at 10 a.m. on the square in downtown Rusk. Parade Marshals are local veterans.

Jacksonville’s celebration kicks off with the volleyball tournament at 10 a.m. at the concession area of Lake Jacksonville.

The Cherokee County Republican Club’s annual Red, White and Blue Star Spangle July 4th barbecue starts at 11:30 a.m., July 4 at Love’s Lookout Park in Jacksonville. Live entertainment will be featured.

The day’s event continue at Lake Jacksonville from 4 to 11 p.m. with live entertainment. The annual patriotic show and fireworks display will start at 9 p.m. at the lake.

Several offices and other entities will close Friday, July 4 to take part in celebrating America’s 232nd birthday.

Federal, state and local branches of government offices will close, including the U.S. Postal Service. Most banks will also close during regular business hours on Friday.

The Texas Department of Public Safety offices as well as the departments of Health and Human Services will also close.

The Cherokee County courthouse and the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Department’s offices will also be closed on Friday.

Anyone needing emergency assistance may still call 9-1-1 for police or medical help.

The offices of the cities of Jacksonville, Bullard, Rusk, New Summerfield and Alto will also be closed on Friday. Utility bills may be paid at the municipal night drop boxes at those city halls that offer them on Friday.

According to the Web site www.holidays.net, America celebrates Independence Day (July 4) to commemorate the signing of the Declaration of Independence by the Continental Congress on July 4, 1776, in Philadelphia, Penn.

“At the time of the signing the U.S. consisted of 13 colonies under the rule of England’s King George III,” the site states. “There was growing unrest in the colonies concerning the taxes that had to be paid to England. This was commonly referred to as “Taxation without Representation” as the colonists did not have any representation in the English Parliament and had no say in what went on.

“As the unrest grew in the colonies, King George sent extra troops to help control any rebellion. In 1774 the 13 colonies sent delegates to Philadelphia to form the First Continental Congress. The delegates were unhappy with England, but were not yet ready to declare war.”

In April 1775, the battle of Concord and its “shot heard round the world” would mark the unofficial beginning of the colonies war for Independence. The following May the colonies met again as the Second Continental Congress and for nearly a year tried to work out its differences with England, again without formally declaring war.

“By June 1776 their efforts had become hopeless and a committee was formed to compose a formal declaration of independence,” the Web site states.

Chaired by Thomas Jefferson, committee members included John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, Robert R. Livingston and Roger Sherman. Jefferson wrote the first draft, which was presented to the Congress on June 28. After various edits a vote was taken late in the afternoon of July 4. Of the 13 colonies, nine voted for the declaration; and two — Pennsylvania and South Carolina voted against. Delaware remained undecided and New York abstained.

Although the signing of the Declaration was not completed until August, July 4 has been accepted as the official anniversary of United States’ independence. The first Independence Day celebration took place July 4, 1777.

“By the early 1800s the traditions of parades, picnics, and fireworks were established as the way to celebrate America’s birthday,” the site states.