CNN - Americans celebrate 220 years of freedom

Americans celebrate 220 years of freedom

July 5, 1996
Web posted at: 11:40 a.m. EDT
(CNN) -- Americans across the country spent the Fourth of July celebrating the nation's independence and their inalienable right to the pursuit of happiness. (225K AIFF or WAV sound)
Fourth of July festivities got under way in Washington with a reading of the Declaration of Independence. And they were topped off with the annual spectacular fireworks display on the Mall. Park police said more than half a million people attended the celebration.

Fireworks displays from sea to shining sea:
New York; Washington D.C.; San Francisco; St. Louis, Missouri
(863K QuickTime movie)

Across the length and breadth of America, people set aside differences to toast the United States on its 220th birthday.

In Philadelphia, where the Declaration of Independence was signed 220 years ago, two young descendants of the signers lightly tapped the Liberty Bell 13 times, giving the signal for thousands of bells in churches, schools and government buildings across the country to start pealing. The city also honored two Middle East peacemakers and the memory of a third.

Astronauts aboard the U.S. space shuttle Columbia celebrated America's birthday by broadcasting live, coast-to-coast television pictures of the nation from space to "America, the Beautiful" and "God Bless the USA."

For Americans on earth, too, it was a star-spangled affair packed with fireworks, floats, flags and marching bands.

Atlanta got into the Olympic spirit a little early with a Fourth of July run. The annual Peachtree Road Race, the world's largest 10-K run, drew 50,000 participants. Thursday's winner, Joseph Kimani of Kenya, set a record by finishing the race in 27 minutes, 16 seconds.
Milwaukee celebrated the Fourth on the night of the third, with a spectacular lakefront pyrotechnic display.

Fourth of July activities

President Clinton helps release a bald eagle - (716K QuickTime movie)
Ceremonies surrounding the awarding of the Philadelphia Liberty Medal - (946K QuickTime movie)
Milwaukee, Wisconsin's July 3rd fireworks show - (903K QuickTime movie)
New York City's July 3rd fireworks show - (456K QuickTime movie)
Atlanta's Peachtree Road Race - (444K QuickTime movie)

In addition to the traditional parades, fireworks and other celebrations in towns large and small, Americans took note of Independence Day 1996:

Campaigning in Youngstown, Ohio, President Clinton told a crowd of about 5,000 that he had just seen the movie "Independence Day," in which alien spaceships destroy the White House. "I hope it's there when I get back," he joked.

In Rhode Island, the 211th Bristol Independence Day Parade, the oldest continuous one in the country, attracted nearly 250,000 onlookers. It began in 1785 as a prayerful walk to celebrate independence from the rule of King George III of England.

In Los Angeles, rival Independence Day demonstrations on illegal immigration turned violent. Six people were injured when protesters struck each other with fists, picket signs and filled soda cans.

In Coney Island, New York, Edward Krachie wolfed down 22 hot dogs, buns included, to win the annual Nathan's Famous Hot-Dog Eating Contest. The 6-foot-6-inch, 300-pound winner also broke the 1991 world record -- 21 1/2 hot dogs and buns.

The Fourth of July kicked off a round of campaign appearances for President Clinton and his Republican opponent.
On the banks of the Chesapeake Bay in Maryland, Clinton helped release a restless bald eagle named "Freedom," which had been treated for injuries.
He used the occasion to talk about the environment and celebrate "the freedom to breathe clean air (and) drink clean water."
Dole kicked off his day in Wheaton, Illinois, where he was to march in a parade and attended a picnic.
At Pennsylvania's Independence Hall Thursday, former Prime Minister Shimon Peres and Jordan's King Hussein received the Philadelphia Liberty Medal.
The award honors those who demonstrate leadership in the pursuit of conscience or freedom. Peres, who accepted the award in person, and Hussein put the Middle East peace process in motion through secret meetings.
"Preventing hatred of your fellow man, and extending love to him, are the two sides of true liberty," Peres said as he accepted the medal in a ceremony outside historic Independence Hall.

"Liberty is not merely individualism, but also a social commitment, the creation of a system of social values which respects human life and safeguards human dignity."

Related sites:

CNN Interactive's Independence Day section
Western Pyrotechnic Association WEB Page