On July 4, 1776, the Second Continental Congress unanimously adopted the Declaration of Independence, announcing the separation of the 13 colonies from Great Britain.  The Declaration, with its powerful assertion that “all Men are created equal,” laid out the fundamental reasons for our separation.  Many battles and miracles later our great country was created.

From the Stamp Act Riots, to the Boston Tea Party and the Battles of Lexington and Concord, there were a series of events that escalated tensions between the colonists and the British, leading to the American revolution and the birth of our independence. Click here to learn more. 

According to the Library of Congress, by the 1870s, the Fourth of July was the most celebrated secular holiday on the calendar.  Congress passed a law making Independence Day a federal holiday on June 28, 1870.  From 1776 to the present, communities across the country continue to congregate on Independence Day to celebrate the birth of our country.

Staying Safe on Independence Day: As many prepare to celebrate Independence Day in North Carolina's 7th District, take some time to review the resources below to help keep you and your family safe:

• Firework Safety
• Rip Current Safety
• Boating Safety
• Water Sports Safety

Mobile Office Hours: If you are having trouble working with a federal agency, my office may be able to help resolve the problem or get the information you need.  Through my Mobile Office Hours Program, my staff is available throughout North Carolina’s 7^th District to bring congressional services to a convenient location to obtain in-person assistance.  My next event will be in Sunset Beach on Wednesday, July 5, 2023 from 1:00 – 3:00 PM at Town Hall (700 Sunset Blvd N., Sunset Beach, NC 28468).  A member of my staff will be on hand to help any way we can.  To find out about other upcoming Mobile Office Hour events, click here.

In addition to my Mobile Office Hours Program, I have full time offices in Washington, DC and Brunswick, Cumberland, New Hanover, and Robeson Counties. You can find contact information for my permanent office locations here.

For this week’s good news story, I’m excited to feature Southport’s annual ‘NC 4th of July Festival’ taking place through tomorrow, Tuesday, July 4^th!  The multi-day celebration is more than 200 years old. Through the years and many name changes, the festival included various forms of entertainment like shooting cannons, shrimp boat races and even a greased pig run. According to WWAY, “Southport’s celebration slowly grew from a one-day party into a multi-day event, held each year until the breakout of the Civil War. Organizers temporarily trimmed the event lineup from 1862 through 1865, with only a 13-gun salute being held to mark the historic day. As the nation transitioned into the 20th century, a variety of unique activities were added to the festival."

The festival currently hosts live music, multiple community and art-based events, the parade, and of course, lots of fireworks! Happy Independence Day and check out historic Southport for the Fourth!