Atlanta and the 4th of July | Beginning the 250th Year of Freedom
Written by Ann Milano
What does 4th of July mean to me as a Realtor?
In the real estate world, the spirit of independence and opportunity reflected in the Declaration of Independence resonates deeply. As the Broker at House America Real Estate Group I believe that owning a home is seen as a key part of the American dream! It is a symbol of freedom, stability, and personal achievement. Whether you’re buying your first home, upsizing to fit your family needs, downsizing and moving closer to the grandkids, or investing in property, the ideals behind the Declaration remind us of the importance of building a future rooted in liberty and opportunity. Our history should be long remembered. As I drive through neighborhoods to show homes to buyers or meet with a new seller and see a home with our flag hung high, it reminds me every day how lucky I am to live in freedom to pursue my dreams, the dreams of my family and the only limit that is put on those dreams is the limit I put on myself.
We are beginning the year leading up to the 250th year celebration of this great nation. The tradition of celebrating the 4th of July, also known as Independence Day in the United States, began in 1776. On July 4, 1776, the first Continental Congress officially adopted the Declaration of Independence, declaring the thirteen American colonies free and independent from British rule. This historic event marked the birth of the United States of America. The Declaration of Independence is one of the most important documents in American history. It formally announced the thirteen American colonies’ decision to break away from British rule and establish themselves as independent states. Drafted primarily by Thomas Jefferson, the Declaration outlines the colonies’ reasons for seeking independence, emphasizing the principles of individual rights, liberty, and government by consent of the governed.
This Declaration, not only marked the birth of the United States of America, but also set forth ideals that continue to inspire people around the world. The Declaration’s assertion that “All Men are Created Equal” and endowed with “Unalienable Rights” such as “Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness” remains a cornerstone of American values. Below are the words that were written and signed by the first Continental Congress, with representatives signatures from all 13 colonies.
The Declaration of Independence In Congress, July 4, 1776 The unanimous Declaration of the Thirteen United States of America,
When in the Course of human events, it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the political bands which have connected them with another, and to assume among the powers of the earth, the separate and equal station to which the Laws of Nature and of Nature's God entitle them, a decent respect to the opinions of mankind requires that they should declare the causes which impel them to the separation.
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. That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed. That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness. Prudence, indeed, will dictate that Governments long established should not be changed for light and transient causes; and accordingly, all experience hath shewn, that mankind are more disposed to suffer, while evils are sufferable than to right themselves by abolishing the forms to which they are accustomed. But when a long train of abuses and usurpations, pursuing invariably the same Object evinces a design to reduce them under absolute Despotism, it is their right, it is their duty, to throw off such Government, and to provide new Guards for their future security. Such has been the patient sufferance of these Colonies; and such is now the necessity which constrains them to alter their former Systems of Government. The history of the present King of Great Britain is a history of repeated injuries and usurpations, all having in direct object the establishment of an absolute Tyranny over these States. To prove this, let Facts be submitted to a candid world.
[Followed by a list of 27 grievances against King George III, including: he has refused assent to laws; forbidden governors to pass laws; refused to pass laws for the accommodation of large districts; called together legislative bodies at unusual places; dissolved representative houses; and many more.]
In every stage of these Oppressions, we have Petitioned for Redress in the most humble terms: Our repeated Petitions have been answered only by repeated injury. A Prince whose character is thus marked by every act which may define a Tyrant, is unfit to be the ruler of a free people.
Nor have We been wanting in attentions to our British brethren. We have warned them from time to time of attempts by their legislature to extend an unwarrantable jurisdiction over us. We have reminded them of the circumstances of our emigration and settlement here. We have appealed to their native justice and magnanimity, and we have conjured them by the ties of our common kindred to disavow these usurpations, which, would inevitably interrupt our connections and correspondence. They too have been deaf to the voice of justice and of consanguinity. We must, therefore, acquiesce in the necessity, which denounces our Separation, and hold them, as we hold the rest of mankind, Enemies in War, in Peace Friends.
We, therefore, the Representatives of the United States of America, in General Congress, Assembled, appealing to the Supreme Judge of the world for the rectitude of our intentions, do, in the Name, and by Authority of the good People of these Colonies, solemnly publish and declare, That these United Colonies are, and of Right ought to be Free and Independent States; that they are Absolved from all Allegiance to the British Crown, and that all political connection between them and the State of Great Britain, is and ought to be totally dissolved; and that as Free and Independent States, they have full Power to levy War, conclude Peace, contract Alliances, establish Commerce, and to do all other Acts and Things which Independent States may of right do. And for the support of this Declaration, with a firm reliance on the protection of divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes and our sacred Honor.
