Fourth of July celebrations have evolved over time

Over the past 228 years, the annual celebration that surrounds our nation's Independence Day has remained rooted in patriotism and tradition. But as America has grown and matured, so have the celebrations. \nSince the signing of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776, celebration practices have become tradition while the holiday has become a mid-summer highlight for Americans.\nFor Bloomington resident and World War II Navy veteran George Keller, the celebration of this country's freedom is a great way to bring all walks of American life together.\n"I think it's excellent," Keller said. "The camaraderie, the community comes together for major things."\nPublic celebrations have become much more widespread since the signing of the Declaration of Independence over two centuries ago. Today, Independence Day is celebrated nationwide in events and parades.\n"You have to go back to how the country has changed," Keller said. "There was no such thing as the communication we see today during the American Revolution. There was no such thing as dissemination of news during early things involving the country." \nKeller said he thinks mass media technology, such as radio in the 1920s, followed later by television, played a large role in increasing the popularity of Independence Day celebrations.\n"Large cities had a Home Guard, which was a forerunner of the National Guard. Volunteers met to practice military drills. Every community had a municipal band, and all the politicians got into the act. Smaller communities also had celebrations built around churches. It was more of a community gathering," Keller said regarding early 20th century Independence Day celebrations before World War II. \nWith the arrival of World War II, Independence Day celebrations would again change. \n"There were more people military trained ... needing more military presence," Keller said. "Then with television coming around World War II, here you would have national programs, and had total national support. Now, into ROTC, college students would go home with a better understanding about the military in general." \nKeller said the celebrations became "part social, part military," and the spirit behind Independence Day celebrations has remained the same throughout the years, although the celebratory events have changed. \n"I think they've changed on a community level when it comes to the magnitude of the celebration," said Dale Ogden, chief curator of cultural history at the Indiana Museum. "At one level or another it's always been to demonstrate patriotism."\nIn Bloomington, the holiday traditions include an annual celebratory parade, fireworks and concert featuring the Bloomington Pops Orchestra. Mike Walsh, vice president of operations for Bloomington Pops, has been involved in organizing the Independence Day event since 1996. Although patriotism typically has a visual increase during times of national conflict, Walsh has not noticed a specific change in Bloomington's celebration following Sept. 11 or the war on terror. \n"People are purchasing tables because of the tradition," Walsh said. "(But) we will certainly honor the troops."\n-- Contact staff writer Aaron Cooke at akcooke@indiana.edu .