“We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness.”
On July 4, 1776, the Declaration of Independence was approved by the Continental Congress in Philadelphia’s Independence Hall, marking the birth of the United States of America.
The Gloucester City News wishes all its readers a happy Fourth of July holiday, a celebration which began early at Proprietor’s Park along the Delaware River waterfront on Saturday night, June 28.
The Naked Gun band started the festivities at 5 p.m. on the Betsy Ross Pavilion stage, entertaining the residents who started filling the park.
Meanwhile, children had fun on the swings at the new, all-inclusive playground dedicated to Nate Kidd. They also enjoyed going down the water slide and testing their football passing abilities and their basketball skills.
“We were here last year. Every year is great, seeing the joy in the faces of the children,” said Billy Osborne, who along with his brother Chase set up the sporting skills area for Empire Events.
The crowd continued to grow as nightfall approached. The people found places to watch the fireworks, enjoyed the music and enjoyed tasty treats from the Food Trucks set up in the Marina parking lot.
Anticipation for the fireworks display grew as the sun set, and soon the night sky was set ablaze with light, color and loud booms to the delight of the hundreds of residents celebrating Independence Day.
The Gloucester City Celebrations Committee has already started to plan next year’s event, which will mark the 250th anniversary of the birth of the United States, where people have freedom of speech, freedom of the press, and freedom of religion.
During the Revolutionary War, Gloucester City’s local militia played a key part winning battles during England’s Philadelphia Campaign.
Local rebels helped win the Battle of Gloucester. In October 1777 they blew up a bridge that delayed the Hessians on the way to National Park, allowing the Continental Army extra time to get ready for the Battle of Red Bank – a decisive victory for the new nation.
July 4, 2026, will be a great day for Americans to celebrate 250 years of freedom.