Below are the signers and the Colonies that they represented:
1. New Hampshire
Josiah Bartlett
William Whipple
Matthew Thornton
2. Massachusetts
John Hancock(President of the Continental Congress)
Samuel Adams
John Adams
Robert Treat Paine
Elbridge Gerry
3. Rhode Island
Stephen Hopkins
William Ellery
4. Connecticut
Roger Sherman
Samuel Huntington
William Williams
Oliver Wolcott
5. New York
William Floyd
Philip Livingston
Francis Lewis
Lewis Morris
6. New Jersey
Richard Stockton
John Witherspoon
Francis Hopkinson
John Hart
Abraham Clark
7. Pennsylvania
Robert Morris
Benjamin Rush
Benjamin Franklin
John Morton
George Clymer
James Smith
George Taylor
James Wilson
George Ross
8. Delaware
Caesar Rodney
George Read
Thomas McKean
9. Maryland
Samuel Chase
William Paca
Thomas Stone
Charles Carroll of Carrollton
10. Virginia
George Wythe
Richard Henry Lee
Thomas Jefferson
Benjamin Harrison
Thomas Nelson Jr.
Francis Lightfoot Lee
Carter Braxton
11. North Carolina
William Hooper
Joseph Hewes
John Penn
12. South Carolina
Edward Rutledge
Thomas Heyward Jr.
Thomas Lynch Jr.
Arthur Middleton
13. Georgia
Button Gwinnett
Lyman Hall
George Walton
The first celebrations of Independence Day started soon after, with public readings of the Declaration, patriotic speeches, and various festivities. Over time, the 4th of July evolved into a national holiday characterized by fireworks, parades, barbecues, and community events, symbolizing freedom and national pride.
Where are the Fireworks?
If you would like to enjoy some of what the greater Atlanta area offers to celebrate the 4th, here is a list of places to go to enjoy the fireworks:
Atlanta and Fulton County
Independence Day at Children’s Museum of Atlanta When:July 4 Where:Children’s Museum of Atlanta What:Special storytime and indoor parade to celebrate the Fourth Cost:Included with museum admission
Fourth of July at The Roof at Ponce City Market When:July 4 Where:The Roof at Ponce City Market What:Carnival games, boardwalk rides, classic bites, red-white-and-blue décor, and a new rooftop roller skating rink. Cost:General admission required; checkThe Roof’s websitefor ticket info and pricing.
Independence Day Celebration When:July 3 Where:Newtown Park, Johns Creek What:Live music, family activities, food and fireworks Cost:Free admission
4th of July Parade at Serenbe When:July 4 Where:Serenbe, Chattahoochee Hills What:A festive parade featuring decorated golf carts, floats, musicians and more starting at 10 a.m. Cost:Free admission
Salute to the Red, White & Blue in East Point When:July 4 Where:East Point Downtown Commons What:Live music headlined by funk artist RAHBI, plus performances by Dri Jack, Amayé Love, and Tony Evans Jr. Fireworks at 9:30 p.m. Cost:Free and open to the public
July Fourth Fireworks at Wills Park When:July 4 Where:Wills Park, Alpharetta What:Patriotic fireworks show begins at 9:15 p.m. — bring blankets and chairs Cost:Free admission
Stars & Stripes – Fireworks Celebration When:July 4 Where:City Green, Sandy Springs What:Family-friendly gathering with fireworks and community celebration Cost:Free admission
City of Cartersville Fourth of July Celebration When:July 4 Where:Dellinger Park, Cartersville What:Live entertainment, children’s activities, food vendors and fireworks. Parade at 9 a.m. Cost:Free admission
DeKalb County
Fantastic Fourth Celebration When:July 1–7 Where:Memorial Lawn at Stone Mountain Park What:Nightly fireworks following the Music Across America Light Show Cost:Included with park admission
Celebration of Independence in Tucker When:July 3 Where:Main Street, Tucker What:Food trucks and live music. Fireworks at 9:30 p.m. Cost:Free and open to the public
July 4 Parade & Street Festival in Avondale Estates When:July 4 Where:Parade begins at Berkeley Rd & Clarendon Ave, travels to South Avondale Rd, Avondale Estates, GA What:Family-friendly parade featuring Lightning McQueen, Paw Patrol, Ghostbusters, and more. Cost:Free and open to the public
Dunwoody Fourth of July Parade When:July 4 Where:Dunwoody Village, Dunwoody What:Traditional parade with marching bands, floats, clowns and animal units. Starts at 9 a.m. Cost:Free admission
Pied Piper Parade, Concert & Fireworks When: July 4 Where: downtown Decatur What: Parade begins at 5:30 p.m. at First Baptist Church of Decatur on Clairmont Avenue. Live music and fireworks follow parade.
