The July Fourth Celebrations of US Presidents: A Reflection on Tradition and Controversy

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Throughout the course of history, the Fourth of July has taken on various meanings for US presidents. Some have chosen to distance themselves from the public, seeking solace in the serene beauty of beaches, mountains, golf courses, farms, or ranches. Notable among these was Franklin Roosevelt, who embarked on a fishing and working vacation to Hawaii during the tumultuous times of the Great Depression.

On the other hand, certain presidents have seized the opportunity to immerse themselves fully in the spirit of the day. Teddy Roosevelt captivated hundreds of thousands with his July Fourth speeches, while Donald Trump, in a departure from tradition, showcased military might by marshaling tanks, bombers, and other war machinery during the festivities in 2019.

Independence Day in the capital has not always been all fun and games. Richard Nixon managed to incite the wrath of anti-war protesters without even being present. The demonstrations against Nixon in 1970 demonstrated that the day can be marked by red, white, and boo, alongside celebrations.

In more recent times, presidents have chosen to step back and allow the people to revel in the festivities. George W. Bush held a ceremony welcoming immigrants as new citizens, Barack Obama hosted a South Lawn barbecue for troops, and Bill Clinton observed the release of a young bald eagle named Freedom at Chesapeake Bay.

In 2021, Joe Biden defied the constraints of the pandemic and gathered over 1,000 people on the White House South Lawn for a burger feast and a fireworks display. This event was particularly noteworthy as large gatherings were still a rarity due to the looming threat of the Omicron variant of COVID-19.

However, even this celebratory feast pales in comparison to the ill-fated Fourth of July celebration in 1850. Zachary Taylor unknowingly consumed spoiled cherries and milk, leading to his untimely death just five days later.

Let’s take a closer look at how some past presidents have celebrated the Fourth of July:

• In 1777, John Adams, a future president, described a vibrant celebration in Philadelphia in a letter to his wife, Abigail. Parading troops, fireworks, bonfires, and music lit up the city, creating a spectacular display of joy and unity.

• In 1791, George Washington, the first president, celebrated in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, with an address, sumptuous cuisine, and a leisurely stroll around town.

• In 1798, President Adams reviewed a military parade in Philadelphia, showcasing the nation’s growing strength.

• Thomas Jefferson presided over the first public reception at the White House on the Fourth of July in 1801.

• James Monroe chose to spend the day at his farm in Virginia in 1822.

• In a tragic turn of events, both John Adams and Thomas Jefferson passed away on July Fourth in 1826, exactly 50 years after the signing of the Declaration of Independence.

• James Polk witnessed the laying of the cornerstone of the Washington Monument in 1848, accompanied by a grand military parade. Abraham Lincoln, who would later become president, was also present at the event as an Illinois congressman.

• On July Fourth, 1861, amidst the turmoil of the Civil War, President Lincoln delivered a resolute message to Congress, vowing to press forward without fear.

• Post-war in 1868, President Andrew Johnson issued a proclamation granting amnesty to those who fought for the Confederacy.

• Teddy Roosevelt addressed a crowd of 200,000 people in Pittsburgh in 1902, leaving an indelible mark on the day.

• In 1914, Woodrow Wilson declared, “Our country, right or wrong,” at Independence Hall in Philadelphia.

• Calvin Coolidge, born on July 4, 1872, opted for a tranquil day of trout fishing in Wisconsin in 1928.

• Herbert Hoover chose to relax by the Rapidan River in Virginia in 1930.

• Franklin Roosevelt embarked on a month-long voyage to the Bahamas and Hawaii in 1934, reveling in fishing excursions and exploring new horizons.

• In 1946, with World War II behind him, Harry Truman found solace in Maryland’s Catoctin Mountains at Roosevelt’s Shangri-La retreat, which would later be renamed Camp David.

• On the 175th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence in 1951, President Truman addressed a large crowd at the Washington Monument grounds, rallying support for the ongoing Korean War.

• Eisenhower dedicated his Fourth of July celebrations in 1953 and 1957 to his passion for golf.

• Lyndon Johnson, often retreating to his Texas ranch on the holiday, used the occasion in 1968 to address issues of social inequality and injustice, highlighting the gaps in true independence for marginalized communities.

• In 1970, Richard Nixon delivered a pre-recorded message at an “Honor America Day” celebration in California, triggering heated protests and clashes between demonstrators and supporters.

• As the United States marked its bicentennial in 1976, Gerald Ford spoke at Valley Forge and Independence Hall, culminating in a review of a majestic fleet of tall ships in New York Harbor.

• Ronald Reagan, in 1987, chose Camp David as the backdrop for a political statement, advocating for an economic “bill of rights” and endorsing Robert Bork for the Supreme Court.

• In 2008, George W. Bush carried on the tradition of hosting a naturalization ceremony, welcoming over 70 individuals from 30 countries as new citizens.

• Barack Obama, in 2010 and 2012, combined the celebration of troops and new citizens, honoring naturalized U.S. military members who arrived in the country as immigrants.

• Donald Trump, in 2017, spent the day at his golf club before hosting a White House picnic for military families.

• Joe Biden, in 2021, expressed optimism in overcoming the pandemic during a large-scale event on the White House South Lawn, where burgers were savored, and fireworks lit up the sky.

• In 2023, President Biden intends to continue the tradition by hosting a barbecue and holiday celebration at the White House, specifically honoring members of the military, veterans, and their families.

Independence Day for US presidents has been a reflection of the diverse ways they have chosen to engage with the occasion, embodying both the spirit of celebration and the complexities of their times.

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Darlene Superville, a writer for Big Big News, contributed to this report.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about July Fourth celebrations

More about July Fourth celebrations

• History of Independence Day
• Fourth of July Celebrations at the White House
• Presidents and the Fourth of July
• Celebrating the Fourth of July: A Presidential Tradition
• Fourth of July: Celebrating Presidents’ Birthdays
• Presidents Who Died on the Fourth of July
• Controversial Fourth of July Celebrations