Independence Day

As with most Americans, I’ve always been a fan of the Fourth of July holiday. I mean, seriously, what’s not to love? Cookouts, parades, hanging out with friends and family, a day off from work for most people, followed by fireworks to cap off the night. Good stuff, right? Proud to be American and all that God Bless the USA happiness. As I got older, certain parts of that mattered more than others: Sharing those cookouts with special loved ones who are no longer here, enjoying a day off with my daughter and sharing a blanket with a special someone as the rockets’ red glare exploded high above our heads.

The first 10 amendments to the U.S. Constitution, known as the Bill of Rights, were ratified by Congress on Dec. 15, 1791. The amendments limit the power of the federal government and provide protection for such freedoms as free speech, religion and the right to bear arms. In observance of Independence Day, The Herald-Mail asked local residents to share their feelings on the meaning and importance of the amendments. Here are their responses, which were compiled by Herald-Mail reporter Maegan Clearwood.

Today The Herald-Mail is publishing a combined edition of The Morning Herald and The Daily Mail, to allow at least some of our employees to celebrate Independence Day. Through the years, July 4 has traditionally been marked with parades, family get-togethers and public concerts of patriotic music. Whatever form your celebration takes, we urge you to spend at least a small part of it reflecting on the origins of this holiday, and on what all Americans owe to those who decided that this collection of British colonies ought to be a country more than 200 years ago. Now by itself, that decision wasn't remarkable.

On Friday, July 4, The Herald-Mail will not publish a newspaper, so that our employees can enjoy the Independence Day holiday with their families. As our readers watch one of the many local fireworks displays or eat a hot dog fresh off the grill, we urge them to reflect on the deeper meaning of this holiday. More than 200 years ago, a group of farmers, tradespeople and craftsmen decided that getting free of the laws, rules and the lack of political representation mandated by an imperial power was a cause worth fighting and dying for. It is tough enough for an established country to fight a war; America had to do it with none of the powers governments use to raise money and enforce discipline during wartime.

Maybe it's because we're a naturally optimistic people, or maybe it's just because we love a good party, but Americans were celebrating July 4 with parades and fireworks a full decade before anyone knew whether or not the War of Independence would be won. The Founders all but demanded it. Writing to his wife, Abigail, John Adams listed his recipe for a proper Second of July celebration, including, but not limited to parades, shows, games, sports,...

Holiday closings for Independence Day in Washington County

Friday · War Memorial Park in Martinsburg, W.Va. Festivities begin at 1 p.m. with DJ, mini-train rides and moon bounce. Pony rides, 5:30 to 8:30 p.m., balloon sculptures, 7 to 9 p.m., miniature golf course and pool. Fireworks, 9:30 p.m. Rain date for fireworks only is Saturday. · Old-time July 4 parade and community picnic in Shepherdstown, W.Va. Parade, 11 a.m. on German Street; picnic, noon to 3:30 p.m., Morgans Grove Park.

SHEPHERDSTOWN, W.Va. -- Independence Day was marked Sunday in Shepherdstown with a parade.

Wednesday is the Fourth of July, our nation's 236th birthday. July Fourth or Independence Day has been a federal holiday in the United States since 1941, but the tradition of celebrations goes back to the 18th century and the American Revolution. In June, 1776, representatives of the 13 colonies weighed a resolution that would declare their independence from Great Britain. On July 4, the Continental Congress adopted the Declaration of Independence, a historic document drafted by Thomas Jefferson.

Activities and programs scheduled for Monday, July 2, through Friday, July 6, at senior citizens centers in Washington County, Md., and Franklin County, Pa.: Maryland Francis Murphy 20014 Rosebank Way, Hagerstown 240-313-9300, ext. 154 Lunch served Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday at 11:30 a.m.; and Wednesday at 11 a.m. Cards or games - Monday, 9:30 a.m. Chair exercise with...

The following is a listing of closings and operational plans during the Independence Day holiday: Washington County • Washington County government offices and services, including the County Commuter and all landfill locations, will be closed July 4. • Essential public safety services such as law enforcement and 911 emergency dispatch will operate on a normal schedule. • The Washington County Board of Commissioners will not meet July 3. The commissioners' next meeting will be July 10. City of Hagerstown • City offices will be closed July 4. • The Hagerstown City Council will not meet July 3. The council will hold a work session July 10. • There will be no curbside collection on July 4. Recycling, trash and yard-waste collection that is normally done on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday will be delayed by one day in zones C, D, E and F. HCC • Hagerstown Community College will be closed July 4. Chamber of Commerce • The Hagerstown-Washington County Chamber of Commerce will be closed July 4. Courts • Washington County Circuit Court and Washington County District Court offices will be closed July 4. State of Maryland • State offices will be closed July 4. • The Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration will close its full-service, express offices and VEIP stations on July 4. PennDOT • All Pennsylvania Department of Transportation driver's...

At some point over the course of the next week, most families will experience a fireworks display. After all, what would the Fourth of July be without fanfare and moments to reflect on our freedom? During the course of the picnicking and sky gazing, opportunities abound for family discussions on the origins of our great nation. What should you discuss with your children and grandchildren? That's a good question, and it is one best answered with the origins of Independence Day, or the Fourth of July.

As with most Americans, I’ve always been a fan of the Fourth of July holiday. I mean, seriously, what’s not to love? Cookouts, parades, hanging out with friends and family, a day off from work for most people, followed by fireworks to cap off the night. Good stuff, right? Proud to be American and all that God Bless the USA happiness. As I got older, certain parts of that mattered more than others: Sharing those cookouts with special loved ones who are no longer here, enjoying a day off with my daughter and sharing a blanket with a special someone as the rockets’ red glare exploded high above our heads.

The first 10 amendments to the U.S. Constitution, known as the Bill of Rights, were ratified by Congress on Dec. 15, 1791. The amendments limit the power of the federal government and provide protection for such freedoms as free speech, religion and the right to bear arms. In observance of Independence Day, The Herald-Mail asked local residents to share their feelings on the meaning and importance of the amendments. Here are their responses, which were compiled by Herald-Mail reporter Maegan Clearwood.

In the shadow of the waning evening sun, lawn chairs were clustered among spread blankets, their occupants waiting for the sky above Boonsboro to ignite with works of fire. The aroma of freshly fried potatoes mingled with lilting Sousa marches in the air to signal that it was again time to wish happy birthday to America. Hundreds of people filled Shafer Memorial Park Friday for the 11th annual Boonsboro Independence Day Celebration. It was as if a Norman Rockwell painting had come to life, said Carrie Turner of Hagerstown.

Maryland Sen. Christopher B. Shank, R-Washington, is moving his local office. Shank’s office has been on Main Street in Boonsboro, going back to his time as a delegate. On Wednesday, the office will relocate to 1260 Maryland Ave., suite 102B, in Hagerstown. The new office will be in the same building as the U.S. Internal Revenue Service, across the street from the old, original Lowe’s building, according to an email Shank’s office sent Monday. The new office phone number will be 301-733-5540.

City of Hagerstown Trash, recycling July 4 is designated as the Independence Day holiday in the City of Hagerstown. There will be no collection that day and the landfill will be closed. All trash and recycling collection will be delayed by one day. Hagerstown City Council will not meet June 28 or July 5. The council will hold a work session July 12. Washington County Washington County government offices and services will be closed July 4 in honor of Independence Day. County Commuter Transit will be closed for regular service, as will all locations of the Washington County Landfill.