Cobb County
Kennesaw’s Salute to America When:July 3 Where:Downtown Kennesaw What:Pre-Fourth street party with live music, food, and fireworks at 9:30 p.m. Cost:Free admission
Braves Game & Fireworks When:July 4 Where:Truist Park What:Watch the Atlanta Braves take on the Baltimore Orioles, with a fireworks show immediately after the game. Cost:Game ticket required; visitmlb.com/bravesfor details
Fourth in the Park When:July 4 Where:Marietta Square, Marietta What:Parade, arts and crafts show, concerts, kid’s zone and fireworks Cost:Free admission
July Fourth Concert and Fireworks When:July 4 Where:Cauble Park, Acworth What:Food vendors, live music, and fireworks beginning at 9:30 p.m. Cost:Free admission
Star Spangled Nights at Six Flags Over Georgia When:July 4–5 Where:Six Flags Over Georgia, Austell What:Patriotic fireworks synced to music after a day of theme park thrills Cost:Included with park admission
Cherokee County
July Fourth Spectacular! When:July 4 Where:Downtown Woodstock What:Parade, festival, live music and evening fireworks Cost:Free admission
Chamblee Rocks: 4th of July Celebration When:July 4 Where:Chamblee City Hall, Chamblee What:Community festival with live local bands, patriotic performances, food & family fun. Fireworks at 9 p.m. Cost:Free admission
Independence Day Celebration When:July 4 Where:downtown Canton What:Parade begins at 6 p.m. in downtown Canton. Fireworks at dusk at Riverstone Parkway.
Coweta County
Independence Day Parade When:July 4 Where:Downtown Newnan What:Traditional hometown parade from Veteran’s Memorial Park to Greenville Street Park Cost:Free admission
Douglas County
Douglasville Independence Day Parade When:July 4 Where:Downtown Douglasville What:Church Street parade, followed by festivities and fireworks at Town Green Cost:Free admission
Harris County
July Fourth Star Spangled Beach Party When:July 4–5 Where:Callaway Gardens, Pine Mountain What:Beach games, mini golf, water activities and a Fireworks Extravaganza Cost:Included with daily admission to Callaway Gardens
Fayette County
Peachtree City July Fourth Parade & Fireworks When:July 4 Where:Village on the Green, Peachtree City What:Morning parade on Peachtree Parkway and evening fireworks over Lake Peachtree Cost:Free admission
Fun Spot America Atlanta: 4th of July Fireworks Celebration When:July 4 Where:Fun Spot America Atlanta, Fayetteville What:A spectacular fireworks show choreographed to patriotic music, plus 25+ rides and attractions including the award-winning ArieForce One roller coaster and new Hook & Slice ride. Cost:Fireworks are free to watch; admission to the park is free. Ride passes available for purchase (discounts online).
Forsyth County
Cumming Fourth of July Celebration When:July 4 Where:Cumming Fairgrounds, Cumming What:Steam engine parade, food, vendors, kids’ activities and fireworks at 9:30 p.m. Cost:Free admission
Gwinnett County
Prelude to the Fourth When:July 2 Where:Lawrenceville Lawn, Lawrenceville What:Evening celebration with live music, food trucks and fireworks Cost:Free admission
Red, White & Boom! When:July 3 Where:Lillian Webb Park, Norcross What:Fireworks, face painting, food vendors, live music and more Cost:Free admission
Sparkle in the Park When:July 3 Where:Lilburn City Park, Lilburn What:Patriotic celebration with live music, food vendors and fireworks Cost:Free admission
Sparks in the Park When:July 3 Where:E.E. Robinson Park, Sugar Hill What:Live entertainment, vendors, food trucks, and fireworks Cost:Free admission
Star Spangled Snellville When:July 4 Where:Snellville Towne Green, Snellville What:Independence Day festival with fireworks display at 9:30 p.m. Cost:Free admission
4th of July at Lanier Islands When: June 29-July 7 Where: Lanier Islands, Buford What: Nightly fireworks show, live music, poolside cookout, games and more
Hall County
July 4th Celebration When:July 4 Where:Laurel Park, Gainesville What:Live music, kids’ activities, food, drinks, arts & crafts, and fireworks at dusk. Cost:$15 per car for parking; proceeds benefit veterans programs
Henry County
Fourth of July Extravaganza When:July 4 Where:VyStar Amphitheater, Stockbridge What:Live performance by Jagged Edge. Fireworks. Cost:Free
Jackson County
July 4th Celebration When:July 4 Where:Downtown Braselton Town Green What:Patriotic parade, family-friendly festival, and a fireworks show. Cost:Free
Lumpkin County
July 4th Celebration When:July 4 Where:Dahlonega Square and Drill Field, University of North Georgia, Dahlonega What:5K, parade, live music, car show, and a reading of the Declaration of Independence, with fireworks at dusk. Cost:Free and open to the public
Red, White & Blairsville Celebration When:July 4 Where:Meeks Park, Blairsville What:Family fun with bounce houses, cornhole, kickball, food trucks, and fireworks set against the scenic North Georgia mountains. Cost:Free
Who is Ann Milano and the House America Group?
For those interested in exploring the opportunities of homeownership, investing in real estate, or would like to explore selling your home, Ann Milano and the House America Group are here to guide you every step of the way. We at House America Real Estate strive to achieve the American dream of homeownership for everyone and anyone who would like to live the American Dream! With a motto of "Luxury at Every Price," Ann and her team are dedicated to helping you find your perfect home.
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